Rain Barrel Rebate Program
The Village of Delburne is offering a Rain Barrel Rebate Program where residents who purchase and install a new rain barrel can apply for a rebate of $50.00 to be applied to their utility account.
Who qualifies for a rebate?
You qualify if you:
- Are a Village of Delburne Resident
- Have a Village of Delburne utility (water bill) account.
- Purchase a new rain barrel from a retail store between May 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024
- Install and operate a rain barrel at a property located in the Village of Delburne
- Have not purchased a rain barrel through another municipality’s incentive program.
- Include a copy of the receipt of your rain barrel purchase. The receipt must clearly indicate the name of the store, product name, price and date of purchase. Your name must be clearly written on the receipt.
The program runs from May 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024. Please allow 8 – 12 weeks for the credit to be applied to your account if you meet the qualifications of the program.
Maximum of one rebate per utility account at this time.
For more program information please refer to the Rain Barrel Rebate Q & A Backgrounder.
Fill out the Rain Barrel Rebate Application Form and submit it to the Delburne Municipal Office by October 31, 2024.
Application forms can also be picked up at the Delburne Municipal Office - 2111 20th St.
What is a Rain Barrel?Rain barrels are a great way to conserve Delburne’s drinking water supply. Rain barrels collect and store rain water that runs off your roof. This water can be used for outdoor watering including planters, gardens and lawns. Having a rain barrel helps reduce your water consumption of treated water from the tap. |
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Why should I use a Rain Barrel?
- Reduces the need to use treated water for landscaping, helping to conserve water and potentially save money on your utility bills.
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Helps avoid the risk of household flooding by diverting water away from your home.
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Provides a back-up source of water during low rainfall periods or when water restrictions are in place.
Purchasing a Rain Barrel
Rain barrels can be purchased at most garden and home stores.
There are a diverse variety of rain barrels to choose from, ranging in prices, features and materials. Here is what to look for when purchasing a rain barrel:
- Mosquito proof screen/cover. Mosquitoes thrive in water so ensure that they stay out of your rain barrel by using a screen top and cover.
- Made of recycled or refurbished material.
- Drain or spigot at the top of the barrel for overflow.
- Drain or spigot at the bottom of the barrel for draining.
- UV Protection to prevent deterioration (if the barrel is made of plastic material).
- B.P.A.-Free material. Bisphenol-A is an environmental contaminant and is present in some plastics.
How to use your Rain Barrel
- Position the rain barrel on sturdy, level ground in front of a downspout close to the area that you want to water.
- To increase the water pressure, you may use a rain barrel stand. A stand elevates the rain barrel to make it easier to access the spigot.
- Connect your downspouts directly to the rain barrel, or install a downspout diverter.
- If desired, attach a hose to your rain barrel to hand water the plants or to direct water to trees and shrubs.
- You may also connect several rain barrels together using pieces of garden hose.
- Ensure the overflow water is directed away from your house to reduce pooling water that could impact your house’s foundation.
- Rainwater is non-potable. It should not be used for drinking, cooking or washing.
- Rainwater can be used for watering landscaping, flowerbeds, shrubs and gardens.
- Using collected rainwater on vegetable gardens or edible food crops should be done at your discretion. The runoff collected from roof tops may contain containments. Currently there are no national or provincial guidelines in place for rain barrel water treatment.
Maintaining your Rain Barrel
- Keep it covered to keep children, animals and insects out.
- Empty it once a week to keep algae out and avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Emptying the rain barrel once a week also helps prevent the growth of mosquitoes.
- Algae can be removed by emptying the water and washing the barrel with a 5% bleach solution.
- Before storing it for the winter, empty the barrel, drain the spouts and detach the hoses.
Winter Maintenance for Rain Barrels
- Rain barrels can be damaged by water freezing and expanding resulting in split hoses, damaged spigots or even a burst barrel.
- Prepare your barrel for winter:
- Drain it. Open spigots or hoses and let all of the water drain out. You can also turn the barrel over to drain any remaining water.
- Clean it. Debris left in the barrel may cause mold or fungus growth.
- Store it. Storing it inside a garage or shed is recommended. If you do store your rain barrel outside, turn it upside down to prevent any water from accumulating.
- Remove all hoses and leave all spigots open. Damaged spigots or split hoses will cause leaks.
- Remember to reattach a downspout to direct water away from your house’s foundation.