Calgarians collect rain barrels ahead of spring precipitation

Last Updated May 6, 2024 8:07 am.

Are you itching to be back in the garden? You may have to wait until the weekend to get your hands dirty.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is calling for straight rain for the next three days.

"Another 10 to 20 millimetres of rain on the way, your average for the month of May is 56 millimetres, so with 16 milimetres having fallen already this month, we're looking to fall short, at least for now," explains CityNews660 meteorologist Kevin Stanfield.

ECCC meterologist Erin Staunton says east of town could see more.

"We're expecting a pretty significant rainfall beginning tonight and continuing on to Tuesday night," she explained. "For the Calgary area, we're expecting total amounts of 15 to 30 millimetres by Wednesday morning.

"We do have rainfall warnings in effect for areas to the east — anywhere from 50 to 70 millimetres on average for those regions."

Meanwhile, many Calgarians are busy making garden plans and making space for a new piece of infrastructure — a rain barrel.

Green Calgary works to help Calgarians understand their individual impact on the environment and climate, and provide solutions to change individual and collective impacts.

Part of that work is the sale of subsidized rain barrels.

According to its website, the organization has sold out preorders for all eight of its dates, through to the end of June.

"Oh, rain barrels are a good part of preventing too much water consumption because of the volume of water that means on our yards," said Sunnyside resident Gerald Wheatluy. "So, many of us have had barrels for decades as a smart way to not use the treated, chlorinated city water to water your yard.

"I think Calgarians are into rain barrels in general, being aware that the water and the Bow River is over-subscribed and we're going into even dryer years in the future."

Rain barrels purchased through the charity go for $78, compared to $120 or more at big retail stores.

After a rainy work week, Calgarians should be ready for the heat.

"Warmer days are just around the corner, with temperatures cresting 20 C by the weekend," Stanfield said.

-With files from Silvia Naranjo