Calgarians stock up on rain barrels ahead of spring rains

Do you want to get back into the garden? You may have to wait until the weekend to get your hands dirty.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is predicting rain for the next three days.

“There's another 10 to 20 millimeters of rain on the way, and your average for May is 56 millimeters, so with 16 millimeters this month, we're going to be short, at least for now,” explains the CityNews660 meteorologist. Kevin Stanfield.

According to ECCC Metrologist Erin Staunton, the east of the city is more visible.

“We're expecting some significant rain starting tonight and continuing into Tuesday night,” he explained. “For the Calgary area, we expect totals of 15 to 30 millimeters by Wednesday morning.

“We have rainfall warnings for areas in the east – 50 to 70 millimeters on average for those areas.”

Meanwhile, many Calgarians are busy making garden plans and making room for a new piece of infrastructure: rain barrels.

Green Calgary works to help Calgarians understand their personal impact on the environment and climate and to provide solutions to change individual and collective impacts.

Part of this work is the sale of subsidized rain barrels.

According to its website, the organization has sold out pre-orders for all eight dates through the end of June.

“Oh, rain barrels are a good part of preventing us from using too much water because of the amount of water in our yards,” said Sunnyside resident Gerald Whitlowy. “So many of us have kegs as a smart way to avoid using decades of treated, chlorinated city water to water our yards.

“I think Calgarians will love the rain barrels because the water and the Bow River will be overheated and we're headed for even drier years in the future.”

Rain barrels purchased through donations cost $78, compared to $120 or more at major retailers.

After a rainy work week, Calgarians should be prepared for the heat.

“Warmer days are just around the corner, with temperatures in the 20s over the weekend,” Stanfield said.

– With files from Sylvia Naranjo