Thanks to a generous grant from Tipmont’s EnviroWatts program, Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC) and its partners have distributed over 140 rain barrels throughout the Greater Lafayette community. The rain barrels benefit the community in two ways.
First, during the summer months, watering lawns and gardens can make up almost 40% of household water use. Water collected in rain barrels can be used of from a garden hose, conserving water and reducing utility bills.
Second, the rain barrels prevent approximately 182,000 gallons of stormwater from entering the Wabash River annually.
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“Every time it rains, water gushes from downspouts across lawns and into local streets picking up pesticides, sediment, and nutrients before flowing into local storm drains leading to the Wabash River,” said Shannon Stanis, Watershed Coordinator for WREC.
“The rain barrel program has been incredibly popular and the community has expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to help the Wabash and lower utilities.”
The Wabash River Enhancement Corporation’s (WREC) mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Wabash River corridor by providing sustainable opportunities to improve health, recreation, education, economic development and environmental management. More information is available at wabashriver.net
