Residents Offered Discounted Rain Barrels

Charleston County Government and Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium have partnered to offer Ivy rain barrels to residents at a discounted price this month. The normal retail is $119 but through the special partnership, they are only $63 in an effort to encourage residents to conserve water resources and protect water quality. Water collected by the rain barrels can be used for gardens/lawns and to wash cars and pets.

The rain barrels can be purchased directly through the program’s website, http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/ashleycooper, using a credit card. There will also be a limited number of rain barrels on the day of the sale through a first come first served basis.

The deadline to purchase rain barrels online is 11 p.m. on Monday, May 27, and the pick-up date is Saturday, June 1, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Charleston County’s Public Services Building located at 4045 Bridge View Drive in North Charleston.

Rain barrels capture rainwater from rooftops by connecting to the home’s downspout. This water would typically be sent down the storm drain carrying potential contaminants and contributing to flash flooding. The cumulative effect of rain barrels implemented throughout a geographic area can have a significant impact on stormwater management and water quality.

“The field of rain water harvesting has really been increasing over the last five years and is encouraged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," said Neil Desai, an environmental engineer with Charleston County’s Public Works Department. “In the end it is an opportunity to collect water running off roofs and reuse that water, keeping it onsite, which eliminates a huge portion of your stormwater runoff. This is important because it keeps pollutants such as fertilizer and pet waste from ending up in our streams and ocean.”

Charleston County Government’s Stormwater Management Program works closely with Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium, which has the resources to educate the public.

"Harvesting rainwater is good stewardship practice for conserving and protecting clean water in our community,” said Kimberly Counts, Co-coordinator of the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium. “Rain barrels offer a practical, cost-efficient way to gather and store rainwater at your home for outdoor, non-potable use. Other reasons to collect rainwater include the potential to save money on utility bills over the long term, the ability to control moisture levels around the foundation of your home, to water your garden, and to prevent stormwater pollution."The rain barrel program website, http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/ashleycooper, includes a frequently asked questions section and a video on how to install the rain barrel.

Features of the Ivy rain barrel:

• Made in the U.S.
• 50% recycled plastic
• Dimensions 42.5” H x 22” W x 18” L
• Child proof, bug proof lid
• Best-in-class overflow set up
• 3/4" ball valve easily connects to garden hose
• Three rain barrels easily fit in the backseat of a midsized sedan
• All parts included and ready to set up
• Gravity fed. No pumps required
• Link two or more Ivys together using your existing overflow hose