By Lookout Staff

January 23 , 2015 -- City officials are rolling out the barrels—rain barrels, that is, making them available free to Santa Monica residents.

Resident can go to www.rainreserve.com/santamonica to reserve a 50-gallon rain barrel valued at $150 then pick one up at the City’s Sustainable Landscaping/Rain Barrel Event on Saturday, January 31, in the Santa Monica College parking lot just east of 1744 Pearl St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., City officials announced.

Although officials recommend residents pre-order their rain barrels before the event, a limited number of barrels will be available for purchase at the event, officials said.

After installing the RainReserve brand barrels, made by Enginuity, LLC, of Missouri, residents can apply within 60 days for a refund of up to $200 to fully cover the cost.

Non-residents who live in a SoCal WaterSmart water district can receive a rebate of up to $75, officials said.

According to Enginuity’s website, the RainReserve rainwater capturing system is easy to install and maintain and is adaptable to any regular downspout. For installation help visit tinyuri.com/RainBAB.

Rain barrels divert water from municipal storm drains, while conserving water, protecting the Santa Monica Bay and also reducing water bills, city officials said.

Santa Monica has set a goal of reducing the city’s overall water consumption by 20 percent by next year, and to be completely self-reliant on local water supplies by 2020.

In August, City officials will begin handing out fines of $250 for the first offense to people caught violating Santa Monica’s water restrictions, which include no watering of lawns between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and also prohibit hosing down sidewalks and walkways, among other rules.

Also at the January 31 event, water conservation experts will be on hand offering tips on rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, native plants and more, city officials said.

A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit Sustainable Works, a nonprofit environmental education organization, officials said.

For more information visit  www.rainreserve.com/santamonica, or call 417-429-1356.