NOTICE: Unfortunately, the free rain barrel program ended on December 31, 2016. All orders received by that date will be delivered. The MWRD will return to the previous program of selling rain barrels at cost through MWRD.ORG.

Rain barrels capture rain water from your roof and save it for when you need it. By keeping this water out of the sewer system, they can also help prevent sewer overflows and flooding.

You can use rain barrel water to wash your car, water your lawn, or clean work boots and cools. Rain barrel water is naturally free of chlorine, lime, and calcium and some gardeners swear their plants prefer it. However, since rain barrel water is runoff from your roof, DO NOT DRINK IT!

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR RAIN BARREL

A Part of Any Yard

Most homes can benefit from several rain barrels. If you have areas of unpaved, pervious ground near your downspouts, rain barrels should work in your yard. Homeowners throughout Cook County have incorporated rain barrels into their yards with great results.

Green and Recycled

While the appearance and design of our rain barrels may vary, there is no difference in their functionality. Our vendor supplies two types of barrel designs and will deliver whichever one is available when your order is processed.

• Repurposed barrels -55 gallon repurposed food grade plastic rain barrel; weight is approximately 20 lbs.

• Recycled barrels – 60 gallon plastic HDPE rain barrel; weight is approximately 24 lbs.

All barrels come in four colors (black, blue, terra cotta and gray) and include leaf and mosquito filter basket, spigot/tap, overflow adaptor and overflow hose. Overflow adaptor permits rain barrels to be connected in series. Dimensions are approximately 23 inches wide and 38 inches tall.

Acquiring Your Rain Barrel

All Cook County residents can purchase a rain barrel for $47.00 and this includes a flexible connecting elbow to attach your barrel to your downspout, a linking hose to connect it to a second barrel, detailed instructions, and free delivery to your home.