Water Authority, Solana Center Team Up to Offer Rain Barrel Discounts
November 07, 2016
The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies, in partnership with Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, are encouraging more people to save water this winter – and take advantage of a regional $75 rebate that will be reduced on Jan. 1 – with a special discount on rain barrels.
Residents can order 50-gallon rain barrels available through Solana Center for $90 each (discounted from $149). Once purchased, residents can maximize their savings by applying for the $75 rain barrel rebate (maximum two rebates per address) available through the SoCalWaterSmart program by Dec. 31.
Solana Center will offer four pick-up locations for the rain barrels around the county. Residents who want to pick up their rain barrels from the Rice Canyon Preserve in Bonita or the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will need to order their barrels by Nov. 27. Those who want to pick theirs up from the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas or at the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District offices in Escondido need to order their barrels by Dec. 3.
Participating customers must pre-order their discounted rain barrels and choose their pickup location at www.rainbarrelprogram.org/sandiego.
“Water stored in rain barrels can gradually be released into landscapes between rains,” said Joni German, water resources specialist for the Water Authority. “With our region’s traditionally wet months just ahead, this is a great way to increase your outdoor water efficiency and Live WaterSmart.”
Rain barrels can also provide other environmental benefits and are consistent with Sustainable Landscaping Program guidelines (more information available at sustainablelandscapessd.org). Rain barrels help reduce stormwater pollution by keeping more water on site and out of storm drains that can carry pollution to other areas.
“Urban water runoff is the biggest source of ocean pollution,” said Elaine Martin, project coordinator for Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. “Using rain barrels reduces this effect on the environment and keeps our communities healthy.”
The SoCalWaterSmart program, administered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, has announced its rain barrel rebate will be reduced to $35 per barrel starting Jan. 1. The Water Authority contributes funding for the SoCalWaterSmart program as an MWD member agency. To learn more about the rain barrel rebates and to claim a rebate after a rain barrel purchase, go to www.socalwatersmart.com.
The Water Authority launched its Live WaterSmart campaign in July to promote the many available opportunities for homeowners and businesses to make the most of every drop. To learn more, go to www.WaterSmartSD.org.