An example of rain barrels as seen on the web site of Great American Rain Barrel Company.
WESTFIELD—With the water restrictions still in place throughout the city, it may be difficult to water your lawn or clean your car on certain days. However, with a rain barrel those issues can be solved.
The city has partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer residents a chance to purchase barrels for their homes. The barrels, which hold up to 60 gallons of rain and are 100 percent recycled, are available to be ordered on the City of Westfield website by May 3 and are at a discounted rate of $79 each barrel. The barrels, when used correctly, can provide benefits to both the consumer and the environment.
“There are a lot of benefits to a rain barrel,” Heather Miller, Westfield water systems engineer, said. “One of the benefits is using water that would otherwise not be utilized.”
The barrels work by collecting rain and storing it, which allow the water to be used when convenient, like during a water restriction day.
“Rain barrels capture the water coming off your roof so the outdoor water restrictions don’t apply at all,” Miller said.
And the barrels don’t just benefit the environment by reducing the amount of water used from the Westfield water system, but also helps consumers by reducing the amount of water that has to be paid for during myriad outdoor activities.
“The water can be used on your plants and flowers,” Miller said. “It can reduce your consumption for potable water.”
However, consumers must be aware that the rainwater, while safe to use on plants or to clean outdoor furniture or your vehicle, is not to be used for drinking, cooking or other consumption, Miller said.
Once your barrel is ordered, they can be picked up on May 10, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Westfield city hall parking lot. For more information, visit the city of Westfield’s Water Department webpage and click the link under “Rain Barrel Program.”
