Cut water costs with rainwater storage barrels in Lake County

An unusual piece of equipment is on display at Wauconda Village Hall to encourage residents to consider water recycling.

The 55-gallon barrel is similar to those being sold by the village, Lincolnshire and the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District for residents interested in finding another way to go green.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to avoid wasting water, plus that water doesn't have the chlorides and other chemicals so it's healthier for your plants to use that water," said Lydia Scott, Lincolnshire's environmental service supervisor.

Buying the barrels through any of the local governments will cost $79, which is cheaper than those commercially sold by local home improvement stores, officials said.

The savings don't stop with the purchase itself, as conservation district officials are touting continual savings on water bills this summer.

"It's tough to quantify it, but it can save money on your water bill for watering flower beds for gardens," said Nick Spittlemeister, resource analysts for the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The water can also be used for washing windows and cars.

Scott said she owns two barrels, and warns only of a faint vinegar smell - as the barrels are recycled pickle, olive and pepper barrels from Greece.

The barrels are available in black, blue, gray and terra cotta. Accessories including hoses, gutter elbows and risers are also available on the conservation district's Web site.

Lake County residents who order the barrels are set to pick them up at the Lake County Fair Grounds on Peterson Road on May 12, noon to 7 p.m., and May 13, noon to 7 p.m.

Residents who order from Wauconda can pick them up at the Public Works Open House, at 302 Slocum Lake Road, Wauconda, on May 22, 10 a.m. to noon.

In Lincolnshire, residents can order rain barrels for pick up at the Rivershire Nature Center, at 45 Londonderry Lane, on May 14, 7 a.m. to noon, and May 15 9 to 11 a.m., Scott said.