Photo: Dorin_S istock
April showers are an opportunity for you to help save rain water for the hotter summer months ahead. Rain barrels collect and store rain water from rooftops, which can later be used for watering plants and gardens. There are many reasons that make these rain barrels a great green choice for your home:
Healthy Plants and Soil – Rain water is better for your garden and lawn because there are no added chemicals. Inorganic ions and fluoride compounds accumulate in the soil over time, and can potentially harm root plants and microorganisms in that soil. Your rain water will clean the soil of salt buildup, and promote healthy growing.
Money Saver – The average Canadian can collect up to 200 barrels of rain water from their roof during the growing season. When more people commit to using rain barrels for water usage, less water flows through our treatment facilities, which effectively saves you and your community money.
Reduction of Emissions – Using a rain barrel decreases your greenhouse gas emissions, which are associated with water treatment. Energy is used more efficiently because less energy is used to heat water and pump drinking water and wastewater
Reduction of Runoff – Rain barrels help reduce the flow of storm runoff. When it rains, runoff takes with it soils, fertilizer, oil, pesticides and other contaminants along the way. This untreated water runs directly into streams, lakes, and other bodies of water, affecting the habitats of fish and wildlife in the area. By using a rain barrel, the amount of storm runoff is substantially reduced, helping to protect the environment around you.
Setting up a rain barrel collection system is easy.
You can set up one rain barrel, or multiple rain barrels, and attach each to a downspout or connect in series. Set your downspout at least 1.5 metres away from your house. Simply ensure it is on a stable and wide surface to prevent it from being pulled or knocked over, and ensure your barrel’s cover is secure!
Watch this video from Green Calgary on installing a rain barrel.
London Drugs is pleased to be partnered with Green Calgary to support their Annual Rain Barrel & Composter Sales. All proceeds go to support Green Calgary’s programs that are dedicated to empowering people to create healthy homes, workplaces, and communities.
London Drugs Rain Barrel Event Dates:
Sat, April 18, 9AM-12PM
London Drugs – 4701-130 Ave SE
Sat, May 30, 9AM-12PM
London Drugs – 3545-32 Ave NE
Sat, June 13, 9AM-12PM
London Drugs Royal Oak – 500-8888 Country Hills Blvd NW
Sat, June 20, 9AM-12PM
London Drugs Brentwood – 3630 Brentwood Rd NW
Other Locations and Rain Barrel Event Dates:
Sat, April 25, 9AM-12PM
First Calgary Oakridge – 70-2580 Southland Drive SW
Sat, May 2, 9AM-12PM
Truckload, Crowfoot RONA – 90 Crowfoot Way NW
Sat, May 9, 9AM-12PM
First Calgary Transcanada – 510-16 Ave NE
Sat, May 23, 9AM-12PM
First Calgary Signal Hill – 5735 Signal Hill Ctr SW
Sat, June 6, 9AM-12PM
First Calgary Shawnessy – 110-70 Shawville Blvd SE
Links:
Green Calgary Rain Barrel & Composter Sales
Installing a rain barrel video
City of Vancouver Rain Barrels
City of Nanaimo Rainwater Harvesting
Edmonton Rain Barrel Project
Winnipeg Composting & Rain Barrels
Saskatoon Rain Barrel Rebates
