Sales for 2024 are now closed! Check back in spring 2025.

Rain barrel program

Customers looking to buy sustainable products and take climate action - take note! We are now offering repurposed rain barrels that help divert waste from landfills and reduce treated water use. You can order two rain barrels per utility account.

Benefits

Here are a few of the environmental benefits of using a rain barrel:

Reduced reliance on treated water: Pumping and purifying treated water requires a lot of energy. Using rainwater for your garden will conserve this valuable resource and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced strain on sewer systems: Rain barrels divert rainwater runoff away from overloaded sanitary and storm sewer systems, helping to prevent overflows and pollution.
Cost savings: Watering your plants with free rainwater reduces your water consumption, lowering your water bill.
Healthy plants: Rainwater naturally contains minerals that can benefit plants, often better than treated tap water.

Rain barrel features

repurposed from durable plastic barrels that were once used to store food (some scratches, dents or markings are expected)
Colours: terracotta and black.
hold 220 litre/55 gallons
include a leaf and mosquito filter basket, spigot/tap, overflow adaptor and overflow hose
dimensions are approximately 23 inches wide and 38 inches tall
weight is approximately 20 lbs
2-year warranty for all parts from purchase date, under standard use

Cost

We provide rain barrels at 'our cost' and do not profit from the sales. Rain barrels cost $71, including HST and delivery. This charge will be added to your Utilities Kingston bill.

How to order

Sales are now closed. Please check back in spring 2025.

Delivery

The barrels will be delivered to the service address on the account. No delivery appointment is required, and you do not need to be home to receive your rain barrel.

Availability

Rain barrels are available to residents of the municipality of Kingston, who receive a utility bill from Utilities Kingston. Orders must be placed by the account holder, and your account must be in good standing. The sale of rain barrels ends September 30, 2024, or while quantities last. Quantities are limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Installation and maintenance

Rain barrels are easy to install:

Ensure the ground beneath the rain barrel is firm and level. You may want to consider using cinder blocks and a patio stone as a base, to provide more gravity for water flow.
Cut the downspout four to six inches above the top of the barrel.
Install a short flexible pipe or a downspout elbow onto the cut downspout to direct water into the top of the barrel.
Keep the remaining portion of the downspout so it can be reconnected when the rain barrel is winterized.
Run the overflow hose either back into the drain or into a nearby garden.

Multiple rain barrels can be installed in tandem to increase capacity.

Learn more at https://rainbarrel.ca/instructions/#assembly

In the winter, simply turn the barrel over so that water does not accumulate and freeze, then re-install the downspout to direct water away from your foundation.

Contact

If you experience technical difficulties with the order form or if you require the information in a different format, please call customer service at 613-546-1181, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, or email us at conservation@utilitieskingston.com .