NEW YORK—Barrels to collect rainwater for use on gardens and lawns are being handed out by the New York City(NYC) Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the next phase of the Rain Barrel Giveaway Program.
Homeowners can apply for one of the 750 barrels on offer, but they will need to install it themselves, according to a DEP announcement June 6.
“The more stormwater collected in barrels and used to water lawns and gardens the better it is for the sewers,” said Acting Commissioner Steven W. Lawitts in a press release.
The rain barrel program also helps reduce stormwater runoff that enters the City’s sewer system. One tenth of an inch of rain is enough to cause raw sewage run-off into New York City’s rivers, creeks, canals, and other bodies of water—resulting in two billion gallons of run-off a year.
Rain barrels connect directly to the existing downspout to collect water for irrigation needs, such as watering lawns and gardens, which often account for up to 40 percent of a household’s summer water consumption. Using the stored water can reduce the demand on the city’s water supply during the summer’s hottest days.
“Collected rain water also can help people save water and save on their water bills and it’s a great way to keep gardens and lawns healthy during the summer, even in periods of little or no rain,” said Lawitts.
“We’re looking forward to this year’s rain barrel giveaway, which is a part of Mayor Bloomberg’s vision for a greener, more livable city,” said Lawitts.
The pilot program is in its second phase and applications for barrels will be taken on a on a first-come, first-served basis before the end of June.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection manages the City’s water supply, providing more than one billion gallons of water each day to more than nine million residents throughout New York State.
Homeowners can apply for one of the 750 barrels on offer, but they will need to install it themselves, according to a DEP announcement June 6.
“The more stormwater collected in barrels and used to water lawns and gardens the better it is for the sewers,” said Acting Commissioner Steven W. Lawitts in a press release.
The rain barrel program also helps reduce stormwater runoff that enters the City’s sewer system. One tenth of an inch of rain is enough to cause raw sewage run-off into New York City’s rivers, creeks, canals, and other bodies of water—resulting in two billion gallons of run-off a year.
Rain barrels connect directly to the existing downspout to collect water for irrigation needs, such as watering lawns and gardens, which often account for up to 40 percent of a household’s summer water consumption. Using the stored water can reduce the demand on the city’s water supply during the summer’s hottest days.
“Collected rain water also can help people save water and save on their water bills and it’s a great way to keep gardens and lawns healthy during the summer, even in periods of little or no rain,” said Lawitts.
“We’re looking forward to this year’s rain barrel giveaway, which is a part of Mayor Bloomberg’s vision for a greener, more livable city,” said Lawitts.
The pilot program is in its second phase and applications for barrels will be taken on a on a first-come, first-served basis before the end of June.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection manages the City’s water supply, providing more than one billion gallons of water each day to more than nine million residents throughout New York State.
