Rain Barrels Save Money!

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Rain barrels are 55-gallon plastic drums previously used to transport fruit juices, vegetable oils, pickles, etc. They’ve been outfitted with a spigot, overflow valve, mesh screen on top to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and a lid allowing rainwater to flow in from a downspout. Attached to any downspout, these barrels collect rainwater off your roof that can be used for watering your garden/lawn or washing your car. Using rainwater for these purposes reduces the amount of drinking water you pay for and reduces storm water that drains into sewer systems in many of our communities - thus reducing the amount of mingled storm water and sewage we pay to treat. Every little bit helps. Capturing rainwater and using it so it replenishes our underground water supplies is smart. Good for nature and good for people.

Resources:

City of Chicago

Chicago Rain Barrel