(March 16, 2016) - The City of Oklahoma City and the Central Oklahoma Storm Water Alliance (COSWA) are partnering to encourage residents to conserve water and reduce pollution through the use of rain barrels.

The organizations are offering a discounted rain barrels online at www.upcycle-products.com starting $63.50 each. Residents should click on “order forms” on right side of web page and choose “Oklahoma Municipal Program.” The deadline to order is June 12.

“Rain barrels collect water that drains from your home’s gutter system.” Environmental Protection Manager Raymond Melton said. “Watering with rain water is better for your plants and it’s free.”

Oklahoma City Council passed an urban agriculture ordinance that allows a maximum of two 85-gallon rain barrels in the front yard. Any number of rain barrels can be placed on the side or back of property as long as they are not visible from the street. The containers must be securely covered and any openings must be covered with a screen that prevents the infestation of insects and other pests.

Rain barrels ordered online can be picked up between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on June 17 or between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on June 18 from the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 1621 S. Portland.

For more information about this special event contact Andrea Shelton, (405) 297-1797 or andrea.shelton@okc.gov.

Contact:  Andrea Shelton, 297-1797