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, water collected in rain barrels can be used instead of water from a garden hose. This conserves water and reduces utility bills as watering lawns and gardens can be up to 40 percent of household water use during the summer months.

Second, the rain barrels prevent approximately 182,000 gallons of stormwater from entering the Wabash River annually. This helps prevent flooding and pollutant contamination.

“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.