Utilities Kingston offering ‘greener’ rain barrels to account holders
Utilities Kingston customers looking to buy sustainable products and take climate action – take note! The utility company is again offering repurposed rain barrels that help divert waste from landfill and reduce treated water use.
“By using a rain barrel, you’ll reduce your use of treated water. It takes lots of energy to pump and treat water, so saving treated water reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” said Caro Casista, Conservation Coordinator for Utilities Kingston. “We’re pleased to offer customers a product that also diverts waste from landfill. These rain barrels are repurposed from durable plastic barrels that were once used to store food.”
According to a release from Utilities Kingston, customers can get a home-delivered rain barrel to capture spring showers for their garden. Utilities Kingston customers can order two rain barrels per utility account.
The utility company provided the following details about the program:
Availability: Rain barrels are available to residents of the municipality of Kingston, who receive a utility bill from Utilities Kingston. Orders must be placed by the account holder. There are a limited number of barrels available — orders will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
Delivery: The barrels will be delivered to the service address on the account. No delivery appointment is required, and customers do not need to be home to receive their rain barrel.
Cost: Rain barrels cost $71, including HST and contactless delivery. This charge will be added to the customer’s Utilities Kingston bill.
Utilities Kingston provides the rain barrels ‘at cost’ and does not profit from the sales.
These recyclable rain barrels are repurposed from durable plastic barrels that were once used to store food and come with a ten-year manufacturer warranty (two years on parts). They are terracotta in colour, hold 220 litre/55 gallons and include a leaf and mosquito filter basket, spigot/tap, overflow adaptor and overflow hose. Dimensions are approximately 23 inches wide and 38 inches tall. Weight is approximately 20 lbs.
Rain barrels help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Here are a few of the environmental benefits of using a rain barrel:
- By using a rain barrel, you’ll reduce your use of treated water. It takes lots of energy to pump and treat water, so saving treated water reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Rain barrels help divert rainwater from the sanitary and storm sewer systems.
- Rain barrels save you money by lowering your water consumption.
- Rainwater contains minerals that are beneficial for plant growth.
How to install your rain barrel
Rain barrels are easy to install. Just follow the steps outlined at Utilities Kingston’s website or watch their video. Go to https://utilitieskingston.com/Water/Conservation/RainBarrel
Watering with a rain barrel is better for your plants and conserves energy needed to treat and pump tap water. Multiple rain barrels can be installed in tandem to increase capacity. Take climate action and order your rain barrel today!
For more information or to order online, visit https://utilitieskingston.com/Water/Conservation/RainBarrel. For those with questions, Utilities Kingston can be reached at 613-546-0000, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.