A San Rafael-based essential oils producer is offering free DIY rain barrels to Marin Water customers. EO Products is focused on sustainable manufacturing, including putting its manufacturing products back into use, and the donated barrels were previously used in its business operation.
These non-food-grade barrels can easily be converted into water storage barrels for use in residential and commercial rainwater catchment systems, enabling Marin Water customers to supplement their outdoor watering needs. With the free barrels, a few needed supplies and some DIY instructions, customers can create their own rain catchment systems at a reduced cost.
About the registration process
- Marin Water customers interested in receiving a free barrel should complete the form below completely and submit. Customers may request as many barrels as they need. While supplies are limited, Marin Water will do its best to provide the requested quantity to customers selected for the barrel giveaway.
- Each month, Marin Water will randomly select barrel recipients from the list of customers registered to receive the free DIY rain barrels. The number of customers selected each month will be dependent on the availability of the barrels.
- Customers will be notified by email if they have been selected to receive a barrel. Details about the scheduled pickup date/time will be provided with this email notification. Barrel pickup days will be held in Corte Madera, either in the parking lot at the Marin Water Administration Building, 220 Nellen, Ave., or the Corporation Yard at 220 Tamal Vista Blvd. Customers must respond within five days to confirm they will be picking up their barrel(s) at the scheduled time and location or another recipient will be selected.
Things to know for taking your barrel(s) home
Barrels are 35 inches tall with a 23-inch diameter, so you will need a space of at least 35 inches, by 23 inches by 23 inches. Please refer to the below list of max loads for common vehicle sizes. This information is for estimating only. Vehicle models vary, and dimensions change each year, but this list should provide a general idea:
1 Barrel — Four-door sedan or coupe (e.g. Honda Civic)
2 Barrels — Station wagon or hatchback (e.g. Subaru Outback; Toyota Prius hatchback with seats down)
3 Barrels — SUV (e.g. Toyota Highlander with seats down)
5 Barrels — Small pickup truck with tailgate closed (e.g. Chevy S-10)
7 Barrels — Full-sized pickup truck with tailgate closed; small pickup truck with tailgate open and barrels strapped securely; or minivan with seats removed.
Putting your barrel(s) to use
For information on connecting your rainwater catchment system and putting your barrel(s) to use, visit our Rainwater Catchment page.
Register for a Chance to Receive a Free Barrel to Build Your Own Rainwater Catchment System
Please fill out the below registration form completely.
Obtaining a barrel for water storage is the first step in building a rainwater catchment system. Learn more about how you can complete the process by visiting marinwater.org/CatchtheRain.
Please note: These non-food grade barrels are being donated by EO Products, a San Rafael-based company that manufactures essential oils, hand sanitizer and other products. The barrels previously stored product, and although they have been rinsed, recipients may want to rinse the barrels a second time.