Residents invited to apply for a free water butt

The funding, awarded through the National Lottery Awards for All programme, will enable residents to collect and store rainwater at home, helping them reduce water use, save money, protect the environment and adapt to the changing climate. Residents can now register their interest in receiving a 100-litre or 210-litre water butt, complete with a tap and stand by filling out the council’s short form. Water butts will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The initiative forms part of the council's ongoing work to build climate resilience and support residents in making more sustainable choices. Water butts offer a simple yet effective way to save water by collecting rainwater that can be used in gardens and outdoor spaces. This helps reduce reliance on treated mains water, lowers household water bills and provides plants with natural rainwater, which is often better for their growth.

Water butts also help reduce the amount of water taken from our precious chalk streams, which are becoming increasingly vulnerable as the climate changes.

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader of the council and Executive Member for Climate Change, said:

"Tackling climate change is one of the council's key priorities, and we are committed to helping residents make small changes that can have a big impact.

"I am delighted that we have secured National Lottery funding to provide free water butts for local households. This is a practical way for residents to save water, lower their water bills and contribute to local climate action. I would encourage anyone interested to register their interest as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity."