Rain Barrel Program

Rain Barrel Program

The City of Willmar has partnered with the Kandiyohi SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District) to offer rain barrels to residents within Willmar. Rain barrels can capture and store roof runoff from small to medium size rain events. Water stored in rain barrels can be used to water flowers and vegetable gardens or irrigate the lawn in between rain events.

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Helping the Environment

Using a rain barrel not only helps the environment but also reduces your water bill. When rainwater falls on hard surfaces such as roofs or driveways, it runs off and goes directly into nearby storm drains. Storm drains then discharge directly into area lakes and rivers. The stormwater runoff picks up contaminants like oil, salt, fertilizer, pesticides, pet waste, and trash. As a result, stormwater runoff contributes to reduced water quality in our lakes and rivers. Capturing stormwater onsite reduces the pollutants that are washed into water bodies and can reduce flooding problems. Capturing and reusing the water also reduces water and sewer bills, as well as electrical bills from sump pump usage.

Rain Barrel details

rain barrelThe rain barrels have a strong aluminum mesh screen on top, creating a non-corrosive and long-lasting filter that keeps out leaves, sticks, and other debris that wash off your roof. 
The screen also prevents wildlife and pets from entering the rain barrel. The top screen is removable for easy cleaning and storage.
The overflow portal on the back of the rain barrel easily hooks up to the supplied tubing. The overflow apparatus draws water down and out of the bottom front of the barrel, diverting excess water away from the foundation.
The back of the barrel is flat, allowing convenient placement against a wall. A typical house has a roof area of 1,200 square feet and four downspouts that will each drain about 300 square feet of roof. That means a rainfall of 0.3 inches will fill a 54-gallon rain barrel placed under each downspout.

Dimensions: 32” H x 24” W 
Capacity: 54 gallons 
Weight: 18 lbs when empty 
Composition: made from recycled materials 
Color: Brown 




Where to get your Rain Barrel

Pick-up location: City of Willmar
Contact: Sara Sietsema, Environmental Specialist at 235-4760 ext. 7425 or email
Price: $68 each
Limit: 4 per household