The Town of Arlington is pleased to announce that residents took advantage of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) discount, by way of grant, and purchased 100 New England Rain Barrels.
Even though the grant has been allocated, New England Rain Barrel is planning a second delivery on June 19th and will provide them for $66.50 each, still less than the $89 retail price. You must order your rain barrel before June 12.
These rain barrels to help residents conserve water, save money, and reduce storm water run-off.
The average homeowner uses approximately 40% of water for outdoor use. A one inch rainfall on a 1,200 square foot roof will yield over 700 gallons of water. Using a rain barrel is an excellent way to conserve some of this water. A quarter inch run-off from an average roof will easily fill the barrel. If you have 5 storms a season, that equals 275 gallons of free water. Rain barrel use reduces the stress on municipal water systems during the summer months and improves storm water management. The rain barrels are made from 55 gallon blue plastic recycled containers. The top does not come off, so no children or pets can get in the barrel. It has a six inch diameter inlet opening covered with a screened louver to keep insects and debris out. The barrels have 2 brass spigots; one to allow you to connect a hose for watering, and one for overflow.
You can connect a hose to the overflow spigot and redirect the water away from your home. It even comes with a 5 foot hose with a shutoff valve.
Orders may be placed through June 12 and the rain barrel pick-up day is June 19, 2008 at the Department of Public Works Yard, 51 Grove Street.
You can order a rain barrel online at www.nerainbarrel.com or call The New England Rain Barrel Company at 877-977-3135.
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