IBC launches second phase of rain barrel project in PEI

The Insurance Bureau of Canada will launch the second phase of its Atlantic Rain Barrel Project this week, a study that looks at how collective rain barrel use can relieve stress on water systems and protect homes from water damage.

The second phase will be in the Town of Stratford, PEI, where IBC will give away 1,000 free rain barrels to up to 600 residents.

Read more: IBC launches rain barrel study in PEI, aiming to reduce water damage

IBC says the Canadian insurance industry paid $115 million in water damage-related claims over recent years in Atlantic Canada. The group says that rain barrels are a low-cost way to effectively ease the impact of severe weather on water systems.

New participants can sign up and receive up to two barrels, while previous participants can register for a second barrel, IBC said. Priority will be given to Stratford residents who are connected to the municipal water system, for tracking purposes.

Read more: Rain barrels offer old-fashioned solution to avoiding water damage

IBC’s first rain barrel study was in the town of Wingham, Ont., where results showed that rain barrels allowed the disconnection of 72% of downspouts from the storm and sanitary sewer system, providing immediate relief to that infrastructure.