A local company has come up with a water conservation tool called the "Rain Saver", an environmentally friendly alternative to your regular garden hose.
Alter Eco, based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, reuses 200-litre barrels -- previously used for shipping and storing food products -- to create the "green" garden product.
A hole is cut into the lid of the barrel to allow rain water from eaves troughs to flow into it. The opening of the barrel is covered with screens to prevent mosquitoes, leaves and other debris from getting inside.
An overflow elbow is attached to the barrel so that excess water can be redirected into a second barrel if necessary.
Finally, the Rain Saver is fitted with a brass tap. A watering pail can be placed directly under the tap, or the tap can be connected to a garden hose.
Jean-Martial Bonis-Charancle created the Rain Saver, and says it wasn't as easy as it sounds.
"Looking for the source of barrels, looking for parts, making a design that was sufficiently good, something that was effective, taking the prices down for the parts was really the challenge at the beginning."
Bonis-Charancle said the demand for the Rain Saver -- which costs $85 -- has been steadily increasing.
"I think it's becoming more and more popular, particularly during the last two years," he said.
Sheila Crawford owns two Rain Saver barrels, and is happy with the results they have produced in her garden.
"The water is really better for your plants," said Crawford.
But more importantly for Crawford, it's better for the environment.
"I feel like I'm doing my share, and saving water."
