HOPKINTON OFFERS RAIN BARREL WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM 

The Town of Hopkinton is pleased to announce that it has once again teamed up with The New England Rain Barrel Company to offer residents of Hopkinton and the surrounding area rain barrels as a way to conserve water and help the environment. Last year we had a great response with over 80 barrels being purchased by residents. A rain barrel collects water from the roof when it rains and stores it for use during dry conditions and when water ban restrictions are in place. For a limited time, the rain barrels may be purchased by Hopkinton and area residents for $72.95 each, a $47 discount off the retail price of $119.95. 

The average homeowner uses approximately 40% of water for outdoor use. A one inch rainfall on a 1,200 square foot roof will yield over 700 gallons of water. Using a rain barrel is an excellent way to conserve some of this water. A quarter inch run-off from an average roof will easily fill the barrel. If you have 5 storms a season, that equals 275 gallons of free water

The rain barrels are made from 55 gallon blue plastic recycled containers. The top does not come off, so no children or pets can get in the barrel. It has a six inch diameter inlet opening covered  with a screened louver to keep insects and debris out. The barrels have 2 brass spigots; one to allow you to connect a hose for watering, and one for overflow.  You can connect a hose to the overflow spigot and redirect the water away from your home.  It even comes with a 5 foot hose with a shutoff valve.  You can join multiple barrels for additional capacity.

The company will be taking orders through April 29, 2009 and has scheduled a general delivery of the rain barrels on Wednesday May 6, 2009 at the Department of Public Works, 85 Wood Street in Hopkinton from 4-7 p.m.. To order a rain barrel or to receive more information, call The New England Rain Barrel Company at 877-977-3135 or order online at nerainbarrel.com.