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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-05-07, Page 7Wednesday, May 7, 2014 • News Record 7 Rain barrel sales a booming success Tim Cumming Special to the News Record It was an idea that came from the commu- nity and one that is becoming reality thanks to the community. People who were part of the community advisory committee for the Main Bayfield Watershed Plan recommended rain barrels as a simple and effective way local residents and landowners could reduce erosion and runoff and protect water quality by harvesting rainwater. Three area schools and three other local community organizations got behind the idea through rain barrel sales. Local people then supported their efforts by purchasing and pick- ing up more than 320 rain barrels. Carissa Kyle is shown at Vanastra Recreation Centre on Saturday, April 26 with her family's new rain barrel. The three schools that took part in the recent rain barrel blitz and truckload sale were: Goderich District Collegiate Institute (GDCI) Green Industries Class; South Huron District High School (SHDHS) Eco Team, Exeter; and Seaforth Public School. The three other com- munity organizations to take part were: Bruce - field Community United Church; Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA); and Vanastra Recreation Centre. The idea for improving water quality through increased use of rain barrels grew out of the work of the Main Bayfield Watershed Plan Community Advisory Committee. "This community effort started with the local community advisory committee that devel- oped the Main Bayfield Watershed Plan," said Hope Brock, healthy watersheds technician with Ausable Bayfield Conservation. "The com- mittee recommended ways to protect and improve water quality in the area. One of their ideas was to get more people to use rain barrels." Once rain barrels are installed, they can hold up to 220 litres of rainwater per storm event. This water can then be used to water gardens, plants, lawns, and trees. Capturing rainwater helps to conserve clean water, protect water quality, and can help save homeowners money. This is very important during the hot summer months when water consumption can increase by 50 per cent. "A rain barrel is a simple and effective way for a landowner to harvest rainwater," Brock said. "A rain barrel can help people to meet increased water demands without adding extra pressure Roger Lewington picks up his rain barrel and homeowner's guide from volunteer Helen Varekamp during the pickup day for pre -ordered rain barrels on Saturday, April 26. ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! DEADLINES Our Weekly Deadlines are as follows: ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Friday @ 2:00 pm News Record 53 Albert St. S, Clinton PH: 519-482-3443 www.clintonnewsrecord.com OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm CLOSED TUESDAYS to municipal drinking water systems or private wells." One of the many benefits of a rain barrel is that water captured inside is not running off of land. Less runoff during a storm means less erosion, less topsoil loss, and less pollution reaching a storm sewer, creek, river, or lake. The community's work to develop and implement the Main Bayfield Watershed Plan is made possible thanks to financial support from The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation as well as ministries of the govern- ments of Ontario and Canada. For information on the Main Bayfield Water- shed Plan visit: http://www.abca.on.ca/page. php?page=bayfield-main For information on rain barrels visit: http:// www.abca.on.ca/page.php?page=rain-barrels Brucefield Community United Church volunteers were on hand as local residents picked up their pre -ordered rain barrels on Saturday, April 26. (from left to right) Joe Laurie; Norm Eckel; Jack Eckel; Jim Kirton; David Townsend; Robert McCartney; Cathy Mustard; and Colin Snyder. '4111k �LUSIVE VLEMENTS "We don't follow the trends...we set them!" GRAND RE -OPENING 11 Main Street - Bayfield, Ontario Sat, May 17th 10-5 Sun, May 18th 11-5 Mon, May 19th 11-5 Over $2500 in prizes will be given away!!! www. xclusiveelements.com