Sanders, Weprin Distribute Free Rain Barrels at Community Event in Richmond Hill

Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) joined Assembly Member David Weprin, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the Richmond Hill Economic Development Corporation to give out free rain barrels on Saturday at Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill.

Rain barrels capture storm water from your roof and store it for future uses like watering lawns or gardens. Conserving water saves money, helps the environment and reduces the burden on the city's drinking water system during the summer’s hottest days.

All 200 of the green barrels that were available at the event were distributed. Each weighed about ten pounds and could hold 65 gallons of water. The barrels came with hook up instructions and a Universal Downspout Rain Diverter Kit.

Basically to utilize the barrel, a piece of one’s roof gutter needs to be cut and inserted into the top of the barrel allowing for rain collection, while a hose would be attached to a hole at the bottom of the barrel so the water to be re-used.

“It was great to see so many residents taking advantage our rain barrel giveaway in Richmond Hill,” Sanders said. “Reusing rain is a great way to save money on water bills and help the environment.”

Many of the barrel recipients were excited to start using the vessels.

“I think this is a very good event,” said Suberina Dhannie of Richmond Hill. “I have many plants and I would like to conserve water.”

Floretta Sage of Springfield Gardens brought her friend Veronica Smart along to help her carry her rain barrel.

“This is a great way to catch water and save it for the plants,” Sage said. “Everybody wants a barrel. You can use less water and the plants grow better.”

Drew Bechu of Ozone Park had no problem carrying his rain barrel, hoisting it onto his shoulder with one arm and walking away.

“I am happy to be able to help the environment by using rain water instead of tap water for my plants,” Bechu said. “This is a great initiative by Senator Sanders and I am glad he decided to co-sponsor this event in the community.”