Halton Region to host annual rain barrel truckload sales

On Saturday, May 7, Halton Region will hold this year’s first of four rain barrel sales events to help encourage wise outdoor water use. Halton residents can purchase a rain barrel for $42, cash only, at any of the four truckload sales events. The sales will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and are scheduled at the following locations. Please note: one rain barrel per household and you must show proof of Halton residency.

• Saturday May 7 (8 a.m, to 12 p.m.), Mapleview Mall, lower parking lot, 900 Maple Avenue, Burlington
• Saturday May 14 (8 a.m, to 12 p.m.), Oakville Place Mall, lower parking lot, 240 Leighland Avenue, Oakville
• Saturday May 28 (8 a.m, to 12 p.m.), Milton GO Station Parking Lot, 780 Main Street East, Milton – Thompson Rd & Main St
• Saturday June 4 (8 a.m, to 12 p.m.), Robert C. Austin Operations Centre, 11620 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown

“In the summer months, water consumption can often double, largely due to lawn and garden watering,” said Halton’s Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “Diverting water from a downspout into a rain barrel allows residents to capture rain water and store it for future use to water gardens, flowers, and shrubs.”

The rain barrels fit into the backseat of an average sized vehicle and require minimal assembly. Residents are responsible for adapting their downspout to flow into the rain barrel, and assembly instructions are included. The rain barrels are made from durable plastic containing recycled content and have a 208 litre capacity (55 gallons). Last year, Halton residents purchased over 4,000 rain barrels, which at full use has the potential to reduce water consumption by nearly one million litres.

Installing and using a rain barrel is one of the “4R’s” of water conservation, as it allows you to reuse water that might otherwise go to waste. Following the 4R’s will help you to save water, time and money. To increase your water efficiency, try these steps:

Reduce: Choose drought tolerant plants and ground covers for your lawn and garden. They require less water, and therefore less work, and can better withstand periods of drought.

Replace: Replace old appliances and fixtures with new water efficient models. For example, low flow, high efficiency shower heads and toilets, front loading washing machines and water efficient humidifiers can use half the water compared to older, less efficient models.

Repair: Check for, and repair leaks in toilets or faucets. In one year, a leak of one drip per second can waste 10,000 litres of water. By doing something as simple as replacing a faulty washer in your faucet, or a toilet flapper more than two years old, you can improve your water efficiency.

Reuse: Find uses for water waste in the inside and outside of your home. For example, utilize the Suds Saver option on your washing machine by using the previous wash cycle’s rinse water for the wash cycle of your next load of laundry.

For more information about the rain barrel sales events or the water efficiency program please contact Halton Region by dialing 311 or 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, TTY 905-827-9833 or visit us online www.halton.ca/waterconservation.

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