April 29, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 192

For further information, contact Sharon Webb, Environmental Scientist, Nonpoint Source Program, 302-739-9922, or Joanna C. Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Offers Rain Barrels at Discount Price to Delaware Residents

As part of its comprehensive water conservation plan, the DNREC Division of Soil and Water Conservation is offering rain barrels at a discounted price to residents of Delaware.

Having a rain barrel provides an innovative way to capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use. Water collected from rain barrels can be used to wash cars and to 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 brass spigot and an overflow hose fitting to allow water to be diverted into a second barrel.

A limited number of barrels are available and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please call 302-739-9922 or email sharon.webb@state.de.us.  Payment must be by check or money order made out to “State of Delaware.”

For New Castle County residents barrels will be available for pick up from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 at the New Castle County District office Maintenance Yard, 2430 Old County Road, Newark (signs will be posted) . Kent County residents please call the Nonpoint Source Program at 302-739-9922. 

Sussex County residents please contact Lewes in Bloom volunteer Cindy Foster at 302-745-7383 to reserve a barrel. Lewes in Bloom, an organization formed to assist the Lewes Board of Public Works and the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee in the beautification of Lewes, is assisting DNREC with the sale and distribution of barrels in Sussex County. 

Barrels will fit in the backseat of most cars and not in the trunk so you may want to bring a tarp or blanket to protect the seat.