Local residents can be better prepared for dry weather and get in on a deal on rain barrels.
鈥淟awn and garden watering makes up nearly 40 per cent of domestic water usage during peak summer months,鈥� noted Nichole Marples, executive director of the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society (LEPS). 鈥淩ain barrels save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water each summer, reducing the demand for treated drinking water.鈥�
LEPS is hosting an online sale of FreeGarden brand rain barrels for $75 (tax included). Marples said the rain barrels typically retail for more than $100.
They will likely be very handy this summer.
鈥淏.C.鈥檚 snow basins provide crucial water as they melt in the spring,鈥� she explained. 鈥淒ata from the BC River Forecast Centre shows snow basins are lower now than they were the same time last year. Currently, the snow basins are at 61 per cent of normal.鈥�
Installing a rain barrel can help collect precipitation now, for use in predicted drought conditions.
鈥淸Snow basins] were at 79 per cent last February, before 2023鈥檚 record drought and wildfire season,鈥� Marples said. 鈥淚f conditions don鈥檛 change soon, the province will be on track for a record-low waterflow and drought hazard through the spring and summer.鈥�
The barrels hold 208 litres or 55 gallons and can accommodate existing downspouts. They include overflow spout and four-foot hose to easily link two or more barrels for multi-barrel installations or to redirect overflow away from foundations, an elevated spigot the accommodates watering cans, an insect-resistant stainless steel filter, a childproof lid, and a stable footprint.
鈥淗omeowners connect the barrel to their downspout, and use the rain barrel to collect and store rainwater to be used at a later time. The water harvested is fresh and can be used for a wide variety of purposes including watering the lawn or plants, washing vehicles, and even topping off pools,鈥� she said. 鈥淏y harvesting rainwater, residents can lower their water bill 鈥� if metred, conserve their well water 鈥� if on private well, use water on their own schedules, improve their soil鈥檚 pH balance, reduce erosion, flooding and storm water run-off, and help protect rivers, streams, lakes and the environment.鈥�
Residents must order the barrels before March 24 at www.enviroworld.ca/langley. They then pick them up at the Township Operations Centre, 4700 224th St., on Saturday, April 6. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Every Township of 91原创 resident that orders a rainbarrel will receive a free downspout diverter, worth $50, to connect the barrel to the downspout.
People can order as many barrels as they want. Although the sale is hosted by LEPS, who is primarily focused on 91原创 projects- The sale is open to any resident anywhere- both the Township and the City of 91原创, and also Abbotsford, Surrey, Maple Ridge etc. but those who purchase MUST be able to pick up their purchased barrels on distribution day, Saturday April 6 at the Township of 91原创 Operations Centre. LEPS doesn鈥檛 have the capacity to store the barrels if they don鈥檛 get picked up.
However, the downspout diverters are provided free to Township of 91原创 residents only, through WaterWise, a partnership between LEPS and the Township to encourage water conservation.
Those who may not do online ordering can contact LEPS, Marples noted. LEPS can accept cash or cheque and submit the online order on people鈥檚 behalf, but buyers must pick up at the Township public works yard on April 6. No delivery is available.
For more information, contact 604-532-3511 or visit www.leps.bc.ca.
