City holding rain barrel sale April 24

Rain barrels, used to conserve water and prevent water from entering sanitary sewers, have become so popular with city residents that the city had to triple the number of units on sale this year, Céline Beaupré, city operations engineer, said.

Rain barrels will be offered by the City of Greater Sudbury at a discount price of $60 per unit, including taxes, at Centennial Community Centre, 4333 Centennial Rd. in Hanmer April 24, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., or until they sell out, Beapré added.

“Rain barrels help reduce water bills, conserve treated water and protect the environment from storm water pollution,” Beaupré said.

The units are 208 litres or 55 gallons, and can be placed under roof downstops. The city is trying to reduce the amount of clean water that is being directed into sanitary sewers in order to save treatment costs. Homewowners can use the water to water their gardens.

Last year 350 units were sold in under two hours at the Frobisher site. This year 1,000 units are being made available.

“We hope to sell out again,” Beaupré said. “Otherwise the remaining units go back with the supplier. That could mean we have to pay more for them next year,” she admitted.

Each rain barrel comes with mosquito mesh to keep out bugs and debris. The heavy duty plastic design is comprised of 50 percent recycled materials. Instructions for installation, spigot, screws, overflow hose and clamp are included in the price.

In addition, there will be available backyard compost bins for $25, tax included. Homeowners can use the bin to compost fruits and vegetables, tea bags and more to produce a soil additive for the garden.