Lafayette Utilities System and LCG’s Public Works Department would like to remind residents that this Saturday, May 1, is the last day to order one of its popular rain barrels at the discounted price of $35. Limited supplies are first come, first served and are available to residents of the City of Lafayette and unincorporated areas of the Parish.  One barrel per LUS residential water customer is available at this special pricing.

Rain barrels are designed to capture rainwater from rooftops and recycle it into free, non-potable water that can be used to water flowers, plants or a lawn, wash a vehicle, and other outdoor water-related purposes. By collecting and using rainwater, customers are able to supplement their tap water usage and save money on their water bill, all while also conserving a vital natural resource. Capturing rainwater that would otherwise flow into the Bayou Vermilion also reduces the amount of surface pollutants from being introduced into the local watershed.

This was the first year the program has been extended include those who reside within the unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish.  The opportunity allows residents who were previously unable to take advantage of the discount to participate in the water conservation effort. Additional barrels for new or existing Rain Barrel Program participants may be purchased for $62.  All orders must be placed online by Saturday, May 1, 2015 and will be available for pick up on May 9 at the Dean Domingues Compost Facility, located at 400 Dugas Road.

Since the Rain Barrel Program’s inception in 2012, more than 1,400 barrels have been provided to Lafayette Parish residents, and it is estimated that program participants have conserved more than two million gallons of water.  According to LUS, on average, outdoor water use can account for up to 30 percent of a customer’s water bill in the spring and summer months.  During these higher volume time periods of water use, Lafayette residents could conserve around 1,300 gallons of water with a single rain barrel.

Information about the program, including ordering a rain barrel, can be found at http://www.upcycle-products.com/static.asp?path=4550,  http://lus.org/index.php/water/water-conservation/rain-barrel-program or http://www.lafayettela.gov/PublicWorks/Pages/Rain-Barrel-Program.aspx .