Program Focuses on Rain Barrels to Conserve Water, Save Money

The village's next Green Village Lecture Series program will teach residents how to use rain barrels as a means of conserving water -- and cash.

Jim Kleinwachter, a land protection specialist with The Conservation Foundation, will lead the presentation, which is being held at 7 p.m. March 14 at the , 15025 S. Illinois St.

Rain barrels allow you to capture runoff water from your roof that can be used to water watering gardens, wash cars and for other purposes, which not only reduces water bills but helps the environment. The presentation also kicks off the village's annual discounted rain barrel and composter sales program; orders are currently being accepted.

According The Conservation Foundation of Naperville:

• The average homeowner uses an average 40 percent of their household watering the garden and yard in the summer.
• Collecting the mineral rich and chlorine free rain that falls on your roof can help your garden, houseplants and reduce your water bill.
• Modern rain barrels are sealed, safe around children and insect resistant.
  A hose spigot on the front makes the captured rainwater available.
• Keeping the rain that falls on our property, utilizing it and not allowing it to run off will help recharge the water supply and reduce the stress on our creeks and rivers.
• A quarter-inch of rain falling on the average home yields over 200 gallons of water.

The Green Village lecture series is co-sponsored by the village and the library, and sessions are held the second Monday of every month. To attend one, register at http://Plainfield.lib.il.us/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.

For more information about The Conservation Foundation, go to www.theconservationfoundation.org.