The Water Quality Forum Knox County, The City of Knoxville, the Town of Farragut and are pleased to announce they are partnering to offer "Ivy" rain barrels to residents through their award winning rain barrel program as well as compost bins. The partners are offering the products at a discounted price to encourage residents to protect water quality and help reduce the waste stream to our landfills. This program is a critical part of the partners' commitment to promoting a healthy environment. The rain barrels and compost bins are available now online at www.RainBarrelProgram.org/Water-Quality-Forum.

Residents can pre-order and then pick up their rain barrels and compost bins Saturday June 15 at Chilhowee Park's Kerr Building Parking Lot, 3301 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914 from 9 am to 1 pm. There will also be a limited number of extras available the day of the sale.

"This program is an important step in offering an inexpensive option to help our residents save money and understand the significance of water conservation and waste reduction," said Parci Gibson with Knox County Stormwater Management. "We are committed to protecting our water quality and managing the damaging effects of storm water runoff. The use of rain barrels and compost bins will provide residents the tools they need to be environmentally pro-active."

The "Ivy" rain barrel captures rainwater from roof tops by connecting to the downspout from the gutter. This water would typically be sent down the storm drain carrying potential contaminants and contributing to flash flooding. The cumulative effect of rain barrels implemented throughout a municipality can have a significant impact on storm water management and water conservation. Water collected by the rain barrels can be used for gardens, lawns, and washing cars and pets. The Ivy rain barrels offered through the program are made of 50% recycled plastic and are manufactured in America! Compost bins are a great way to reduce how much waste we send to our landfills while also providing compost, nature's fertilizer, to home owners.

For more information on this rain barrel program or to order a rain barrel, please visit: www.RainBarrelProgram.org/Water-Quality-Forum.