The Rain Barrel Cost-Share Program is for residents living in the Broadkill Watershed and the City of Lewes. In an effort to implement a comprehensive water conservation plan the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Nonpoint Source Program, is offering a 50% cost-share program providing rain barrels to residents living in the Broadkill River Watershed and the City of Lewes. To determine if you live in the Broadkill River Watershed download the Broadkill Program Area map to view a map of the watershed. To view road names enlarge the map using the Zoom In Tool on the tool bar (which is a circle with a plus sign inside) or click the drop down arrow next to the percentage sign and choose between 100% - 200%. If are unable to determine if you live in the watershed, please contact Sharon Webb at 302-739-9922.

Barrels can be purchased for only $35 per barrel and will be limited to one per household. The only acceptable method of payment will be check or money order made payable to the State of Delaware. To reserve your barrel please contact Sharon Webb at 302-739-9922 or via e-mail at Sharon.webb@state.de.us.

The actual retail price for this barrel is $114; however, we are able to offer the barrels at a substantially lower cost since they are being purchased at a quantity discount and we are providing 50% cost-share through a grant from EPA, Nonpoint Source Program.

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 5 years. There are a limited number of barrels and will only be available by reserving one.

Barrels will be available for pick up on Friday, May 9, 2008, from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday May 10, 2008, from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at the University Of Delaware College of Marine Studies, Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE. Barrels are bulky and may not fit in most vehicles with the trunk closed so please bring string or bungee cords.

Purpose of the Rain Barrel

Rainwater collection is part of a comprehensive water conservation program. Water conservation is becoming an increasing concern, particularly in the summer months. The demand for water increases considerably during the summer, primarily due to lawn and garden watering.

Rain barrels provide an innovative way to capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use. Water collected from rain barrels can be used to water lawns, gardens, indoor plants, and to wash your car. This water would otherwise run off your roof through downspouts and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm drain, stream, or lake. You can lower your water bill, conserve well water in the dry season, and reduce polluted stormwater runoff.

About the Rain Barrel

These 60 gallon terra cotta colored plastic barrels are made from recycled food grade barrels and were originally brought into the United States filled with olives and pickles. These plastic recycled barrels have traveled thousands of miles, and even though they have been thoroughly cleaned inside and out and applied with several coats of a UV polish, they may still have some small scratches and scrapes. This should be considered a part of the "character" of the Grecian rain barrels.

The barrels have a screw on perforated top with inside screen mesh to keep out debris, bugs, pets, and children. There are two overflow male hose connections, a brass spigot, and a bottom drain plug. The overflow fittings allow excess water to be diverted into a second barrel (or third, or fourth or fifth etc.) or by attaching a hose, excess water can be diverted to any remote area such as a garden or flower bed.

The brass spigot is shipped inside the barrel and will need to be attached into the pre-installed plastic fitting. The barrel is approximately 39” tall and 23”in diameter and holds 60 gallons of water.

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