SWAMPSCOTT — The Town of Swampscott has partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer rain barrels to residents to conserve water.
The barrels will be offered at a discounted price of $69 and can be preordered online for pickup on June 12.
“The number one idea is to conserve water,” said Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta. “We’re trying to go green.”
The 60-gallon barrels collect rainwater, which can then be used for plants and gardens. According to the town, using one can decrease water bills by up to 40 percent, improve residential storm management, slow pollution from runoff, and lower municipal water demands, saving energy at treatment plants.
According to the Great American Rain Barrel Company’s website, the average U.S. household uses 250 gallons of water per day.
“Seventy percent of that very costly, preciously-treated water, suitable for human consumption, is being used outdoors,” the website says. “Yet splashing off your roof is tens of thousands of gallons of delicious fresh rainwater suitable (and in some cases preferred) for a multitude of uses.”
It takes less than one-eighth of an inch of rainfall to fill one 60-gallon barrel when placed at a downspout, which can be used to cover about 100 square feet of area with one inch of water.
Barrels can be linked together to collect even more water, and a hose can be attached to the barrel’s spigot to water lawns, wash cars and irrigate gardens, among other uses.
The barrels are available in green, brown, and gray, and are available unpainted.
Orders for the barrels must be placed by June 3. Barrels will be available for pickup June 12 at the Swampscott DPW, 200 Paradise Road.
To order a rain barrel, visit greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community and select Swampscott as your town.
