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The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is offering rain barrels to Connecticut residents looking for an environmentally friendly way to reduce their water use while still keeping their gardens growing and lawns green. The RWA sold out of the very popular rain barrels earlier this summer, and is launching this second sale for customers who missed out on their chance to get a rain barrel in June.

Rain barrels are an efficient and environmentally friendly way to store rain water for later use by collecting runoff from a roof or downspout. The barrels provide a free, renewable source of water for filling watering cans, feeding a drip irrigation system and other outdoor chores such as gardening, cleaning muddy tools or washing your car.

Approximately 40% of water used by the average homeowner in warm weather months is used outdoors. A one-inch rainfall on a 1,200-square-foot roof can yield over 700 gallons of water. Using a rain barrel is an excellent way to capture this water for household use. Barrels are easily connected to downspouts. The 50-gallon rain barrels are made in the USA from recycled materials. The opening is covered with a screen to keep debris, mosquitoes and other insects out. The barrels also have a spigot to connect a hose for watering and an overflow hose.

RWA customers can order 50-gallon Ivy Rain Barrels, available through Rain Water Solutions, Inc. at a special discounted rate of $68 each, which is 53% off the retail price of $129. Online orders must be placed by Sunday, September 2. For more information or to order a rain barrel, go to the RWA's rain barrel webpage or visit: www.rainbarrelprogram.org/rwater.

The barrels, which will fit in the back of most cars, will be available for pickup on Saturday, September 8, from 9 a.m. until noon, at the RWA’s headquarters located at 90 Sargent Drive in New Haven, exit 46 off I-95.