Each UV protected polyethylene rain barrel is manufactured
in the USA from a recycled shipping drum that stands 39" tall by
24" wide and weighs 20 lbs. empty with a wall thickness of 3/16", resulting
in a rigid, heavy duty rain barrel that will last virtually forever. The barrel
comes complete with overflow fittings, drain plug, screw on cover, and a
threaded spigot with a choice of two ports to use with either a watering can
or a garden hose. The rain barrel arrives with simple instructions for
fast and easy installation. The Great American Rain Barrel is offered in
three colors; Forest Green, Earth Brown or Nantucket Gray at the low cost of
$68 versus the retail price of $119.
To take advantage of this program discount please go to: www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com
and order under the Hodgson Brook Community Program link. Or email info@tgarb.com or call
(800)251-2352.
Deadline for ordering is 5 p.m. on May 25 and orders
can be picked up at Great Bay Community College on Friday, June 1 from 3 to 5
p.m. or Saturday morning June 2 between 9 to 11 a.m.
Why use rain barrels? Rain barrels reduce runoff. Rain
landing on rooftops, driveways and roads can pick up and carry pollutants into
local streams and rivers. Over time this takes a toll on the fragile ecosystems
that our native plant and animal communities are dependent on. Water shortage
is also a growing global concern. In New England residential water usage
can increase as much as 60 percent during the spring, summer and fall seasons
from outdoor watering needs such as watering gardens, lawns, filling pools and,
washing cars. Barrels can offset that usage; saving homeowner’s money and
helping our local communities manage water supplies.
Funding for this project is provided in part by a Watershed
Assistance Grant from the NH Department of Environmental Services with Clean
Water Act Section 319 funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
through partnerships with Great Bay Community College, the city of Portsmouth
and the University of New Hampshire. Additional support comes through generous
donations from the Port Inn, Tighe & Bond Engineering, Newmarket
International and Rolling Green Nursery. The Blue Ocean
Society for Marine Conservation acts as fiscal agent for the Hodgson Brook
Project. (courtesy photo)
