Rain barrel program

Make rain a resource! Capturing rain from your roof top is a brilliant way to give your lawn and garden chlorine-free 'liquid sunshine'. Use a rain barrel to harvest rain for when it's needed and help keep a useful resource from running down the storm drain.

On average, Vancouver residents use more than 340 L per day in their households for activities such as washing dishes and clothing, showering and flushing toilets. During the summer, this water consumption can double, largely due to outdoor irrigation practices.

The rain barrel is a practical alternative to using treated drinking water on lawns and gardens. Using Vancouver's natural supply of rainfall, harvesting rain is an easy way to decrease demand on the region's high quality drinking water.

The City subsidizes the rain barrel cost by 50% and has sold over 3000 to date and counting. The barrels are manufactured using recycled plastic and are dark forest green. The barrel has both a connection for a soaker hose, and a faucet for a watering can to allow flexibility in irrigation. Additional design features include:

• overflow to storm drain
• childproof opening
• half barrel design to sit flush against side of house
• two faucets to accommodate hose and watering can
• empty weight = 20.5 kgs (45 lbs)
• water Capacity = 341 litres (75 imp. gallons)
• dimensions = 21" x 42" base and 54" high

Cost

Rain barrels are available to City of Vancouver residents only at a 50% subsidy (proof of residency required, limit two per household).

Total cost to the resident for the rain barrel is $75.00 (plus HST). Accepted methods of payments are cash, cheque, debit or credit card.

Where to get a rain barrel

Rain barrels can be picked up at the City of Vancouver Transfer Station.

Hours of Operations

Monday thru Friday - 5:30am to 7:00pm

Saturday and Sunday - 8:00am to 6:00pm

Phone (or 604.873.7000 from outside Vancouver city limits)

Notes

Rainwater is not for human consumption.
Collected water is suitable for plants and grass only.

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