Chicago Heights' Free Rain Barrel Program Popularity Soars

As we approach the peak of the summer season, Chicago Heights residents are embracing rain barrels to water lawns and wash their cars.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Rain Barrel Initiative has grown in popularity, with more than 65 municipalities participating to date, city officials said last week.

MWRD representatives recently contacting those municipalities about the increased demand for barrels, emphasizing that orders have skyrocketed with the arrival of summer.

"To say the MWRD has been busy filling orders over the last few months would be an understatement," City of Chicago Heights officials said, in a statement. "The district received (more than) 13,000 rain barrel orders in June, alone!"

District staff advise residents to allow between two and three months for delivery. But, that hasn't stopped them from accepting orders. If you're interested in participating in the free program, download the application online or visit the Resident Services Office located in city hall.