Rain Barrel Program
KINGSTON, ONT. / May 11, 2010 – Starting Tuesday, May 11th, Utilities Kingston will once again offer 1000 rain barrels for sale to its water customers – while quantities last.
Rain barrels can be ordered by calling 613-546-0000. Rain barrels will be delivered to customers’ homes. No delivery appointment is required, and customers do not need to be home to receive their rain barrel. Orders are limited to one barrel per household. Rain barrels will cost $35 including tax, and this charge will be added to the customers’ Utilities Kingston bill upon delivery.
Rain barrels help protect the environment by reducing the amount of treated lake water used for watering plants and lawns, and diverting significant quantities of rainwater from the sewer system during storms, reducing overflows. They help conserve energy by reducing the amount of water and waste water that needs to be treated and pumped throughout the City. Rain water contains minerals that make it better for plants than treated tap water. Finally, rain barrels save you money by lowering your monthly water consumption and reducing the volume of water that the City must build treatment infrastructure to handle.
Rain barrels are easy to install. Cut the existing downspout above the top of the rain barrel, re-install the elbow so that it sits just above the centre of the Rain barrel’s screen, then direct the overflow hose away from the foundation of your home. In the winter simply turn the barrel over so water does not accumulate and freeze. The top is made of a removable child-proof frame and a built-in plastic screen for intercepting debris and pests. Your garden hose can connect to a shut-off valve at the bottom of the barrel. To maintain water pressure in longer hoses attached to a rain barrel, it may help to place the rain barrel on a platform 2-3 feet off the ground.
Rain Barrel Features
- Easy to install - cut the existing downspout above the top of the rain barrel, re-install the elbow so that it sits just above the centre of the screen. Place the overflow hose on the upper connection and secure the clamp. Direct the overflow hose away from the foundation.
- The top is made of a child proof screen for intercepting debris and mosquitoes.
- There is a hose with a shut-off that connects near the bottom of the drum. It also allows for the connection of a garden hose.
- The overflow is installed near the top of the drum at the back with a piece of flexible hose to allow excess water to run away from foundation of the building.
- In the winter simply turn the barrel over so water does not accumulate and freeze.
- Instructions are included.
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