Rain barrels aid summer water conservation

April 3, 2025 · 0 Comments

Written By JAMES MATTHEWS

Dufferin County has a rain barrel subsidy program, and that’s why Mono doesn’t offer a municipal version.

However, Mono resident Anthony Hosein said a municipal rain barrel program will help the town’s residents better conserve water.

Mike Dunmore, the town’s CAO, said there had been discussions in the past when a climate change committee of council existed. But Dufferin County has such a program to which Mono residents can apply.

“But the Town of Mono at this time does not have one running,” Dunmore said. “We have the basis for it and how to run it, but that was never put forward to council this year.”

“So any resident of Mono should approach the county for a rain barrel,” Mayor John Creelman said.

Dunmore said he’d like to follow up with Hosein after he gets some more information about the program.

Dufferin County has a line item for a rain barrel subsidy program in its 2025 operating and capital budget. It’s indicated that $25,000 has been earmarked for subsidies. The county also has plans to put aside that amount for the program in 2026.

The county suggests rain barrels be installed as a means to collect rain and roof snowmelt to decrease the amount of water absorbed by the ground around homes.

Harvested precipitation can be put to use during dryer summer months. The collected water can help maintain gardens, and lawns, or provide a source of drinking and bathing water to local birds and wildlife without putting stress on the water table.

And the county even offers tips on installing rain barrels.

Make sure it has an overflow discharge pipe that releases water at least two metres away from the house’s foundation. Keep the rain barrel and water diverter clear of debris. And inspect it for cracks and leaks, and do necessary repairs.

As always drain the barrel before winter.