The village of Oswego is working with The Conservation Foundation in providing rain barrels for residents. (Photo courtesy The Conservation Foundation)

The village of Oswego, in partnership with The Conservation Foundation, is selling rain barrels.

Rain barrels are large containers that capture stormwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost as runoff. Modern barrels are sealed, safe around children, and insect resistant.

Users divert water from your downspout to fill the rain barrel. A hose spigot on the front makes the water easy to access and use. Per the Conservation Foundation, approximately 40 percent of total household water use during the summer months is for watering lawns and gardens.

Rainwater is a sustainable solution for watering flowers and gardens, or washing cars and windows.

Residents should place their orders before April 18. Rain barrels will cost $60 and can be ordered through the Conservation Foundation’s website at http://www.upcycle-products.com/static.asp?path=4387.

When ordering, select the village of Oswego order form on the right sidebar and choose to deliver the barrel to your home for an additional $5, or choose municipal pick up for no additional charge.

Orders placed prior to April 18 for municipal pick up are to be collected at the Environmentally Conscious Oswego (ECO) commission’s Reuse and Recycle Extravaganza from 8 a .m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23 at the Village of Oswego Public Works Facility, located at 100 Theodore Drive.

Rain barrels should be collected from this facility prior to 2 p.m. on April 23.

Rain barrels may be ordered for home delivery from now until Christmas.

For more information, contact Aaron Howe at (630) 551.2343 or by email at ahowe@oswegoil.org.

— Oswego encourages residents to order rain barrels —