MARY ANNE GATES

Huntertown has received a second delivery of 100 dual-purpose rain barrels, which are available free to Huntertown water utility customers.

“It’s a great program. The rain barrels are really going fast,” Town Council President Brandon Seifert said.

People who live within Huntertown corporate limits and want a rain barrel should email utility.office@huntertown.in.gov and request a pledge. Rain barrels are distributed after the completed pledge is returned.

The barrels collect water during rainstorms and provide free water for vegetable gardens, flower beds and shrubs. The rain barrels also help ease the burden on Huntertown’s sewer system by initially collecting rainwater, especially in heavy downpours.

“I like that I can catch rainwater, and it is basically free water,” Zach Houser, a Huntertown resident. “In the summertime when it’s really hot, we use about 30 gallons of water every time we water our garden and our flowers.”

“Excess water takes up valuable space in the sewer system. In heavy downpours the sewer system can get full of storm water,” Seifert said. “Couple that with our growth … the rain barrels are a community improvement and make the community better.”

Houser estimates it took him about 30 to 45 minutes to set up his rain barrel. He also plans to ask the Town Council for a second rain barrel. Residents will be able to choose brown or tan barrels in the latest shipment of the sturdy, plastic rainwater catchers.

“We will reevaluate this in the fall. If we are out of barrels, I am going to ask council how they feel about ordering more barrels,” Seifert said.

Clerk-treasurer Ryan Schwab said the cost of the 100 eco-friendly barrels most recently ordered, and the stands for the barrels, plus shipping cost $10,465.