Contact Us

University of Illinois Extension serving Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Williamson Counties

Main Office (Jackson County)
402 Ava Rd.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: 618-687-1727
FAX: 618-687-1612
Email:uie-fjprw@illinois.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm (Closed 12 - 1pm)

Branch Office (Franklin County)
1212 Route 14 West
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: 618-439-3178
FAX: 618-439-2953
Hours: M–T, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Branch Office (Perry County)
3764 State Rte 13/127
Room 110
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: 618-357-2126
FAX: 618-357-3934
Hours: M–T, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Branch Office (Randolph County)
313 West Belmont Street
Sparta, IL 62286
Phone: 618-443-4364
FAX: 618-443-1922
Hours: M–T, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Branch Office (Williamson County)
201-B W Main
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: 618-993-3304
Hours: M–T, 8:00 am-4:30 pm (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm)

News Release

Rain Barrels Available at Perry County SWCD

January 25, 2012

The Perry County SWCD is now taking orders for rain barrels. Rain barrels are a great way to collect and store rainwater, allowing homeowners to recycle water and cut down on monthly water bills. Using rain barrels helps teh environment by reducing runoff and keeping storm water out of the municipal systems You can collect a substantial amount of rainwater with a simple system. Rainwater is a naturally soft water and chlorine free and mineral richa nd can be sued to water your gardens, flowers and indoor plants.

Your rain barrel will need to be located near a downspout from your rain gutter. You can disconnect your downspout and use a flexible hose to redirect the downspout into your rain barrel. You can also have an extension that allows you to disconnect from the rain barrel in the winter and reconnect using a downspout extension during spring.

A rain barrel should be placed on a reasonably stable secure surgace like wide concrete blocks or pavers. A barrel full of water will weigh a substantial amount. Remember that water weighs about eight pounds per gallon. Be sure to consider placement of your rain barrel because they do operate on gravity flow. You may have to use buckets or watering cans to water plants if there isn't enough head pressure. You can also use small pumps to pump the water from the rain barrel.

You can hook up barrels in a series from one to another, if you think you need additional water. Our barrel will have a spigot on the bottom, an overflow pipe at teh top that you can run a hose from and grate and screen on the top opening. The cost of our rain barrels makes them a great addition to your yard. We are selling the 55-gallon barrels for $50.00 each. Orders are being taken until March 15th and the barrels will be available for pick up at Perry County SWCD on April 10th. Please call us at 357-6016 ext 3 for additional information or to order your barrel.