Waukesha Freeman
May 9, 2019

Waukesha — As Mayor Shawn Reilly commemorates National Drinking Water Week with a Mayoral Proclamation, the Water Utility reminds customers about the new rain barrel rebate program.

“Harvesting rain water is easy and a great way to conserve water,” said Mary Adelmeyer of the Waukesha Water Utility. “A 50-60-gallon rain barrel, which connects to a downspout to capture rain water, can collect a surprising amount of water: one-tenth of an inch of rain falling on a 1,000-square-foot rooftop can fill a 50-gallon barrel. That’s 50 free gallons of naturally soft, chlorine-free water, which is great for watering your flowers and plants, washing off your boots, washing the car or bike or any other outdoor activities.”

Rain barrels can be purchased from local hardware stores. Rain barrels cost approximately $70 to $100.

To qualify for the $20 rain barrel rebate, Adelmeyer said the rain barrels must be installed in the utility’s service area, the original purchase receipt must be submitted within 90 days of purchase, and post-installation pictures must be included with the rebate application, which can be found on the utility’s website. Adelmeyer also shared that rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to the availability of funds.

In addition to the rain barrel rebates, the utility is also reminding customers about the $100 WaterSense toilet rebate and the $25 WaterSense shower head rebate.

“A 50-60-gallon rain barrel, which connects to a downspout to capture rain water, can collect a surprising amount of water: one-tenth of an inch of rain falling on a 1,000-square-foot rooftop can fill a 50-gallon barrel.”
– Mary Adelmeyer, Waukesha Water Utility

For more detailed information, visit the conservation section on the utility’s website at www.waukesha-water.com.

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