For Immediate Release: Contact:
July 31, 2025 City of Joliet: 815-724-4000
Joliet Encourages Water Conservation Through Rain Barrel Program
Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra Leads by Example in Supporting City Initiative
JOLIET, IL — The City of Joliet is reminding residents about its Rain Barrel Program, an easy and affordable way to conserve water, lower utility costs, and support environmental sustainability. Joliet water customers are eligible to purchase up to three rain barrels per household for the life of the program at the subsidized cost of $35 each.
Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra (District 5) is putting the program to good use in her own backyard. “Using rain barrels is an easy way for families to cut down on water bills while helping the environment,” said Ibarra, who has two rain barrels at her home. “I use the collected water to keep my plants and greenery healthy all summer long. It’s sustainable, simple, and really effective.”
Ibarra hopes her personal experience will inspire other Joliet residents to participate.
“Our Public Utilities Department does a great job promoting water conservation,” she added. “I’m leading by example to show my constituents that this is easy, affordable, and can save money, especially during these hot summer months.”
One rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months, reducing the need for treated drinking water for outdoor tasks such as watering lawns, plants, and gardens.
Across the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that outdoor water use accounts for nearly 30% of household water consumption, with lawn and garden watering making up the bulk of that. With drought and climate concerns rising nationally, many communities are turning to rain barrels as a practical tool to capture and reuse rainwater while reducing stormwater runoff.
So far, 732 rain barrels have been subsidized by the city, and 150 subsidies are available each year on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested residents can find more information and order online at:
www.joliet.gov/government/departments/public-utilities/customer-programs/rain-barrel-program.
“Not only are rain barrels beneficial to residents, but they are also helping the City achieve its goals for water conservation.” Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities said.
Joliet’s Rain Barrel Program is part of a broader citywide effort to promote water conservation and long-term sustainability as the city transitions to a new water source from Lake Michigan by 2030.
For more information or to order a rain barrel, visit: www.Joliet.gov/Rainbarrel.
# # #
About the City of Joliet
The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov.
Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: rdibenedetto@joliet.gov
