Santa Cruz currently has a stage 1 water restriction in effect. Two years of below average rainfall have resulted in our current water shortage.
The good news is that there is something you can do to help, beyond taking daily measures to limit your water use.
The City of Santa Cruz is offering rain barrel’s to SCMU customers at a deeply discounted rate through the City of Santa Cruz Rain Barrel Program.
Rain barrel’s typically run $100 or more, and the one being handed out by the City of Santa Cruz can be found online for $160. The City of Santa Cruz Rain Barrel Program enables you to get your hands on these rain barrels for only $30 each.
Benefits of Using Rain Barrels
Want to see just how much water your household is consuming? Check out this interactive water calculator. You might be shocked at how much water it takes to run a typical household. Once you run the numbers it’s easy to see why we should all be doing our part to conserve water.
A rainwater collection system, according to the almighty Wikipedia, can yield 623 gallons of water from 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof. That’s a whole lot of water that you can use for your lawn and garden.
Rain barrels also provide additional benefits besides conserving water. 40% of residential water use during summer months is used for landscaping and irrigation. All that watering can add up, and repurposing rainwater will help to reduce your water bill.
Rain barrels also help reduce runoff, and may just keep your plants healthier since rainwater is free of additives often found in tap water.
How to Get Your Rain Barrel
Head over to the Rain Barrel Program website to order online.
Quantities are limited, and orders are limited to 4 barrels per household.
Hi Ethan – the City’s rain barrel sale was so popular, they extended the program. Customers can now order through April 3, with pickup scheduled for April 12 – thought you’d like to know!
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for letting us know! Glad to hear that the program has been a success.