With the DuPage Water Commission raising its rates for the third straight year, Glen Ellyn residents have an opportunity to save a little money and make a positive impact on the environment. The Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission has announced a $40 reimbursement program for the purchase of rain barrels.
Rain barrels are a simple, efficient, low-cost method for homeowners to collect and recycle mineral-rich and chlorine-free rain. Instead of running down lawns and driveways to sewers, water is directed from a roof downspout into a 50- to 85-gallon barrel where it is stored for later use. The weight of the water and gravity forces the contents out of a spigot located at the bottom of the barrel either into a bucket or through a standard garden hose. Not intended for human consumption, the water is typically used for watering house and garden plants or to wash cars, decks and outdoor furniture.
Rain Barrels are priced around $80 and can be purchased at a variety of Glen Ellyn businesses. In order to be eligible for the reimbursement program, rain barrels must be purchased on or after June 10, 2010, and the resident must provide proof of purchase and a photo of the rain barrel installed on their property. The program also stipulates that the barrel be engineered to keep out mosquitoes. Funds for the reimbursement of only 50 rain barrels have been allocated, so residents are encouraged to act fast should they be interested (one reimbursement per household permitted).
For additional information or questions on the Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program, please contact Kristen Schrader, Environmental Commission Staff Liaison, at 630-469-5000. If you are interested in receiving reimbursement for a rain barrel purchase made on or after June 10, 2010, please submit the below application to the Village of Glen Ellyn Administration Department, 535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
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