Harvesting rain to capture stormwater is easy and can help conserve water usage around the home. About 40 percent of total household water use during the summer months is for watering lawns and gardens. The Village of Bartlett is partnering with The Conservation Foundation to sell rain barrels to homeowners to help with water conservation.

ORDER YOUR RAIN BARREL ONLINE  

Rain barrels are large containers that capture stormwater that would otherwise be lost as runoff from roofs. The 55-gallon rain barrels sold by The Conservation Foundation are modern food-grade barrels and are sealed, safe around children, and insect resistant. They are repurposed, recycled, and recyclable and come equipped with spigots, screens to prevent mosquito breeding, and overflow valves.

Setup is easy, diverting water from your downspout to fill the rain barrel. A hose spigot on the front makes the water easy to access and use for watering flowers and gardens, or washing cars, windows, and even pets.

The Conservation Foundation (TCF) is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations, with more than 4,000 members. Founded in 1972, TCF has helped preserve more than 35,000 acres of open space, restored and cleaned miles of rivers and streams, and educated thousands of kids by engaging them in nature and the outdoors.

TCF’s mission is to improve the health of communities by preserving and restoring natural areas and open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment.

Work is focused in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties to preserve and restore nature in your neighborhood. Find out more at theconservationfoundation.org.