Rain Barrel Sale Encourages Environmental Altruism

What's mosquito proof, saves you money and helps the environment?  

To commemorate Earth Day on April 22, the has partnered with the Conservation Foundation to offer 55-gallon rain barrels at a discounted price to those who order by April 13.

"The average 1,000-square-foot roof sheds approximately 623 gallons of water during a one-inch rainfall," said Peggy Pelkonen, project manager for the Naperville Park District.

Multiply that number by thousands of homes in any given area and the amount of rainwater entering our sewer system is staggering. But it isn't just water swelling our ponds and streams. It's the chemicals we apply to our lawns and gardens, pet waste from our yards, oil in our streets and driveways and all forms of debris that find their way into these waterways, compromising the quality and safety of our water.  

Harvesting that water with rain barrels provides an inexpensive way for homeowners to not only keep money in their pockets but to help on an environmental level. No part is too small, particularly when it comes to protecting an invaluable natural resource.

"People are starting to understand the importance of rain barrels," Pelkonen said. "Keeping water from entering the sewer system is an easy way for people to contribute to using our natural resources in an efficient way."

She adds that since the press release went out announcing the program last week, 67 rain barrels have been reserved and many more requests are expected before the inaugural program ends.

Approximately 40 percent of household water usage during the summer months is for the benefit of lawns and plants in the home landscape, according to the Conservation Foundation.

By adding a few rain barrels to downspouts, homeowners can cut their water dependency. Unlike treated tap water, rainwater is chlorine free and loaded with minerals that are vital to plant health and perfect for more delicate plants.

The naturally softened water is ideal for washing cars, watering houseplants, window washing, cleaning outdoor furniture and decreasing demand for water during the hottest times of the year. This all spells savings on the monthly water bill. And as water costs rise, it's one more incentive to think a little greener.

Rain barrels are available in three colors - terracotta, grey and black. For those conservationists who wish to draw attention to it, the barrels are paintable, says Pelkonen.

Rain barrels are available for $70 and can be pre-ordered online at www.napervilleparks.org, by phone at (630) 848-5000 or in person at the Park District Administration Building at 320 W. Jackson Avenue. The barrels will be available for pick-up on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. until noon at the administration building.

The rain barrel program is one of several initiatives of the park district as it moves toward a more sustainable environment that promotes awareness and preserves the integrity of our natural resources. Among them the installation of two pervious parking lots, bioswales for the filtration of storm water, shoreline stabilization of retention basins using native plants and construction of a cistern to harvest and contain rain water at Knoch Knolls Park for the irrigation of ball fields.

"[Water conservation] is painless, easy and it helps so much," Pelkonen said. "It's just so important to replenish our water table."