On Saturday, November 13, 2021, Flows To Bay held an event to distribute 330 USA-made, 50-gallon rain barrels purchased during its pilot program to San Mateo County residents. Residents from 18 of the county’s 20 cities and towns and unincorporated areas, picked up their barrels at the City of San Mateo Public Works facility located at 1949 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA.
Launched in late September as an effective water capture and conservation strategy against California’s ongoing drought condition, rain barrels for this program sold out in just four weeks. By capturing rainwater during the upcoming wet winter months, rain barrels help cut back potable water used for irrigation and can help mitigate future drought conditions by providing storage for drier months. Captured rainwater is ideal for outdoor use, but can also be used to offset some indoor water use, such as taking care of houseplants.
“This program aimed to educate residents about the water conservation and pollution prevention aspects of rain while providing an easy and affordable way to take action. The countywide rain barrel rebate funded by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County and agency partners coupled with this rain barrel program is just one way that we hope to underscore just how valuable water is as a resource. Clean water, a healthy community—it’s truly a team effort!”
Reid Bogert, C/CAG Stormwater Program Specialist
Beyond water conservation, capturing rainwater also improves the water quality of our local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall funnels into streets, collecting urban pollutants from all surfaces, including roofs. These pollutants then flow into storm drains and nearby waterways without treatment. Runoff is the number one source of pollution in our waterways nationwide. Rain barrels help reduce the number of pollutants that reach our waterways.
Just how much of an impact did this program have?
At 50-gallon capacity a piece, the purchased rain barrels from this program would collectively capture up to 16,500 gallons of water each time the barrels are filled—which would only require an eighth of an inch of rain falling on a 500 square foot roof area. After just one inch of rain, perhaps over a couple of weeks to allow refilling, these rain barrels could capture as much as 132,000 gallons!
The initial goal for this program was to get 100 rain barrels sold, but the program maxed out the available inventory with over triple that amount. Flows To Bay is also working on a solution to provide the almost 200 San Mateo County residents on the current waitlist with the same great offer, once inventory is available and a new host site is selected. Residents interested in signing up for the waitlist may do so at flowstobay.org/waitlist.
“This is exactly the kind of engagement and community support we are seeking to provide through the Countywide Stormwater Program and our longstanding partnership with BAWSCA on the Rain Barrel Rebate Program. As seen through the tremendous interest in and enthusiastic turnout for this unique pre-order rain barrel campaign event, our residents are thirsty for ways to improve their sustainable use of water, help protect the environment, and buffer the effects of climate change, locally and beyond. We’re thrilled with the results of this pilot campaign, and look forward to expanding it in future years.”
Marie Chuang, Chair of the C/CAG Board of Directors and Councilmember, Town of Hillsborough
Residents may still take advantage of the rain barrel rebate program with any qualifying rain barrel purchase. To learn more visit flowstobay.org/rainbarrel.
