Regional Center Rain Barrel Rebates Remain Available

The Somerset County Regional Center Partnership, utilizing a grant from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA), has announced that the 2021 Raritan River Rain Barrel Rebate Program for homeowners in Bridgewater, Raritan, and Somerville is accepting applications for the 9th consecutive year of the program.

Rebates are available in the amount of $50 for new 40- to 70-gallon rain barrels and $100 for those that hold more than 70 gallons. Rebates are available for up to two (2) rain barrels at a single residence.

Residential homeowners in the three communities who have previously purchased rain barrels are also eligible for rebates. Those specifically within the Peters Brook Watershed who purchased and installed after July 1, 2011, and all Bridgewater, Raritan, and Somerville residents who purchased and installed after January 1, 2014 are eligible. All require proof of purchase and installation.

Rain barrels provide homeowners with financial and ecological advantages by conserving water, easing stream erosion by reducing the volume of runoff entering to streams and rivers during storms, and reducing pollutants accumulated from impervious surfaces, particularly roofs. In established urban areas like the Regional Center, rainwater runoff from hard surfaces flows directly into streams, depositing these pollutants.

Rain barrels must have a closed design or screen top; have a system to direct excess water away from the home’s foundation; have a spigot not higher that 3” from the bottom of the barrel; must be made of a sturdy material, and installed on a solid level base. Homeowners must pledge to maintain the rain barrel for at least two years from purchase and installation to be eligible for the rebate.

“A rain barrel is a simple and effective way of practicing environmental responsibility,” commented Troy Fischer, Chair of the Somerset County Regional Center Partnership. “Homeowners in the Regional Center communities have a unique opportunity to recoup

their investment twice, once through the rebate and multiple times through re-use of rain water.”

Rebates will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with annual funding limited. Detailed information can be found on the Regional Center Partnership’s website at https://rcpsomersetnj.org/rain-barrel-rebate-program/ or sending an email to rainbarrel@raritanbasin.org.

Rain barrel installation inspections will be performed with no direct contact with participants. Social distancing will be enforced and masks and gloves will be worn at all times.

The Somerset County Park Commission is supporting the 2021 Rebate Program by including information on the web site, www.somersetcountyparks.org, and in kiosks throughout the County park system.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rain Barrel Rebates are available to homeowners in the Regional Center communities of Bridgewater, Raritan, and Somerville. Information is available at www.rcpsomersetnj.org.

BACKGROUNDER

The Somerset County Regional Center is the strategic center of the County consisting of 12.6 square miles encompassing Raritan Borough, Somerville Borough, and a portion of Bridgewater Township. The Center is connected by U.S. Route 206, U.S. Route 202, U.S. Route 22, State Route 28, and I-287 with public transit options and serves as the focal point of County government and the regional economy.

The Regional Center designation illustrates the State Planning Commission’s support for:

• encourages achievement of policy objectives in growth areas;

• enables development and redevelopment by reclaiming of brownfields;

• makes available priority funding for economic and community programs that

provide for assistance with redevelopment in existing downtown business districts,

new infill development opportunities, and residential and non-residential

development along major highway and mass transit corridors;

• will foster establishment of more effective mass transportation linkages and may

provide priority funding for key intersection and corridor improvements and

improved pedestrian accessibility;

• support for linear open space concepts, for the planning and design of new and

existing active recreation facilities, for passive open space acquisitions, and for new

and existing historic preservation and revitalization programs.