Media Release

17 Days until Earth Day.

Driven by the County Commission's Guiding Vision, everyday is Earth Day in Alachua County.  In April, each day leading up to Earth Day (April 22), the County will be highlighting programs, services, and strategies designed to lead Alachua County into a more sustainable future.

To view all "Earth Day Countdown" press releases on the County's Facebook page, click here and click on the Earth Day tab at the top of the page.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Departments of Environmental Protection and Public Works are offering Rain Barrels for sale on a year round basis.

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from a roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and area creeks, lakes, and sinkholes.  The water can be used for lawn and garden watering, which make up nearly 40% of household water use during the summer.  Because rain water collected in a rain barrel contains no chlorine, lime or calcium, it is ideal for gardens, flowers, and car and window washing.

There are now three County locations where rain barrels can now be purchased:

• Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) located at 201 SE 2^nd Avenue, Gainesville; Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• EPD's Hazardous Waste Collection Center (HWCC) located 5125 NE 63^rd  Ave, Gainesville; Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon
• Alachua County Public Works Department (PWD), located at 5620 Northwest 120th Lane, Gainesville; Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

While supplies last, the rain barrels are available for $45.00 including tax. 

For information about the SYSTERN Rain Barrel, click here. 

To learn more about Water Conservation, click here.

For more information, call EPD at 352-264-6800, HWCC at 352-334-0440, or PWD 352-374-5213.

40 Days of Change - For more information concerning events on and leading up to Earth Day, go to the University of Florida, Office of Sustainability's "40 Days of Change" website by clicking here.