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Protect Local Water Bodies using Rain Barrels

Due to high demand, we have sold out of rain barrels. Once our inventory has been replenished, we will update this website.

Sign up to be notified when rain barrels are back in stock.

Capturing rainwater from your rooftop is a smart way to lower your water bill, help protect our lakes, streams and rivers, and conserve water. Harvested rainwater is free of chloride, fluoride, and other additives often found in municipal tap water, making it a great option for watering your lawn, potted plants, or gardens. Slowly releasing water from your rain barrel after a storm allows it to seep back into the ground. This reduces the amount of polluted runoff that enters area storm drains and eventually washes into our waters.

Harvested rainwater is non-potable and should not be used for drinking, cooking, swimming pools, fishponds or bird baths.

Order a Rain Barrel

Rain barrel surrounded by greeneryDane County is selling 50-gallon rain barrels for $74 (typically retails for ~$150). This program is open to all Dane County residents and businesses. You may be eligible for a $30 reimbursement if you live in one of the participating municipalities (see the "Reimbursement Program" section below). In addition, your municipality may offer a rebate on your stormwater bill for installing a rain barrel.

Order a Rain Barrel

Pickup Locations

Rain barrels will be available for pickup at the Middleton Recycling Center or Deforest Yardwaste Collection Site during their respective hours of operation. Simply drive up and show your receipt to an attendee to receive your rain barrel!

Middleton Recycling Center

          Address: 4330 Parmenter St; Middleton WI 53562

          Hours of Operation:

                    Saturday mornings (Year-round, excluding major holidays) from 8:00AM – 12:00PM

                    Wednesday evenings (May - September) from 5:30PM - 7:00PM

          Website: https://cityofmiddleton.us/recyclingcenter

Deforest Yardwaste Collection Site

          Address: 610 N. Stevenson Street; Deforest, WI

          Hours of Operation: March 30 through November 23

                    Monday                      5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

                    Tuesday                     8:00 AM - 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

                    Wednesday               5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

                    Thursday                   5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

                    Saturday                    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

          Website: https://www.vi.deforest.wi.us/yardwaste

Installation and Maintenance

Installation Tips

  • Rain barrel being installedCheck out this video for step-by-step instructions on how to install your rain barrel!
  • Install the barrel at your downspout closest to an area that needs water.
  • Position overflow so water doesn’t run toward the foundation of your house.
  • Secure barrel by placing it on a stable, level base (e.g., about 15“ high, to provide a small head of pressure).
  • Remember to empty barrel between storms or allow a constant slight trickle flow from the barrel.

Prepare  barrel for winter

  • Store barrel upside down and remove diverter to prevent ice damming. Cover hole in downspout with the winter hole cover (included).
  • Alternatively, open all spigots and hoses, so water will not accumulate, and leave in place over winter.
  • Clean barrel annually or semi-annually, as needed:
    • Flush with tap water using nozzle on hose. OR
    • Use 1/4 cup bleach (or 1 cup vinegar) in 2 gallons of water; rinse well.

Reimbursement Program

Rain barrel with orange flowers planted in lidThe Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP) is offering a $30 reimbursement for anyone who purchased and installed a rain barrel through Dane County in 2022. You are eligible to apply if you meet the following:

  • I purchased a rain barrel through Dane County in 2022.

  • I installed the rain barrel on a downspout within 3 months from the date of purchase.

  • The property where the rain barrel was installed is located within a MAMSWaP Community (see list of communities at the bottom of this webpage).

To receive a reimbursement, please follow instructions on the reimbursement form, below:

            Reimbursement Form

 

MAMSWaP Communities

Cities                                     Villages                                 Towns

Fitchburg                               Cottage Grove                      Blooming Grove

Madison                                Cross Plains                          Burke  

Middleton                              Deforest                                Madison

Monona                                 Maple Bluff                           Middleton

Stoughton                              McFarland                            Westport

Sun Prairie                            Shorewood Hills

Verona                                   Waunakee

Windsor