BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County announced Wednesday that it will offer rain barrels and compost bins to residents in an attempt to help the environment.
Rain barrels help curb stormwater runoff — defined as rainfall that does not soak into the ground and can carry pollutants into local waterways — by capturing and storing rainwater for later use. By using harvested rainwater to water lawns, gardens and potted plants, homeowners can conserve water while also improving plant health.
“The natural nutrients in rainwater make it far better for plants than tap water, which has chlorine and fluoride in it. With a rain barrel, gardeners can also minimize or eliminate their use of chemical fertilizers,” Erie County said in a statement…