Hamilton County SWCD Rain Barrel Program
The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District saw great growth in its rain barrel sales program in 2018.
For the sixth year, the SWCD partnered with the City of Noblesville Clean Stormwater program to make 50-75 rain barrels available to City of Noblesville residents at a reduced rate. The District accepts pre-orders from city residents who are required to verify their address and take an online water quality pledge. Participants are able to pick up their barrels from the District barrel pick up even in May. This program allows us to connect with many residents who have never heard of the SWCD and make a connection over rain barrels that can shift into stronger conservation efforts and education.
In 2018, the SWCD also accepted pre-orders in its open rain barrel sale. Barrels were able to be pre-ordered online and again made available for pick up at the same pick up event. Allowing for pre-orders allowed the SWCD to overcome the issue of having enough rain barrels on hand due to storage issues. 70 barrels were pre-ordered and 30 additional barrels were sold/are available in the office. 4 urn barrels were also sold.
Additionally, through the Rain on Main painted rain barrel silent auction and art competition, 20 65-gallon urn style barrels were auctioned off raising over $2,000 for water quality educational signage in Carmel Parks. This event is a partnership between the City of Carmel Stormwater, the SWCD, and Carmel Utilities. Local artists paint the barrels that are then displayed along Main Street in Carmel before being auctioned off at the Carmel Farmers Market. Prizes are awarded to artists through the judged art competition and an online people’s choice voting system.
Overall, the District will sell 175 rain barrels this year. While rain barrels don’t have the largest conservation impact, they are a great way to connect with new county residents and an opportunity to forge new partnership and relationships with municipalities and customers.
Questions? More info? Contact Claire Lane at 317-773-2181 or Claire.lane@hamiltoncounty.in.gov