Free Rain Barrel Drawing!

CHICAGO - August 8, 2008. Following the recent storms that took the Chicago area by surprise, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn is launching a free contest that will allow three lucky Illinois residents to win an artistically painted rain barrel and a way to "rein in the rain."

Rain barrels offer a simple and effective solution to excess water.  By collecting water that runs off the roof, homeowners can conserve water for later use and reduce the often-damaging impact of stormwater flow.

"This is a simple solution that can save your home from unnecessary water damage and your pocketbook from excessive water bills," Quinn said at an August 8 news conference at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.  "We want Illinois to be the rain barrel capital of the world, and we want to salute Austin Grammer and Isaac Sinnott for helping to make it happen."

Austin Grammer, who manufactures rain barrels in Champaign, is donating the three painted rain barrels that will be awarded to Illinois residents through a random drawing.  Isaac Sinnott, a 16-year-old Oak Park resident, converts recycled food storage containers into rain barrels and distributes the barrels to Oak Park residents through the village's Public Works Department. 

Both Austin and Isaac joined the Lt. Governor to launch the Rain Barrel Drawing.  Illinois residents can enter to win one of three artistically painted rain barrels by visiting CleanWaterIllinois.org, or by visiting the Lt. Governor's tent at the Illinois State Fair.  The last day to enter is Sept. 12, 2008.  Winners will be announced the following week.

One inch of rainfall on a typical residential roof can produce 625 gallons of water - enough to fill 11 rain barrels.  And because Illinois typically receives 36 inches of rainfall every year, a standard 55-gallon rain barrel could be filled 400 times in a 12-month period.  That's especially helpful during the summer months, when nearly half of all water usage goes toward watering lawns and gardens.

Lt. Governor Quinn serves as chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council and chairman of the Illinois delegation to the Great Lakes Commission.