Rain barrels are a great way to capture water and put it to good use. Rain barrels are large containers that capture stormwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost as runoff. Modern rain barrels are sealed, safe around children, and insect resistant – they can even be painted or decorated to your liking. You can divert water from your downspout to fill your rain barrel and a hose spigot on the front makes the water easy to access and use. 

Around 40% of the total household water used during the summer months is for watering lawns and gardens. Rainwater doesn’t contain chlorine, lime, or calcium which makes it ideal for watering your flowers and vegetable garden or washing your car or windows. You may even notice a decrease in your water bill!                        

The Conservation Foundation sells rain barrels year- round through a partnership with Upcycle Products, Inc. The 55-gallon rain barrels are made of recycled food- grade plastic, come in a variety of colors, and can be purchased online for $64.50 (plus tax). Home delivery is available for an additional $32.50.              

There will be a local pickup the first Saturday of each month from April - September from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Water Reclamation Facility (625 S. Rte. 83 Elmhurst). Barrels can also be purchased in person  at The Conservation Foundation’s headquarters at McDonald Farm (10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville). Visit elmhurst.org/rainbarrel to purchase your rain barrel for pickup or delivery.