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East County News Service
October 20, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Get ready to save the rain! Solana Center, in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority, will hold a rain barrel pick up event in El Cajon on November 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden during the annual Autumn Fest. East County residents can pre-order rain barrels (by Oct. 29) for pick up in El Cajon online at https://www.rainwatersolutions.com/products/solana-center
The Water Conservation Garden is located at Cuyamaca College, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W, El Cajon, CA 92019.
The discounted 50-gallon rain barrels cost $90 (retail price is $129). There is a $35 rebate through the San Diego County Water Authority’s Water Smart program, which brings the price to only $55 per rain barrel (that's a 40% saving)!
“Installing rain barrels is an easy way for people to make a difference!” said Jackie Bookstein, Community Engagement Coordinator at Solana Center. “You can get your rain barrels at Solana Center in Encinitas or during the Autumn Fest and Plant Sale at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, which is a full day of family-friendly activities.”
Last winter, the San Diego region received some much-needed rain. However, one wet winter doesn't make up for four years of historic drought. Even after last winter’s record rainfall, local government and water officials are urging residents to use rain barrels to capture the rain from their rooftops, which will save thousands of gallons of reusable water. San Diego receives only 10 inches of rain on average each year; however, just one inch of rain yields 650 gallons per every 1000 sq. ft. of roof space.
The public can view an informational video about rainwater harvesting and Solana Center’s rain barrel retail program online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1VcJtVaJRU.
In addition to saving water and money by collecting rainwater, rain barrels also help protect our watershed and oceans. Urban water runoff is a major source of ocean pollution. Rain barrels allow gardeners to collect and reuse rainwater on their plants. Rainwater is healthier for plants because it is free of the salts, minerals and chemicals that are found in treated water.
“An additional benefit of rainwater collection has to do with the connection between water and energy,” explained Jessica Toth, Solana Center’s Executive Director. “The largest single use of electricity in our region is for pumping water to us. Rainwater collection alleviates the need to transport water to our homes for landscaping.”
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