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To encourage water conservation, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District have partnered to offer discounted rain barrels to area residents. Fifty-gallon barrels are on sale for $97, with a final cost of $62 after a $35 rebate from water wholesaler Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Rain barrels ordered from January 1 to February 29 will be available for pick up at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation located at 137 North El Camino Real in Encinitas.

Collecting rainwater for future use not only can save drinking water, but also reduces irrigation runoff that can carry pollutants into local waterways and beaches. Average rainfall in San Diego County is roughly ten inches annually and even light rain events can provide a sufficient amount of water for later use. For example, a roof with a 2,000-square-foot surface area can capture 300 gallons from only a quarter inch of rain.

The development of El Niño may affect winter weather during the 2023-2024 season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 95 percent chance of El Niño conditions through February; however, the severity of the event is still unknown.

Visit www.olivenhain.com/rain-barrels to order rain barrels, and www.socalwatersmart.com to apply for the rebate on rain barrels or other water-saving devices.