With the clock ticking for the start of implementation of the new water meter system, North Bayite’s are starting to take some early action to cut back on water usage.
Vijanti Ramlogan Murphy, from Greening Nipissing says rain barrels are a practical way to conserve water.
“We’ve noticed that people are interested in getting rain barrels and there was anticipation to the water meters so people did understand that could help them conserve some water and not use city chlorinated water for their gardens or perhaps washing things around the house like the car or anything,” said Ramlogan Murphy.
Greening Nipissing is a non for profit organization that provides environmental education in the Nipissing District that has held workshops on how to best set up a rain barrel.
She says its not a coincidence to see more stores in North Bay selling various types of rain barrels.
“There has been more interest in rain barrels and what we found is that there are more locations now that can purchase rain barrels so for us we found that there’s a wider understanding of how to use them,” said Ramlogan Murphy.
Rain Barrels literally come in various shapes and sizes. The simple concept has a barrel set up underneath a storm drain coming off the roof of the residence. The barrels can be as inexpensive as $30.00 or a pottery style rain barrel urn could go for as much as $170.00.
Greening Nipissing officials also believe rain barrels are beneficial as capturing the rain water during strong storms conserves water that would flow through the storm sewers and into the lakes.
“Storms are more erratic now with climate change so I think people will feel good about participating in a solution and as well the plants are happier with that kind of water,” said Ramlogan Murphy.
Greening Nipissing used to run a rain barrel sale, and Ramlogan Murphy says they may look at selling them again if the interest continues to rise.
