Diverting water from your downspout into a rain barrel allows for rain water capture and storage. This is an excellent source of water for your plants and garden.  

For the fourth year, Halton Region is once again hosting four Rain Barrel Truckload Sales this spring.  Halton residents may purchase a rain barrel through any one the truckload sales events.

Price:  $40.00, taxes included, Cash only

There is a limit of one rain barrel per household per purchase. Residents may purchase from any or all of the four sales events, but must provide proof of Halton Region residency (such as a Driver’s Licence) at the time of purchase.

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Dates and Locations of 2012 Rain Barrel Sales:

• Saturday May 12, 2012
  8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Robert C. Austin Operations Centre
  11620 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown 
  view map  
• Saturday May 26, 2012
  8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Milton GO Station Parking lot
  780 Main Street East (Main & Thompson), Milton
  view map 
• Saturday June 2, 2012
  8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Mapleview Mall (lower parking lot)
  900 Maple Avenue, Burlington
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• Saturday June 9, 2012
  8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Halton Regional Centre, (south-east parking lot)
  1151 Bronte Road, Oakville
  view map  

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Rain Barrel Features

• Secure, built-in mosquito/debris screen.
• Convenient hose attachment with open/clost valve for easy dispensing.
• Screw-down child-safe lid.
• 2 metre long overflow hose to direct overflow rain away from house. 
• Attractive brown colour to blend in with house and garden.
• 208 litre (55 gallon) capacity.
• Approximately 27” diameter, and 34” high - fits in back-seat of average vehicle such as Toyota Corolla.
• Weighs approximately 10 lbs empty.
• Made from durable, heavy duty plastic, including Recycled content
• Ability to connect to adjacent rain barrels.
• Minimum assembly required (attach overflow hose and dispensing hose using simple clamps provided), assembly and installation instructions included. (See Assembly Instructions  1MB)
• Stackable – easier to transport

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How to Adapt Your Downspout (to direct water into the rain barrel)

Residents are responsible for adapting their own downspout. There are two options: Option A is to install a downspout diverter, available at some hardware stores. Option B is to direct your entire downspout into the rain barrel. Installation instructions are included with the purchase of the rain barrel. A general description is provided here.

1. Using a hack saw, cut off lower portion of the downspout (above the elbow) just above the height of the rain barrel.
2. Re-attach downspout elbow a few inches above the top of the rain barrel, to allow the rain water to empty onto the top of the rain barrel.
3. Securely position rain barrel beneath open end of downspout elbow.
4. Wait for rain!

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2012 Rain Barrel Sales Information

• Rain Barrel Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Winterizing Your Rain Barrel

To avoid damage to your rain barrel, be sure to winterize it before first frost. Manufacturers recommend:

• Drain the rain barrel and all hoses completely.
• Hoses should be stored inside.
• Place the rain barrel upside down to avoid water freezing inside it and cracking the barrel.
• If possible store the rain barrel upside down in the garage, another protected area, or cover the upside down rain barrel to protect it from the elements and avoid the possibility of it blowing away during intense weather.
• While your rain barrel is removed for winter it is recommended to install a flexible downspout extension (available at most hardware stores) to direct water away from the house.

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