Prices for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) rain barrels have been deeply discounted.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners recently approved subsidies for Cook County residents. At $21.96 each, there is a limit of two. For residents age 65+, the price is $10.98 per barrel, also limit two. There are no delivery charges.
Since 2014, the MWRD has distributed nearly 137,000 rain barrels to homeowners, businesses and community organizations partnering with the MWRD to protect their water environment. MWRD rain barrel demand increased in 2020. As more homeowners were trapped in quarantine, they spent more time in their gardens and improving outdoor spaces.
“We all know how we should recycle plastics, glass, and paper, etc., but water must be recycled too,” said MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita. “Rain barrels are a valuable form of green infrastructure, and the more opportunities we have to collect rainwater, the better are our chances of relieving our sewers and infrastructure and protecting our homes from basement backups and our communities from flooding.”
The recycled MWRD rain barrels include a leaf and mosquito filter screen, spigot, overflow adaptor and overflow hose. The rain barrels come in four colors: black, blue, terra cotta and gray.
Learn more about the program here.