Taking a pro-active stance regarding the safeguarding and consumption of water, The County of Will in Illinois (through its Stormwater Management Planning Committee), is offering its residents the opportunity to purchase a rain barrel.
Each rain barrel being sold has a rather interesting background as to how it came to be available for sale through the County. Every barrel sold has been refurbished by The Conservation Foundation located out of Naperville, Illinois ... but every barrel has taken a long journey before arriving at the Foundation.
These refurbished barrels were once used to hold and transport pickles, olives, or relishes from places as far away as South American, Greece, and the Middle East. They ended up in Naperville to become rain barrels.
A 3-year study, The Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Supply/Demand Plan, completed in March of 2010 ... was conducted with the future water needs and demands of Will County (and the entire Northeastern region of Illinois) in mind. Through this study, consideration was given to plans and programs that would address and guide future water usage allowing affordable and adequate water for all Regional uses ... including those that support the area's economic development, protection o
f "green" ecosystems, and agriculture.
Recognizing the impact that the last decade's growth has had on the region, and most specifically Will County, the Stormwater Management Planning Committee is stepping up and promoting rain barrels as a conservation method to protect the County's water supply for the future.
Rain barrels have proven to not only save dollars on a water bill, but land from erosion. The rain water collected in barrels becomes available for outdoor home uses, such as watering plants and gardens, lawn care, washing cars, and more. The water collected is not meant for human ingestion.
This will be the 4th year that The Conservation Foundation is making these re-furbished barrels available for sale. Over 6,000 barrels have been sold, so far. Each barrel sells for $80 each, and comes in gray, 
terra cotta, or black.
To order a rain barrel, call the Will County Land Use Department @ 815.774.3321. Request to speak to someone in the Engineering Department that is assisting with the rain barrel sales. Information on how to install your new rain barrel can be found at: www.theconservationfoundation.org.
Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President
Personal NMLS #216987
The Federal Savings Bank
1823 Centre Point Circle, Naperville, IL 60563
Skype! 630-219-1316
Gene
Thanks for this great information. I'm a tree-hugger type from way back - I've been composting for years and have always thought I should get a rain barrel. I'm wondering if I can order one even if I don't live in Will County?
Great plan! I recently installed two rain barrels, but can see that I want more! We always need to think about water conservation in Texas. Margaret, they are all over the net, many with no shipping charges and for just a bit more than Gene mentioned.
Margaret: Not sure ... but I will check. If it turns out that you cannot ... I'd be glad to get one and hook-up with you to deliver it. I'll let you know what I find out ...
Shelley: Thanks for the info on the rain barrels! It was kind of you to "chirp in" and give us the info. Much appreciated!
Gene
Gene-
We have been planning to do this for a while now. My mom uses one and has great success. I should put it on the summer to do list.
Rich
Rich: Most definitely. Why lose the benefits and savings of this rainwater? BTW ... I use the water from my dehumidifier in the basement for plant boxes and planters. Works beautifully and also saves time and money. Same great idea as the rain barrel ... and many people already have the dehumidifier in their homes.
Gene
Hi,
Is there any kind of discount or rebate program for purchasing a rain barrel and/or compost bin in Will county? There is in Cook county. I would love to take advantage of the benefits of collectining rain water and using a compost bin but they are more than we can afford.
Thank you,
Yolanda
Yolanda: My suggestion would be to call the Will County Land Use Department (815-774.3321) and ask ... as nothing I saw contained the answer to that question within it. I agree that the advantages of the rain barrel and compost bin both outweight the initial cost. I appreciate your reading my post .. and I wish I had a more definitive answer for you. If I can be of assistance in any other manner, please let me know. Good luck ...
Gene