OKC Residents Encouraged To Invest In Rain Barrels

The City of Oklahoma City has been asking all of us to conserve water. Last year, permanent odd/even outdoor watering went into effect. Now the next step: encouraging all of us to invest in rain barrels.

As part of the initiative, the city has worked out a deal for residents to buy rain barrels for $59.

Shauna Struby has had a 300 gallon rain water tank in her back yard for the past four or five years.

"It's been a Godsend and a blessing," she said.

Rain drains from her gutters right into her tank where it sits until she needs it to water her big garden.

"We can go almost the whole summer without having to use city water," Struby said.

This is what the city of Oklahoma City would like more of us to do.

"One of the major benefits is it's environmentally friendly," said Raymond Melton CPESC, CSI, the city's Environmental Protection Manager.

Rain collected before it hits the ground keeps contaminates from washing off your lawn and driveway. Rain water is also better for your plants and pocketbook.

Residents can order the barrels online starting at $59 plus $2.50 online handling fee. Residents should click on "order forms" on right side of web page and choose "Oklahoma City." The deadline to order is March 28.

Oklahoma City Council recently passed an urban agriculture ordinance that 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 a 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 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on April 4 or between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 5 from the City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 1621 S. Portland.

Residents can take a look at the rain barrels at the Oklahoma City Home and Garden Show, January 17-19 at booth #1645, sponsored by COSWA.