OKC Officials Encourage Resident To Conserve Water With Rain Barrels

Officials with the City of Oklahoma City and the Central Oklahoma Storm Water Alliance (COSWA) are partnering to encourage residents to conserve water and reduce pollution through the use of rain barrels.

The organizations are offering discounted rain barrels online starting at $61 plus $2.50 online handling fee. Residents should click on “order forms” on the right side of the web page and choose “Oklahoma City.” The deadline to order is March 15.

Order the rain barrels online now.

“Rain barrels collect water that drains from your home's gutter system,” said Environmental Protection Manager Raymond Melton. “Watering with rain water is better for your plants and it's free.”

The City's urban agriculture ordinance allows a maximum of two 85-gallon rain barrels in the front yard. Any number of rain barrels can be placed on the side or back of property as long as they are not visible from the street. The containers must be securely covered and any openings must be covered with a screen that prevents the infestation of insects and other pests.

Rain barrels ordered online can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on March 20 or between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on March 21 from the City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 1621 S. Portland.

Residents can take a look at the rain barrels at the Oklahoma City Home and Garden Show, which takes place from January 16 through the 18th at booth #1645, sponsored by COSWA.

For more information about this special event contact Raymond Melton at (405)-297-2179 or raymond.melton@okc.gov.