Be water wise: rain barrel sales open until May 30

Residents keen to help create a green St. Catharines can go online now to purchase a rain barrel for their property.

Residents can purchase, at the deeply discounted rate of $60 each, as many as two rain barrels for their property until May 30 or when pre-orders sell out. Rain barrels enable residents to collect rainwater for use in their gardens while reducing water pollution by keeping property runoff out of the sewer system.

Environmental stewardship is one of the five pillars in the City of St. Catharines Strategic Plan, with a goal that St. Catharines be recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability and become more resilient to climate change.

Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel is an easy and effective method of water conservation and a way to save money on your water bill. There are also a handful of other benefits, ranging from environmental to plant health for those who enjoy gardening.

“Residents who invest in a rain barrel are supporting a more environmentally friendly and sustainable St. Catharines by decreasing the volume of pollutants entering our local waterways through stormwater runoff,” Environmental Field Technician Shyanne Matone said. “In areas with combined sewer systems, rain barrels also help redirect water from downspouts away from wastewater treatment facilities, reducing the strain on these systems and mitigating risks such as basement flooding.”

“Furthermore, rain barrels offer a source of water free from minerals and chlorine that can be great for your garden, while also helping to lower peak water demand during the summer months,” Matone added.

Barrels are $60 each, tax included, and must be picked up on Saturday, June 7 between 8:30 a.m. and noon in the parking lot of Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre at 240 St. Paul St. W.

Residents are asked to bring identification with proof of a St. Catharines address, such as a driver’s licence or recent utility bill, at the time of pickup.

Barrels are limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, including how to order a rain barrel, visit stcatharines.ca/RainBarrel.