Downers Grove Starts Rain Barrel Sales

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The village of Downers Grove and The Conservation Foundation have joined forces to offer rain barrels for sale. The 55-gallon rain barrels can help conserve water that can be tapped from a spout to use for watering flowers, cleaning and other uses.

Each 55-gallon rain barrel is made from recycled plastic and comes equipped with a lid that screws off, a spigot, an overflow threaded for garden hoses and a screen on the lid to keep out bugs, leaves and other debris.

The rain barrels cost $60 apiece and orders must be placed by July 8 by mail and July 12 online to ensure they are fulfilled. July 16 is the pickup day for rain barrel orders between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Works Facility, located at 5101 Walnut Ave.

Those who buy a rain barrel are eligible for a one-time $25 credit to the stormwater utility portion of their utility bill.

For more information on rainwater barrels and conservation, you can register for a free Zoom webinar hosted by The Conservation Foundation on June 30 at 7 p.m. The webinar will also offer information about native plants.