Water Conservation

The Village understands the importance of water conservation.  As part of our water conservation effort, we have regulations that limit water usage to properties supplied with Barrington water.  Outside water use is limited based on time of year, and water supply conditions.

Water limit regulations are summarized in the following chart:  

Up-to-date information on water use restrictions is available on the front page of this website, as well as in the Village newsletter, Channel 4, and on the color-coded signs at major entrances to the Village.  

 Here are some tips for conserving water:

• 1” of rain or watering per each 7 – 10 day period is sufficient to maintain a healthy lawn. There is no need to water every day, as this promotes weak, shallow-rooted grass.
• Grass that begins to turn brown during dry conditions has become dormant, and will revive after normal rainfall.
• If you have an automatic irrigation system, be sure to reset it when Village watering restrictions change.  Also, remember that watering during the morning hours is best for your lawn.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until water is cold. This simple technique can save about two gallons of water per glass.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load only (unless reduced fill settings are available on your machines).
• Watering your lawn and garden early in the morning will avoid evaporation loss.
• Avoid sprinklers that produce a fine mist. Too much water is lost to the wind and to evaporation.
• Sweep your sidewalks and driveways instead of washing them.
• Insulate hot water pipes between the heater and any faucets to reduce the amount of water that must be run to get hot water.
• When washing your car, rinse it once, initially. Then, use a bucket of soapy water to wash it, and quickly rinse it once more. Consider taking the car to a car wash.  This may actually save water since most commercial car washes recycle their water.
• Take shorter showers. Turn down the faucet, and try a low flow showerhead. A typical five-minute shower can use over 40 gallons of water. A shower of seven minutes or longer can consume more water than a bath.
• Make sure your toilets do not leak.  A typical toilet leak can waste thousands of gallons of water each day.
• Don’t leave water running when shaving, brushing teeth, washing hair, or washing dishes.
• Fix leaking faucets.  A small drip from a leaking faucet can waste 70 gallons of water each day. 

Rain Barrel Rebate Program

Residents can purchase a rain barrel that suits their needs and receive a rebate from the Village.  Rain barrels are a cost effective alternative to using potable water for watering plants and yards.  The Village will reimburse the home owner 50% of the purchase price, excluding sales tax, delivery, and any rain barrel accessories, not to exceed $75.00.  The rebate will show up on your next water bill.  Rain barrels are designed to reduce residential water consumption through conservation of rain water and roof runoff.  This is just another way the Village, in conjunction with its residents, is pursuing Green Initiatives.

Rain barrels function by collecting roof runoff from gutters and downspouts and by storing the water for future use.  In addition to water conservation, rain barrels help to reduce storm water runoff to streams and storm sewer systems, and help to reduce peak water demand during the summer months.  This program is intended to encourage residents to purchase rain barrels to be used during lawn and garden watering activities.

Program Parameters

1. Purchase the rain barrel that best suits your needs.
2. Bring your paid receipt showing you purchased the rain barrel to the Community and Financial Services Department at Village Hall.
3. The amount of rebate for a rain barrel is 50% of the purchase price, excluding sales tax, delivery, and any rain barrel accessories, not to exceed $75.00.
4. Your rebate will show up on your next water bill.
5. Each household may only participate in the Program once.