As part of Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s efforts to reduce stormwater runoff, save residents money, and conserve drinking water, the City of Everett is once again offering a Rain Barrel Program to residents.
Mayor DeMaria stated, “I hope residents will take advantage of this great program. Not only will you save money by conserving drinking water, but you will be helping the environment at the same time.”
Stormwater runoff is the largest contributor to water pollution in our rivers and streams. One roof can produce hundreds of gallons of water runoff. Rain barrels collect water, which can be used to wash cars, water gardens and lawns, and save you money. By reducing the amount of stormwater runoff you will reduce the amount of nutrients and pollutants being carried from streets, parking lots and roofs to rivers and streams. Nutrients lead to increased algae and plant growth, which robs marine life of oxygen and can lead to large fish kills.
Patrick Herron, Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed, stated, “Rain barrels are a great way to raise awareness of stormwater issues and provides residents an opportunity to do their part. MyRWA wants to congratulate the Mayor on continuing to put energy toward improving the Malden and Mystic Rivers.”
Mayor DeMaria has made reducing stormwater runoff and improving the quality of our rivers and streams a priority. He has instituted an aggressive street sweeping policy to reduce nutrients and sediments from street surfaces, instituted a catch basin clean-out program and has proposed changes in zoning to reduce the amount of paved surfaces. In combination, these efforts reduce stormwater runoff, improve the quality of stormwater and recharges ground water sources, which reduces the potential for drought.
This past weekend as part of Earth Day educational activities volunteers placed eighty medallions on storm drains. The medallions highlighted and educated that water flowing through storm drains lead to the Malden and Mystic Rivers. In addition, Everett art teachers and students painted a sea creature mural coming out of storm drains.
The rain barrel arrives with simple instructions for fast and easy installation.
Special price for City residents: $65.00
Deadline for ordering: Saturday, May 6, 5:00 p.m.
Barrel pick up: Saturday, May 12, at 9 – 11 a.m. at Everett City Hall Parking Lot, 484 Broadway
To take advantage of this community program, please visit www.cityofeverett.com/DocumentCenter/View/3394
For more information, please contact Rachel Kelley at 617-394-5004.