Be part of the solution to California's drought by participating in West Basin Municipal Water District's free rain barrel program.

While supplies last, West Basin is providing up to two free rain barrels to Manhattan Beach households and others in the water district. Simply call (310) 371-4633 to pre-register for your rain barrel(s). Once reserved, participants can pick up their rain barrel(s) at pre-scheduled events on Feb. 7 in El Segundo, Feb. 21 in Carson, and Feb. 28 in El Segundo and Inglewood. 

For every rain barrel reserved and picked up by an MB resident, West Basin will donate $10 to the Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council. MBCC, which hosts luncheons during the school year to honor Manhattan Beach students, provides $18,000 in scholarships annually to Mira Costa High School students, according to current MBCC President and Manhattan Beach Police Officer Stephanie Martin.

The rain barrels, which are made from repurposed food barrels, come in black or terra cotta, and are 24 inches in diameter, 40 inches tall, weigh 16 pounds and can hold up to 55 gallons of water. Each rain barrel includes a flexible downspout, water hose connector, overflow fitting, and built-in mosquito screen.