19th Ward Rolls Out Free Rain Barrels To Reduce Basement Flooding

They’re rolling out the barrels -- literally -- in Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park.

The first of 1,700 free rain barrels were distributed in flood-prone West Beverly last week. The barrels are being offered through a partnership between the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Alderman Matt O’Shea’s 19th Water Environmental Committee.

Last Week, O’Shea and MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos dropped off three rain barrels at the home of Carroll Vaughn in the 9600 block of Vanderpool Avenue. O’Shea said that the 19th Ward is leading the city in residents’ requests for the 55-gallon rain barrels. The rain barrels are said to help alleviate basement flooding.

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“In the four years that I’ve been alderman we’ve had four 100-year storms, two within days of each other,” O’Shea said. “That explanation didn’t go over well to crowded rooms.”

The MWRD is working with community groups county-wide in distributing 15,000 free rain barrels through block clubs, garden groups, community organizations and local municipalities.

“It’s going to make a dent in water that’s going into the sewer system and reduce the incidence of flooding,” Spyropoulos said. “We found the that best way to reduce the incidence of flooding in through community groups. The 19th Ward is very smart about that and has a very organized approach to this. We found that if you get 50-percent of the community on board it can make a dent in terms of rainwater going into the system.”

The city is situated in a combined sewer area which means rainwater and sewage from homes flows through the same pipe before reaching the wastewater treatment facility.

During rain events, storm water hitting residents’ rooftops flows through downspouts into the sewer system. Residents who receive the rain barrels must agree to disconnect their downspouts to divert water from the sewer system, thus reducing the likelihood of basement flooding.

Vaughn was placing her rain barrels on her property next to her disconnected downspouts. She planned to use the water collected in the barrels to water her elaborate garden to cut down on hooking up a sprinkler or watering her yard with a hose.

“A lot of people need to know the barrels can also conserve water,” Vaughn said, who plans to promote the rain barrels to the Vanderpool Improvement Association. “Instead of sending water down into the sewer it goes into the rain barrel.”

Water collected in the barrels can also be used for washing cars, cleaning work boots and tools, or watering the garden or lawn. Most homes can benefit from several rain barrels in the yard.

The MWRD’s rain barrels are made from repurposed or upcycled, food barrels so they are doubly green. In addition, a flexible connecting elbow is included to attach the barrel to your downspout, a linking hose to connect it to a second barrel, detailed instructions, and free delivery to residents’ homes. The rain barrels are valued around $60., according to the MWRD’s website.

The rain barrels are typically made available to Cook County residents for $58, but the MWRD hopes to have more community groups and municipalities sign up for the free program.

If you live in the 19th Ward, visit the 19th Ward to request a free rain barrel.

To find out how your community group, block club or garden club can participate in the free rain barrel program, visit the MWRD’s website. Municipalities interested in participating should contact Alison Fore at 312-751-6626.

Photo 1 - Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) drops off three free rain barrels at West Beverly resident Carroll Vaughn’s home.

Photo 2 - Ald. O’Shea and MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos.

Photo 3 - Carroll Vaughn situates a rain barrel in her front yard to catch roof runoff.

Photo 4 - Ald. O’Shea, Carroll Vaughn, MWRD President Spyropoulos and MWRD Commissioner Timothy Bradford.