News

Regional Water Authority Helping Customers Use Water Wisely By Harvesting the Rain

Aug 12, 2020

As a result of the very hot and dry summer, much of Connecticut is experiencing an “abnormally dry period.” While the Regional Water Authority (RWA) has plentiful water supplies and reservoirs above average levels, customers have been asked to be “water wise” and reduce their water use by 10 percent. To help customers achieve this goal, the RWA is making rain barrels available for purchase at a significant discount.

Rain barrels are an efficient and environmentally friendly way to store rainwater 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 a car.

Approximately 40 percent 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. These rain barrels typically retail for $129 each. Online orders must be placed by Sunday, August 23.

More information on rain barrels and tips for being water wise can be found on the RWA’s website. Rain barrels can be ordered online at rainwatersolutions.com/rwater.

The barrels, which fit in the back of most cars, will be available for pickup on Saturday, August 29, from 9 a.m. until noon, at the RWA’s headquarters located at 90 Sargent Drive in New Haven, exit 46 off I-95.