SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There are several communities in Massachusetts offering rain barrels at a discounted price to supplement outdoor water needs. Rain barrels capture rainwater from rooftops when it is connected to a gutter from the house and has a spigot for outdoor use such as watering lawns, and gardens, washing cars, and filling swimming pools. Only ¼-inch of rainfall is needed to fill the 60-gallon rain barrel, 3,900 gallons of water, which is equivalent to approximately $60 in tap water.  According to the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, residential water usage can increase as much as 60% during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The Commission provides drinking water and wastewater service to approximately 250,000 people in the lower Pioneer Valley. Through the Great American Rain Barrel Company, discounted rain barrels are available for a limited time. Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Massachusetts? Residents can order a 60-gallon rain barrel in one of four different colors from the Great American Rain Barrel Company for $89 which is lower compared to the retail price of $119. To order, visit The Great American Rain Barrel Company and select “Massachusetts” under community programs. The following western Massachusetts communities are offering the rain barrel. Agawam Deadline for ordering: 4/04/2025 Pickup date: 4/17/2025 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Location: DPW - 1000 Suffield Street Easthampton Deadline for ordering: 5/11/2025 Pickup date: 5/22/2025 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Location: Highway Department - 30 Northampton Street Longmeadow Deadline for ordering: 4/13/2025 Pickup date: 4/26/2025 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: DPW - 170 Dwight Road Springfield Deadline for ordering: 5/04/2025 Pickup date: 5/17/2025 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: Springfield Water and Sewer Operations Center - 71 Colton St Springfield For a complete list of communities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Utah visit https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/. Help your community manage its water supplies, minimize stormwater runoff and start saving money on your water bill that will pay for itself in about two years. Orders must be placed online by midnight on the date indicated and the barrels will be available for pickup at the location listed for your community. Local News Headlines Massachusetts audit reveals $2M state benefits fraud, SNAP leads Beverly police recover $21,000 for senior victims of Bitcoin schemes Vehicle for missing New Hampshire woman found in Massachusetts West Side Creamy Cones opening second location in Chicopee WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less