News Details

Aurora Rain Barrel Program Rolls Out For 2012

The City of Aurora and The Conservation Foundation will be joining forces again to promote environmental stewardship by selling rain barrels this spring.

The 55-gallon plastic containers are designed to be connected to rooftop gutters to collect water, which can then be used to fill watering cans or buckets. There are several benefits to having a rain barrel because stored rain water helps:

• Reduce the amount of storm-water runoff and the amount of pollutants that are picked up and carried to storm sewers, creeks and the Fox River;
• Conserve water used from underground aquifers; and
• Hydrate plants and gardens better because the naturally soft water is devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals.

Aurora residents may pre-purchase rain barrels for $75 each. Rain barrels can be ordered online by visiting the City’s website or by calling 630-553-0687, Ext. 302. Credit cards, checks or money orders made payable to The Conservation Foundation can be used for phone orders. Rain barrels come in four colors including black, gray, blue or terra cotta.

The first opportunity to pick up a rain barrel will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 31 in the garden lots at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1850 Fifth Ave. All orders must be received three days prior to the pick-up date.

Pre-ordered rain barrels also can be picked up from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19 at the Aurora Gardner’s Sale in the parking lot of the Blackberry Farms Pioneer Village, 100 Barnes Road, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at the Aurora Green Fest at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. Rain barrels also will be available for purchase without a pre-order at these two events.

Residents also are invited to attend two free educational programs to learn more about conservation techniques from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 at the Aurora Public Library Eola Branch, 555 S. Eola Road and Monday, May 7 at the West Branch Library, 233 S. Constitution Drive. Attendees will have an opportunity to pre-order a rain barrel.

More information about the rain barrel program also will be available during the City’s Farmers Market events, which start Saturday, June 2 at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway Ave.

Location: Aurora, Illinois