Are you ready for fall? Are you ready to start working in your garden? You will need lots of water! You can store rainwater for your plants this fall by using a rain barrel, available for sale from the Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District. This will save you money and improve water quality.

Thousands of gallons of water run off roofs in a rain storm. This water picks up sediment, oils, and chemicals as the water rushes to the storm drain which flows directly into your creeks! Help reduce that runoff by using a rain barrel. Visit the Web site www.mecklenburgconservation.com and click " Rain Barrel Sales" under Annual Events to view pictures of barrels and to order a rain barrel.

Please reserve your rain barrel before August 31. The rain barrels will be available for payment and pick up on Saturday, September 15 at the Hal Marshall County Services Center, 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, from 9 a.m. - noon.

This sale offers three sizes of rain barrels, manufactured by RainBarrelUSA:
- 55-gallon barrel for $60 (This is the last time 55-gallon barrels will be available).
- 60-gallon barrel for $85
- 80-gallon barrel for $100

One inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof equals about 625 gallons of water, so save the rain now for use in the spring time. Not only are you conserving a vital natural resource, you may save a little on your water bill.

The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District is a local organization working with residents, agencies, and business owners to plan and direct programs for the conservation and development of natural resources. For more information on the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District, check the Web site www.mecklenburgconservation.com or call 704-336-2455.