Rain Barrel Program

How it works

The Rain Barrel Program is a collaboration between Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Environmental Quality Division and Lafayette Utilities System (LUS). It is designed to promote outdoor water conservation and sustainable stormwater management in the Bayou Vermilion Watershed.

Residents of the City of Lafayette or unincorporated regions of Lafayette Parish can purchase a 55-gallon rain barrel at a reduced, subsidized price during the spring season each calendar year. The barrels offered in 2026 are Upcycle Products, Inc. recycled food-grade barrels.

What the money covers

The program offers a single 55-gallon barrel purchase at a subsidized price. The page says the barrels include:

• Removable screw-top with a drilled hole in the center for rain entry
• Mesh screen to keep out debris and mosquitoes
• Overflow valve to redirect overflow water or attach barrels for greater water collection
• Spigot for access and control of rainwater

Amounts and matching

• Eligible participants can purchase their first rain barrel for $44.00
• The listed group rate is $59.00, and the subsidy from LUS/LCG is $15.00
• Any additional barrels purchased are sold at the group rate of $59.00
• The page does not state any matching requirement beyond the subsidized pricing

How to apply

The page says ordering is easy and provides a link to start the purchase process.

For 2026, the sale opened before May 4 and remained open until barrels sold out. Mail-in and online order deadlines were posted separately.

Timing and deadlines

• The 2026 Annual Spring Rain Barrel Sale has ended
• In 2026, barrels were on sale until May 4 or until sold out
• Mail-in order deadline: April 24, 2026
• Online order deadline: April 26, 2026
• Distribution day: Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8:00am to 12:00pm at Dean Domingue Compost Facility, 400 Dugas Road, Lafayette, LA 70507
• The page says to check back in March 2027 for program details

Other notes

• Participants must pick up their rain barrel(s)
• The page explains rain barrels can help save money on water bills, reduce outdoor water use, improve water quality in the Bayou Vermilion, and provide optimal water for plants
• The page also notes mosquito prevention features and suggests using mosquito dunks as an extra precaution, but that is not part of the program subsidy