In Jonny Howard’s backyard, a 50-gallon barrel is catching raindrops off his rooftop.
The 21-year-old UF finance junior, who bought the barrel when he moved off-campus, uses the conserved water for a small garden in his backyard.
Alachua County’s Environmental Protection Department is also encouraging residents to buy barrels and help conserve rainwater, said Stacie Greco, the Alachua County water conservation coordinator.
The barrels can be purchased through the county’s website for $75, Greco said. The retail cost of the rain barrel is $129.
The barrels capture water that runs off the roof of a home and keeps the water from running into a yard or street, which could contribute to flooding and pollution, she said.
But residents can use the water from the barrels for household chores and gardening, she said. The barrel can connect to a hose, making it easy to use.
“This program is an important step to- ward protecting clean water in our community from storm-water pollution because it offers an inexpensive and proven option to help people make a difference in their own backyards,” Greco said.
Howard said his mother had his family use one when he lived back at home.
“I think it’s going to be a beneficial way for the city to prevent pollution and be more resourceful.”
