Forest Hills Residents To Snatch Free Water Barrels Next Month

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Residents in Forest Hills looking to save a couple of bucks on their water bills can register to get a free rain barrel next month.

Forest Hills lawmakers will give away 55-gallon plastic rain barrels on Saturday, July 15th, at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School, located at 91-30 Metropolitan Ave.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for constituents who have pre-registered.

"The rain barrels can collect rainwater which can then be used for a wide range of tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and other chores," said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., who is organizing the event alongside Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi.

Residents can attach the barrels to a rain gutter to collect and store excess water during periods of rainfall.

To get a barrel, residents must live within the 15th Senate District or Assembly District 28 and call either office to provide the details. Callers must give the offices their names, addresses, and phone numbers to be placed on the list.

Addabbo’s office can be reached at (718) 738-1111. Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi’s office can be reached at (718) 263-5595.

Registrants must show a photo ID to confirm their name and address in order to claim their barrel. Any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m.