The Town of Wake Forest is selling 65-gallon rain barrels for $90 each.
Each rain barrel comes with a brass spigot, two overflow valves that can be used to connect additional barrels and a screen to keep out debris and insects. Other rain barrel features include:
- Instructions for easy installation (minimum assembly required);
- Constructed with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE);
- Standard garden hose fittings – require no special hoses;
- The low-mounted brass faucet drains most of the barrel. It is recommended to install your rain barrel on a level and a raised surface.
- Lids that can be secured for safety – highly recommended for the safety of children and pets;
- Concave lids channel rain to the center;
- Dark green barrel blocks sunlight to prohibit the growth of algae;
- Overflow ports can direct water to nearby shrubbery areas.
Rain barrels are an increasingly popular water conservation technique. They collect runoff from rooftops for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
Collecting rain to water landscapes and gardens increases the amount of treated water that is available for drinking, cooking and bathing. Rainwater harvesting also helps reduce utility bills.
A quarter inch of rainfall provides enough runoff from the average roof to fill a typical rain barrel. Rain water can be used to irrigate outdoor and indoor plants, including vegetables and fruit trees, and for such purposes as refilling birdbaths. However, rain water should not be used for human consumption.
Area residents may purchase rain barrels with cash, check or credit card at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.
As a special service for Town of Wake Forest electric and/or sanitation customers only, the town will deliver the rain barrels at no additional cost. Area residents who are not electric and/or sanitation customers may pick up their rain barrel at the Wake Forest Operations Center, 234 Friendship Chapel Road.
For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/rainbarrels.aspx or contact Betty Pearce at 919-435-9570 or bpearce@wakeforestnc.gov.
