Green Initiatives Task Force Promoting Rain Barrels

In late February, Mayor Suzanne Branding named seven people to a new Task Force for Green Initiatives. 

The group, made up only of volunteers, has a charter to explore eco-friendly steps all Lake Zurich residents can take to help the environment. One such initiative the group is taking on is the sale of rain barrels.

The barrels, which are being donated by the Coca-Cola Company, each hold roughly 50 gallons of water.

During rain events, rain barrels collect water, preventing all of the precipitation from going directly into the ground. This lessens the strain on water treatment centers and municipal drainage systems.   

“The collected water then can be used in the future for watering lawns or plants, washing your car, bicycles or even your pets,” Rzeznik said. “We can all reduce waste when it comes to potable treated drinking water for simple needs around our homes.”  

Other benefits include lowering the percentage of "roof top rainfall" as a component of urban runoff, reducing the amount of tax dollars needed for sewer expansion, helping creeks and beaches stay cleaner, and reducing water bills, according to literature distributed about the initiative.

In addition to helping implement "green" initiatives in the village, Rzeznik also hopes the rain barrels can help bring the community together.

The task force is seeking Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, schools, nonprofit organizations and other groups that would like to take part in an upcoming Rain Barrel Decoration Contest.

“We want to reach out to these groups to adopt a rain barrel, decorate it and enter their work of art in our contest. Our hope is that this not only helps our environment, but is a villagewide event and a coming together of residents,” Rzeznik said.  

Though the barrels are being donated, the task force is selling them for $40 to cover the cost of purchasing hardware, including spigots and screens.

Normally, the retail price of a rain barrel is between $65 and $85, according to Rzeznik.

Rzeznik said any leftover funds will be used to award cash prizes at the upcoming rain barrel painting contest.

“We are a very young group, but our first, main goal is to get this program started before the heavy rain season,” Rzeznik said.  

An example of a painted rain barrel — for those interested in learning more — will be on display at the  Expo. 

The Expo will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. March 17 at .

A rain barrel painting demonstration also is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 30 at the .

The date for the Rain Barrel Decoration Contest has not yet been set.

The task force include co-Chair Terri Meyer of the ; Dawn Brazier, chairwoman of the park advisory board; Jim Mihelick of the tree commission; and residents Pat Feehan, Kurt Kaszuba and Mary Dobrow.

“I’m just delighted that a group of volunteers is moving forward with the rain barrel program. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us to help the environment and to come together,” Branding said.

For more information, visit www.greenlakezurich.org or call 1-224-279-7988 if you are interested in purchasing a rain barrel.