Rain Barrel Yields Better Water for Lawn & Garden

We’re excited about spring! It’s coming March 20 and it’s got us into a golfing, gardening, and traveling mood. Or how about sun, fun, and a pre-America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk run!

But first order of business…post winter clean up. That’s the thing here in the Utica area. Our lawns get littered with fallen branches and salt and dirt from snow plows. And garbage we didn’t even know was there suddenly reveals its unholy mess.

So we visited the website of the Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority. We wondered what is appropriate to put out to the curb. How to recycle junk from the garage. And what about getting rid of old paint cans.

But we discovered something else. And it’s pretty cool. The Authority is promoting a compost bin and rain barrel sale.

You’ve seen the ever-present home gutter ads in the paper and in your mail. That got us thinking that a rain barrel may be a good idea. An easy way to make use of the rain water that falls naturally from our homes.

Here’s what we found…

Advantages of Rain Barrels

A rain barrel is situated on the ground below the downspout. It collects water from the roof during a rainstorm. The beauty is that the water is diverted from storm drains. That minimizes sewer overflows and runoff to streams.

Even better, you can use the water for your lawn and garden. You can also top of your swimming pool and wash your car with it. And rainwater is obviously untreated. Therefore, it has an ideal pH level for lawn and plant growth.

So now you don’t have to use your tap water for the garden, lawn, or car. That decreases the amount of water that needs to be treated for household use. And it saves on your water bill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a rain barrel can save homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water each summer.

Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority Rain Barrel

As we said, the Solid Waste Authority has a sale on rain barrels. Orders are taken online but must be made by April 6. Pick-up starts on April 22, 2022.

Some of the features of the barrels available from the Authority (complete list on Authority website):

• 55 gallon/208 liter barrel
• Insect resistant stainless steel screen
• Higher spigot accommodates most watering cans
• Easy multi-barrel installations
• Childproof lid and stable footprint
• Square shape for better flush-to-wall and corner installations

You can also get discounts on a compost bin and accessories.

Flood Insurance at Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig

All said and done, it looks like a rain barrel is a great, eco-friendly way to enhance your garden and save money. We wonder if there would be less flooding in Oneida and Herkimer Counties if everyone had one.

Which reminds us, spring is also a time of damaging floods in the Utica area. Remember, flood isn’t covered on your homeowners insurance policy. But we offer flood insurance at rates that may surprise you. So give us a call at 315.792.0000 or get in touch via email.

We look forward to speaking with you about all your insurance. Home, car, and business, we’re here to serve you.

And happy spring Mohawk Valley!

Until next time,
Your SZW team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.