Rain Barrel Program

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Roll out the barrel . . .

Manatee County's Rain Barrel Program is designed to help residents lower their utility bills and conserve water by using rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for irrigation.

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners and the Utilities Department are dedicated to conserving our water resources and providing ways for all citizens to implement water saving measures. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BUY A RAIN BARREL?

All Manatee County residents and businesses are eligible to buy a rain barrel. Limit of four (4) rain barrels per property.

You can now submit your request to purchase a rain barrel & kit directly through your account if you are a Manatee County Utilities Customer. Apply directly through your account portal by selecting "Requests". Please click HERE for the CSS Portal. For assistance with your online portal, please call Customer Service at 941-792-8811. For the quickest response, email us at [email protected].

For questions regarding ordering or payment of your rain barrels, please reach out to Utilities Customer Service by calling 941-792-8811 or by emailing [email protected].

For additional questions regarding the barrels, parts, or appointments, please reach out to Water Conservation by emailing [email protected] or calling 941-792-8811 ext. 5327. Please note, this extension cannot assist with ordering/payments. You must contact Utilities Customer Service (see above) for purchasing a rain barrel kit. You will not receive an appointment until processing your payment and request through Customer Service. 

A complete homeowner's guide, including instructions and even how to paint your barrel, provided by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is available here: Rain Barrels: A Homeowner's Guide 

What is the Cost of a Rain Barrel Kit and What is Included?

Rain barrel kits are available at cost for $48.59 plus sales tax of 7%, (totaling $52.00) and include the following:

  • A reconditioned 55-gallon plastic drum (colors may vary due to supply availability)
  • Debris drain, all necessary PVC fittings and a brass spigot 
  • Instructions for assembly and stand (if choosing to build one) 
  • Homeowner's guide is available here: Rain Barrel Instructions/Guide

    55-gallon reconditioned drum (blue) Rain Barrel Kit Parts

Payment must be in the form of secured funds (cashier's check or money order) or cash. Credit/debit cards and personal checks can only be accepted for customers with a Manatee County Utility Department Account. 

How to purchase a rain barrel & kit?

ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

For rain barrel purchase email [email protected] or call 941-792-8811 to speak with Customer Service. You may also place an order directly through your utility account on CSS by going to "Requests".

 - Email: [email protected]
 - Fax: 941-795-3419

Customers will need to make a payment before an appointment will be scheduled for picking up their rain barrel & kit.
 
Manatee County Account holders can submit their payment using the following methods:
 
 - Interactive phone system: 1-833-425-2099
 - Website: www.mymanatee.org
    - Guest (One-Time) Payment
    - Registered CWA User Payment

**If a customer does not have a Manatee County Utilities account, they will need to submit payment with guaranteed funds (cash or money order) to the drop box at the Manatee County Utilities Administration building located at 4410 66th St W, Bradenton, FL 34210
  - Envelopes must have the customer's name, address, and phone number on it.

Once the application and payment are received, the Customer Service Team will process the application and a member of our Water Conservation Team will contact the customer to schedule the contact-free pick up by appointment. 

We will contact you to schedule your contact-free pick up, available by appointment only, after payment is verified.  For appointment scheduling, you may email [email protected] AFTER your order is processed and approved with Customer Service.

**The Utilities lobby is closed to the public until further notice. 

**Colors of barrels and parts may vary due to supply. Images above are a sample of the included parts, not the exact color(s) you may receive.