Norman residents looking to conserve water and reduce their environmental footprint can take advantage of the city’s annual rain barrel sale, now underway. The City of Norman, in collaboration with the Central Oklahoma Stormwater Alliance and Upcycle Products Inc., has launched the event dedicated to promoting water conservation and reducing stormwater runoff pollution and erosion, as reported by the City of Norman's official website.

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlighting that up to 40% of residential water is used for lawn and garden watering during the peak summer months, rain barrels present an efficient method to lower water usage. Homeowners could save roughly 1,300 gallons of water through the warmer growing season, simply by implementing a rain barrel system for irrigation. The high-density polyethylene barrels used for the program were once employed to transport food goods and have been repurposed after thorough cleaning—preventing them from amassing in landfills, while also conserving water resources, as per the City of Norman.

To support homeowners in the Lake Thunderbird watershed, a fresh incentive is available this year: eligible residents can receive free installation of the rain barrels. Inquiries about qualification for the free service can be directed to Michelle Chao, the City of Norman’s Environmental Programs Supervisor, at her email address: [email protected].

Interested parties should act promptly, with mail-in order forms required by March 27 and online orders closing on March 30. The subsequent collection of pre-ordered barrels is scheduled for April 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and April 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at a designated pickup point located at 668 E. Lindsey Street, Norman. Prospective buyers should note, no sales will occur on-site—pre-ordering is mandatory, even for non-residents, as outlined in the City of Norman announcement.