Make Every Drop Count
As we gear up for spring, it is never too early to start preparing your yards and gardens for the summer ahead. One thing that has been brought to mind recently is the importance of managing our water consumption and taking steps to encourage water conservation. Water conservation measures in your yard and garden can have an impact – a water efficient yard can save 30% to 40% of your water use throughout the summer.
One of the simplest and most effective conservation measures individual homes can take is to get a rain barrel. Using a rain barrel to capture and reuse rainwater in your yard helps to keep your plants healthy and reduces the amount of city water you use, reduces your water bill, while also reducing stormwater runoff in our creeks and rivers.
To encourage increased rain barrel installations and usage across the city this summer, the City of Calgary, in partnership with Green Calgary, is running its popular Rain Barrel Rebate Program for another year! The program opens for applications starting April 1, 2026, and will once again provide a $50 rebate per rain barrel, with a max of three per household (visit https://www.greencalgary.org/eco-products/rain-barrel-sale-2 for program and application details along with FAQs). The rebates are first-come first-served, so be sure to apply fast!
Once you have your new rain barrel, be sure to check out all the great resources available on the City’s website (https://www.calgary.ca/water/programs/rainbarrel.html#benefits) to assist with the set up and seasonal maintenance, as well as tips on how to maximize your water savings. By incorporating a rain barrel into your outdoor routine, you’re not only benefiting your yard but also contributing to a greener, more resilient Calgary.
If you have ideas you want to share on how to prioritize water conservation or if you want to get involved and be a part of making Mount Pleasant a greener community, we would love to have you join the committee. Please email [email protected] for more information or to get added to our email list; you can also find us on the Mount Pleasant Community Association page as well.
Have a great month,
The MPCA Green Initiatives Committee
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