Small Town News

DNREC to offer rain barrels at discount price

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As part of its comprehensive water conservation plan, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Watershed Stewardship is offering rain barrels at a discounted price to Delaware residents. Having a rain barrel provides an innovative way to capture rainwater from a roof and store it for later use. Water collected in rain barrels can be used to wash cars and water lawns, gardens and indoor plants.

"Without a rain barrel, this water would run off your roof and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm drain, stream, lake, bay or ocean," said environmental scientist Sharon Webb of the division's Nonpoint Source Program. "By using a rain barrel, you can lower your water bill, conserve well water in the dry season and reduce polluted stormwater runoff."

Regular retail price for these heavy-duty plastic barrels is $119. However, by purchasing the barrels at a quantity discount, the Nonpoint Source Program can offer them for $66 each.

The terra-cotta-colored barrels are made from recycled food-grade barrels that originally entered the United States filled with olives and pickles.

Thoroughly scrubbed, the barrels may have some small scrapes and scratches from their travels. The barrels are fitted with a screw-on perforated top with an inside mesh screen to help keep out debris, bugs, pets and children, plus a spigot and an overflow hose fitting to allow water to be diverted into a second barrel.

A limited number of barrels is available; they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 302-739-9922 or email sharon.webb@state.de.us. To check on availability during distribution, call 302-739-9922. Payment must be made by check or money order made out to "State of Delaware."

For Sussex County residents, barrels will be available for pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, May 16, at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, Lewes Facility, off Pilottown Road, Lewes.

For directions, visit www.swc.dnrec.delaware.gov/Sh oreline/Pages/LewesFieldFacili-tyaspx.

Barrels will fit in the back seat of most cars and not in the trunk so DNREC advises bringing a tarp or blanket to protect the seat.





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