The following has been released by Lafayette Consolidated Government
LAFAYETTE, La. — The popular annual rain barrel program hosted by Lafayette Consolidated Government’s (LCG) Public Works Department and Lafayette Utilities System comes to a close with the pre-ordered barrels being distributed this Saturday, May 21 from 8 am until noon at the Dean Domingues Compost Facility at 400 NORTH Dugas Road, off of North University Avenue.
In all, 258 rain barrels were sold through this spring’s discounted, pre-order program. Use of rain barrels offers residents a way to save money, conserve water, and reduce stormwater runoff.
With recent growing concern for mosquito-borne illness, LCG reminds rain barrel owners and their neighbors that the barrels are specially designed to prevent mosquito breeding. Every rain barrel is fastened with at mesh-covered lid designed to allow water to flow through the mesh, but too small for mosquitos to penetrate. Rain barrel users are encouraged to keep the lid secure on the barrel to avoid a mosquito pathway into the barrel. Ensuring all of the water from the barrel is used within 5 days of being filled is also a fail-safe solution to mosquito breeding prevention. As an extra precaution, mosquito dunks can also be purchased at any home improvement store to place in your barrel, which will kill the mosquito larva without harm to plants or animals.
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, users are able to supplement their tap water, saving 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 surface pollutants from being introduced into the local watershed.
Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,600 rain barrels have been provided to Lafayette Parish residents, with million gallons of water conserved as a result of the program. 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.
More information about the rain barrel program can be found at http://www.lafayettela.gov/PublicWorks/Pages/Rain-Barrel-Program.aspx or http://www.lus.org/index.php/water/water-conservation/rain-barrel-program .