Praying for rain? When it does start to rain, harvest rain water with a rain barrel. You can store rainwater for your plants with a rain barrel.  This will save you money and improve water quality.

Rain barrels tend to fill up fast.  One inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof equals about 625 gallons of water.  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.

This sale is first come, first served.  Approximately one hundred rain barrels will be available for payment and pick up on Saturday, November 17 at the Hal Marshall County Services Center, 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities will also be available at the sale to answer questions about water conservation.

This sale offers two sizes of rain barrels, manufactured by RainBarrelUSA:
- 60-gallon barrel for $85
- 80-gallon barrel for $100

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.