Drinking water in Sutton (#4 of 4) – Storing and using rainwater
The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) of the Town of Sutton presents a series of 4 informative capsules on the theme of drinking water, its availability, its management and its sustainable use. For this fourth and final capsule, the Town of Sutton is pleased to announce the implementation of a program to subsidize and distribute rainwater harvesting barrels!
Benefits of rainwater harvesting
Did you know that drinking water consumption can double during the summer due to uses outside your home (source: MAMH)? Watering lawns, gardens and flowerbeds, as well as washing cars, can account for up to 30% of total domestic water consumption (source: Ville de Granby). Good watering and gardening practices can help avoid wasting water.
One strategy for saving drinking water is rainwater harvesting.
Indeed, the easiest water to recover is that which runs off roofs, which is collected using a rainwater harvesting barrel. Installing such a system reduces, if not eliminates, the use of drinking water outside the home, and offers several advantages:
- Harvesting rainwater from a 30 m2 roof can collect no less than 10,000 liters of water during the summer season (source: Arroser futé).
- Water from a rain barrel can be used at any time to water plants or wash cars, notwithstanding municipal watering regulations.
- Warm temperature, non-chlorinated water is best for watering plants.
- You can use a hose with small holes for drip watering your lawn, hedge or garden.
Subsidy program and distribution of rainwater harvesting barrels
The Town of Sutton is setting up a subsidy program for the purchase of rainwater harvesting barrels. The goal is to help save considerable quantities of drinking water from both the town’s aqueduct and private wells.
220-litre barrels, valued at $115, will be available at a cost of $50 for Sutton residents. For this first phase, 50 barrels will be distributed on Saturday July 15 from 12 pm to 4 pm at the Town Hall parking. A representative of the company that makes the barrels, Les Bariteux, will be present to distribute the barrels and explain their operation and maintenance.
To reserve your barrel, send an e-mail with your name and address to [email protected]. Payment will be required upon delivery of the barrel, in cash only and with the exact amount. Proof of residence must be shown on site.
Model
- Recycled food barrel (more ecological)
- 220 liters (58 gallons)
- With chamfered base, debris/insect screen on top and overflow
- Barrel size: 3.5′ x 2′ (106cm x 61 cm)
Brief instructions
- Install on a flat, solid surface (patio slabs) and elevate to about 30-60 cm (1-2′) so you can slide a watering can under the faucet.
- Water from your barrel will drain by gravity.
- Cut the gutter and redirect it with a pipe or gutter elbow a few centimetres above the filter.
- Direct the overflow away from the building.
- Annual maintenance:
- Remove debris, leaves and needles regularly to avoid clogging the screen.
- Before freezing, separate your barrel from the gutter system and turn it upside down.
- Replace the original gutter system for the winter season.
Share your tips!
If you or someone you know has a clever trick for saving drinking water, or has set up a rainwater catchment and storage system, whether for watering your garden, filling your pool, flushing your toilet or anything else, we invite you to share your experience and any tips you may have for potential interested citizens. Send us your photos and testimonials to [email protected]
Sources:
MAMH, Campagne Mon empreinte bleue
Town of Granby, Programme de subvention baril récupérateur d’eau de pluie
Arroser futé, Récupération de l’eau
Les Bariteux, Barils récupérateurs d’eau de pluie