Rain barrel sales begin across the region

A woman is shown filling up a watering can with rainwater from a rain barrel. (File)

Several towns and cities in the region have begun sales of rain barrels as the spring season settles in.

Both the Town of Aurora and the Town of Newmarket have partnered with Enviro World, an organization that offers high-quality, cost-effective environmental products and programs, to offer the public rain barrels for purchase.

Rainwater from roofs can run into the rain barrels, creating an additional supply of water that can be used for watering gardens, lawns, plants and for cleaning. It also helps to reduce stormwater run-off.

The Town of Aurora says rainwater is better for plants and gardens, so the preserved amounts collected in the barrels are optimal for watering the garden. The rainwater contains nutrients, like nitrogen, something plants require.

They also help save people money by lowering water consumption.

Aurora’s rain barrel sale kicked off on Monday and runs until May 1. Newmarket’s sale is from April 1 to 26.

The barrels cost $79.95 and can be ordered here for Newmarket and here for Aurora.

The rain barrel program with the City of Barrie was discontinued last year due to a number of reasons.

According to the City, some factors included a decline in sales and local non-profits wanting to run their own rain barrel programs. It also said online retail options can provide more responsive delivery services and the contract with the third-party supplier was finishing at the year’s end.