Rain Barrels

Rain Barrel Rebates

Springfield and Greene County residents are eligible for a rain barrel rebate of 50 cents per gallon for rain barrels and larger rainwater harvesting systems purchased and installed after February 15, 2016.  The maximum rebate per property is $300.  Visit James River Basin Partnership to learn more and apply for a rebate.  The rain barrel rebate program is administered by James River Basin Partnership and funded by the City of Springfield, Greene County, and City Utilities of Springfield. 

What is a Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel is a barrel or larger tank or cistern used to collect and store rain water from rooftops. Rain barrels or larger systems are installed to make use of rain water for later use. Stored water may be used to water indoor and outdoor potted plants and landscaped areas, clean off gardening tools, wash your car, and for other non-potable uses.

Why Install a Rain Barrel?

An average home with a roof size of 1,000 square feet will generate approximately 600 gallons of water from a 1-inch rainfall. Collecting and using this water with rain barrels helps reduce the demand on public and private water supplies, and reduces pollution, flooding, and erosion in local waterways by reducing stormwater runoff.

Rain Barrels & Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are generally not an issue in closed rain barrel systems. If mosquitoes become an issue with open-top screened rain barrels, place a mosquito "dunk" or "donut" in the barrel to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. These products are non-toxic, inexpensive, and widely available.