The Buzzards Bay Action Committee and the Town of Acushnet are partnering with the Great American Rain Barrel Company in Hyde Park to offer rain barrels to local residents, including those in Rochester, Mattapoisett and Marion, as part of a conservation and sustainability program.

Residents that use a rain barrel collect as much as 1,500 gallons in a season. This will save existing or new landscaping when a dry spell hits and supplement outdoor water usage, which spikes during the growing season. Rain barrels are also important to reduce runoff from homes and developments that can harm existing water sources because they flood storm drains and discharge pollutants. Rain barrels are chlorine free and a good source of water for plants and gardens.

Barrels are easily connected to the downspouts and fill quickly. In this region there is typically 16 inches of rain from May 1 to Sept. 30. For every inch of rainfall a 1,000 square foot surface can collect 620 gallons of water. That is a significant source of water that homeowners could be tapping into for free. Based on the average roof size, more than two 60 gallon rain barrels would fill for every ⅕ inch of rainfall. The Great American Rain Barrel Company recommends one barrel for every 100 square feet of garden. Multiple barrels are easily linked together for additional collection and storage.

The barrels are offered in three colors – forest green, earth brown or Nantucket gray – at the cost of $69, 40 percent off the retail price of $119. This price includes an additional $10 savings because Acushnet is handling the distribution.

To purchase a barrel, go to www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com, click on “Community Programs” and look for “BBAC - Acushnet,” email info@tgarb.com, or call 1-800-251-2352. Prepaid barrels will be available for pick up: Saturday, May 20, 9-11 a.m. at the Acushnet Department of Public Works Recycling Center, 700 Middle Road, Acushnet.