Have you always wanted a rain barrel? Toronto residents can get them for under $10 under city program | CBC News

Toronto residents can purchase rain barrels and downspout diverters for less than $10 starting Wednesday through a city pilot program. Free delivery is provided for eligible orders. The program aims to conserve water by enabling residents to collect and reuse rainwater for gardens and landscaping. Rainwater can support healthier gardens, reduce outdoor tap water use, and lower water bills. Warmer and drier summer conditions increase outdoor water demand, making rainwater collection more useful. All Toronto properties can participate with limits of two rain barrels and one downspout diverter per eligible property. Participation requires an address within city limits with a postal code starting with M. A rain barrel connects to a roof downspout, stores runoff, and includes a tap for plant watering, a screen for debris, and an overflow hose. A downspout diverter automatically redirects water into the barrel when empty and back through the downspout when full.

"Toronto residents can buy a rain barrel and downspout diverter for less than $10 starting Wednesday as part of a new city pilot program to make it easier to collect and use rainwater at home. Delivery is free, the city says, adding on its website that the rain barrel program supports its efforts to conserve water. Rainwater can help grow healthier gardens, use less tap water outdoors and save on water bills, it says."

"“Warmer and drier summer conditions are contributing to increased outdoor water use for lawns and gardens,” the city said. “Rain barrels help to conserve water for your garden and support sustainable landscaping practices.” All Toronto properties can take part in the program, but there is a limit of two rain barrels and one downspout diverter per eligible property, according to the city."

"A rain barrel is a container connected to a roof through a downspout. When it rains, water runs off the roof and into the eavestrough. A downspout directs the water into the rain barrel, where it is stored for later use. A tap at the bottom of the barrel allows residents to use the stored water for plants and gardens. A screen at the top of each rain barrel keeps out debris and an overflow hose will draw excess water away."

"A downspout diverter, meanwhile, is a device installed on a downspout to direct water into the rain barrel. When the rain barrel is full, the diverter will automatically redirect water back through the downspout to drain it safely away from a building. Residents need to live within city limits to take part To participate, an address must be located within the city and have a postal code starting with the letter M."

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