Additional Pick-up Events Added to Discounted Rain Barrel and Composter Program

JULY 20, 2010 - Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is partnering with towns throughout the watershed to offer discounted rain barrels and tumbling composters.  The rain barrels retail for $119.95, but are available for the bulk discount price of $79.95.  The Bio-Orb® composters, found in online stores for $130 - $170, are available through this program for only $94.95.  A $ 5 donation for each rain barrel and composter purchased will be made to CRWA to continue their efforts to protect, preserve and enhance the Charles River and its watershed.  By recycling, composting, and using water wisely, homeowners can help reduce stress on both the environment and their local public services.  The towns of Ashland, Franklin and Brookline will now host three additional pickup points so that residents in different parts of the watershed can participate.  Additionally, the City of Newton is offering a free gift to all Newton residents who purchase a rain barrel for pick on July 28th.

For more information and to place your order, call The New England Rain Barrel Company toll free at 877-977-3135 or order online at www.nerainbarrel.com. 

The pick up locations and dates are as follows:
Weston: order before July 26th for pick up at CRWA’s office on July 28th, 4-7pm, adjacent to the Leo J Martin Golf Course, 190 Park Rd, Weston, MA.
Ashland: order before August 2nd for pickup at the DPW on August 4th, 4-7pm, 20 Ponderosa Rd, Ashland, MA.
Franklin: order before August 9th for pick up at the Recreation Dept (former Town Hall) on August 11th, 4-7pm, 150 Emmons St., Franklin, MA.
Brookline: order before August 10th for pick up at the Transfer Station on August 12th, 4-7pm, 815 Newton St., Brookline, MA.

All events are open to all residents of the Charles River watershed!

Recent weather conditions have stressed both the environment and local public service departments.  Hot weather combined with little rain has caused stream flow levels to drop.  This puts pressure on plants and wildlife in our open spaces, streams and ponds; it also triggers necessary state restrictions on how much water can be taken from wells, streams and reservoirs by municipal water departments.  Lower withdrawal limits in many cases translate into outdoor watering restrictions, which are in place to keep our drinking water at a safe pressure.  High pressure is needed to fight fires and prevent contamination while a fire is being fought.  High levels of pumping during the summer months send utility costs at the water department skyrocketing, as well as adding to the cost of treating the water to meet drinking water standards.  Unfortunately most of this high quality drinking water will end up being used for outdoor watering.

A brief shower or thunderstorm equal to ¼ inch of rain will fill a rain barrel.  Homeowners will find that by using a rain barrel to water flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees they can water slowly and effectively with less water.  Sprinklers are inefficient because much of the water ends up running over compacted lawns or evaporating into the air.