The Great American Rain Barrel is coming to Walpole!
WALPOLE, MA — April 7th, 2022
In 2020, water system demand in Massachusetts was 195.76 million gallons per day.[i]
“We encourage homeowners to use rain barrels because they help the city manage its water resources by reducing runoff, lowering municipal water demands, saving energy at treatment plants, and improving residential stormwater management. Rain barrels also help residents to reduce water bills. Both the community and the homeowner win on this one.” Melisssa Ranieri, Health Director, Walpole Health Department
On average, Massachusetts receives approximately 48 inches of rain per year on average, with average monthly rainfall between 3 and 4 inches for all regions of the state. These precipitation patterns are changing, and the changes are likely to become more pronounced in the years ahead.
We can expect to see more intense spring downpours, drier summers, and more intermittent droughts, increased inland and coastal flooding, diminishing snowfall and higher precipitation in winter and spring months.[ii]
More frequent and severe droughts are expected as climate change continues to increase temperatures, raise evaporation rates, and dry out soils - even despite more precipitation and heavier rainfall events.[iii]
Droughts will create challenges for local water supply by reducing surface water storage and the recharge of groundwater supplies, including private wells.
Educating and encouraging residents the benefits of using a rain barrel is one of the many ways you can help them conserve water and protect our environment.
How a Rain Barrel Can Help the Environment
Reduces runoff and non-point source pollution. Rain barrels capture rainwater from the roof that would otherwise become runoff. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants such as soil, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, trash, animal waste, road salts, chemicals, etc. and transports them to waterways. These pollutants impair waterways and can harm aquatic life and human health.
Stormwater is precipitation, including both rain and snow, that flows across the land.
A Rain Barrel Also:
Reduces erosion and flooding: Increased amounts of stormwater runoff increases erosion and flooding. Capturing some of the water will reduce velocity and peak flows.
Saves drinking water resources and money. According to the US EPA, 30% of daily water use is used outdoors. Using the rain barrel's stored water around the landscape saves water resources and reduces the amount of water purchased from municipal sources.
To find out more about the barrels and to participate in The Great American Rain Barrel Program, please visit: www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/ and select your town. Barrels are offered at $79 for painted and $74 for unpainted. Barrels will be available for pick up on Tuesday, July 12th 5:00-7:00pm at the Town Hall 135 School Street, Walpole MA. Deadline for purchase is, July 3rd, Midnight.
About the Great American Rain Barrel
The Great American Rain Barrel is a local food importing company that has been repurposing shipping drums into Rain Barrels since 1988. The Great American Rain Barrel Co. has been an approved vendor by the MASS DEP since 2010.
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[i] https://www.mwra.com/04water/html/wsupdate.htm
[ii] https://resilientma.org/changes/changes-in-precipitation