Halton Region and Mohawk Racetrack Partner on Sale of Rain Barrels

Halton Region to host sale of rain barrels at Mohawk Racetrack

This May, Halton Region will once again host four rain barrel sale events to help promote wise outdoor water use during the summer months. This year's rain barrels have a new look and price at only $36 each, and provide the same great water capture ability. The rain barrel sales events will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations. One rain barrel per purchase, Halton residents only.

* Saturday May 1, Mohawk Raceway, 9430 Guelph Line, Campbellville


Diverting water from a downspout into a rain barrel allows residents to capture rain water and store it for future use to water garden flowers, shrubs and plant pots. Last year, Halton residents purchased nearly 6,200 rain barrels, which at full use has the potential to reduce water consumption by more than 1.2 million litres.

“I encourage residents to take part in the spring rain barrel sales events in order to help conserve water during the summer months when water consumption can double, largely due to lawn and garden watering,” said Halton’s Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “Rain barrels are an easy way to help practice wise water use outdoors.”

The rain barrels fit into the backseat of an average sized vehicle and require minimal assembly. Residents are responsible for adapting their downspout to flow into the rain barrel, and assembly instructions are included. The rain barrels are also equipped with a secure mosquito screen and a dispensing hose for easy use.

There are many other options, including the 4Rs of wise water use that residents can undertake in order to be more water efficient. These include:

* Reduce: Choose drought tolerant plants and ground covers for your lawn and garden. They require less water, and therefore less work, and can better withstand periods of drought.
* Retrofit: Replace old appliances and fixtures with new water efficient models, or consider retrofitting existing models with water saving devices. For example, low flow shower heads and toilets, front loading washing machines and water efficient humidifiers which use half the water compared to non-water efficient models.
* Repair: Repair leaks! In one year, a leak of one drip per second can waste 10,000 litres of water. By doing something as simple as replacing a faulty washer in your faucet, or a toilet flapper more than two years old, you can improve your water efficiency.
* Reuse: Find uses for water waste in the inside and outside of your home. For example, utilize the Suds Saver option on your washing machine by using the previous wash cycles rinse water for the wash cycle of your next load of laundry.

For more information about the rain barrel sales events or the water efficiency program please contact Halton Region by dialing 311 or 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, TTY 905-827-9833 or visit us online at www.halton.ca/waterconservation.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 450,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; Ontario Works (formerly social assistance); children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and business development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.
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