LYNN — The Great American Rain Barrel Company (TGARB) is teaming up with the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) to create a Lynn 2021 Rain Barrel program, offering residents rain barrels at a discounted price of $69, until April 1.
Rain barrels can be used for outdoor water use, such as washing cars, filling up the pool, gardening and washing off porches and patios. They are an energy-reducing source that also saves money while being environmentally conscientious.
“We are encouraging residents 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 storm management,” said Lisa Nerich, DPW associate commissioner. “Rain barrels provide homeowners with a supplemental water supply during periods of drought. Homeowners who use rain barrels have decreased their water bills up to 40 percent. It’s a win-win for the town and the homeowner.”
The pandemic brought on a wave of gardeners, as well as the trending victory gardens and outdoor activities. According to Garden Center Magazine’s 2020 Industry Report, vegetable plants and herb sales increased more than 15 percent from 2019. Since then, TGARB has increased its national sales more than 50 percent from 2019.
The erratic weather raging throughout the country and the changes brought on by the pandemic have increased concerns on reserving water, energy and money. The Boston Consulting Group conducted a survey showing that since COVID-19 began, 71 percent of the people surveyed were extremely concerned about water resource management. The rain barrel provides an alternate water supply, useful during a drought.
The rain barrels from TGARB are 100 percent re-purposed from food grade containers that are UV protected and BPA-free, offering healthy, chlorine and chemical free storage for rain water.
The company began in 1988 as the original manufacturer of rain barrels. It was originally a company strictly for importing food, but was left with 60-gallon containers after shipments, prompting the idea to reuse them for a beneficial cause.
Company owner Suzanne Gebelein said that in the early 2000s following former Vice President Al Gore’s book “An Inconvenient Truth,” the request and searches for rain barrels soared. “Things started to get crazy and it’s been a rollercoaster ride ever since,” she said. “We had interest around the country.”
The original usage of the barrels for food ensures that the barrels are tightly sealed so there is a lower instance of algae, and they are extremely durable.
“I think we have the most sensible product out there,” said Gebelein.
The barrels can hold 60 gallons of water, but Gebelein said many people link multiple barrels together to gather more water.
“Your roof is a huge surface so your rain barrel taps into the gutter system, filling within 10 to 20 minutes during an average storm,” she said. “One rain barrel pays for itself in less than one season in New England. I expect to see homeowners with outdoor water needs expressing interest in this.”
The plastic barrels are not designed to endure the freezing temperatures and ice in the winter. Gebelein recommends putting the barrels somewhere indoors for the winter season, or upside down so they do not attain water. They also cannot be used for drinking. The barrels collect rain water that is unfiltered and unsafe to consume.
To purchase a rain barrel, visit www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community and select your city and state. Barrels are offered for $69, as opposed to the average price of $100-$120, and will be available for pick up on Tuesday, April 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Lynn DPW, located at 250 Commercial St. The deadline for purchase is April 1, at midnight.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].