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Water Conservation & Rain Barrels

Rain Barrels

In early Spring 2008 the Village will be selling rain barrels distributed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to residents at a cost of $40 per barrel.  Please check back periodically as more information on this program becomes available. 

What are Rain Barrels?

Rain Barrels are designed to capture and store rainwater coming off a roof, usually attached to a downspout.  They consist of a storage container (usually plastic), a system for diverting downspout water into the barrel, and an overflow that returns to the downspout or diverts water safely away from the house to percolate into the soil.

What are Some of the Benefits of Rain Barrels?

Water Conservation- The water stored in rain barrels can be used to water your lawn, garden or household plants.

Reduced Stormwater Runoff- Rain Barrels can divert stormwater from roofs, reducing the strain on our combined sewer system during major rain storms.

Happier Plants- Rainwater is free of additives such as chlorine that can be found in tap water. Plants do not need or want such additives.  Rainwater is also slightly acidic which helps plants to access soil nutrients.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips

General

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2, 700 gallons of water per year!
• Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

Bathroom

• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Avoid taking baths - take short showers - turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.

Kitchen

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature, if available, to use less water.
• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.

Laundry

• Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
  

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

General

• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use recycled water.

Car Washing

• Use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

Lawn Care

• Avoid over watering your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.
• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Mist can evaporate before it reaches the lawn. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.
• Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.