If you want to take advantage of spring rains to water your garden or lawn, you can order an at-cost rain barrel through The Great American Rain Barrel Company, as part of the City’s annual discounted rain barrel program. To place your order, visit greatamericanrainbarrel.com, click on the link for community programs, and then click on the Somerville link. You can place your order through May 7 at 5 p.m. and barrels will be available for pickup on May 14 at the Department of Public Works, 1 Franey Road.

Each 60-gallon rain barrel is fully re-purposed and comes with a hard top, wide mouth, removable lid, a screen, a plastic spigot threaded for hose connection, two 3/4″ overflow valves and a choice between two ports to place your spigot. Rain barrels cost $75 or $79.