April 8, 2014 - Do your part to prevent flash flooding while conserving water. Order an Ivy rain barrel that captures rainwater from roof tops by connecting to the downspout from the gutter.

This water would typically be sent down the storm drain. But the cumulative effect of rain barrels implemented throughout a municipality can have a significant impact on storm water management and water conservation. Water collected by the rain barrels can be used for watering gardens and lawns or washing cars.

The Ivy rain barrel, available for a discounted price of $70, is made of 50 percent recycled plastic and is manufactured in America.

The City of Knoxville Office of Solid Waste is partnering with the Town of Farragut, Knox County Storm Water Management Department and the Water Quality Forum to offer the discounted rain barrels, which typically retail for $129.

Order your rain barrel now online at waterqualityforum.org, or call 919-835-1699.

Residents are encouraged to pre-order and then pick up their rain barrels between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Blackstock Avenue parking lot near that day's EarthFest events on World's Fair Park.

"This program is an important step in offering an inexpensive option to help our residents save money and understand the significance of water conservation," said Parci Gibson with the Water Quality Forum.

"We are committed to protecting our water quality and managing the damaging effects of storm water runoff. The use of rain barrels will provide residents the tools they need to be environmentally proactive."