An increased level of concern about water conservation led to a supply of specialty rain barrels selling out in Langley City last weekend, according to organizers.
The barrels attach to existing downspouts on homes and collect rainwater, which the homeowner can then use to water their lawn and garden, wash their car or even top off their swimming pool.
The event, held on Sunday May 8, was a collaboration between the city of Surrey and both the Township and City of Langley.
“It was a tremendous success,” said Rick Bomhof, Langley City’s director of engineering, parks and environment.
The sale was held in the parking lot of Willowbrook Shopping Centre, where a truckload of about 870 rain collecting barrels was emptied.
Most of the barrels, were pre-sold online, with about 70 of them bought that day for $55 each.
“By harvesting rainwater, you can lower your water bill, improve your soil’s pH balance, reduce erosion, flooding and storm water run-off and help protect rivers, streams, lakes and the environment,” reads a page advertising the sale on the City’s website.
Bomhof said the City is looking at organizing another rain barrel sale for June.
He said the next event will likely be staffed by employees of either the Township or City of Surrey because the City of Langley paid for three of its people to staff Sunday’s event.