Aug. 28, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 390

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 Residents of New Castle County

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 in New Castle County, and are limited to one per household.

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 $114. 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 by reservation only. To reserve a barrel, please call 302-739-9922 or email sharon.webb@state.de.us. When picking up your barrel, you will be asked to sign an agreement stating that you will maintain the barrel for its intended use for a minimum of five years. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the State of Delaware.

Reserved barrels will be available for pick up from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 and Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the University of Delaware, New Castle County Cooperative Extension, 461 Wyoming Road, Newark. Barrels may not fit in smaller vehicles with the trunk lid closed, so please bring string or bungee cords.