Fresh Meadows, NY – Yesterday in Fresh Meadows, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) distributed 240, 55-gallon rain barrels to residents of the 25th Assembly District. Each homeowner received a rain barrel along with an installation kit, instructions, and the DEP Homeowner’s Guide to Flood Preparedness free of charge.

“There are flood-prone neighborhoods in my district with failing infrastructure that often result in costly repairs for homeowners,” said Rozic. “By reducing overflows, these rain barrels alleviate some of the physical and financial burden.”

Rain barrels are easy to install and connect directly to a property’s downspout to capture and store storm water, reducing the burden on city waterways. Storm water collected in rain barrels can be used to water lawns and gardens, or for other outdoor chores.

“We are happy to have partnered with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic to provide rain barrels to Queens residents,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd. “By collecting precipitation, rain barrels allow homeowners to save money on their water bill, help reduce flooding and protect the environment.”

This is the second rain barrel giveaway Rozic has organized in the community. In partnering with DEP, she is working to mitigate flooding in the community and encourage water conservation efforts to ensure clean, reliable, and safe drinking water.

Residents should note that rain barrels should only be used for non-potable purposes such as gardening and must be disconnected from the downspout during the winter months to avoid freezing.