On March 22, World Water Day, Wilmington will be awash in conservation as 18 hand-painted rain barrels will begin to appear at businesses all over the city. The barrels  will be auctioned off on Earth Day, Saturday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chase Center to raise money to help improve access to clean water in Third World countries. Tickets to the event are $50. To learn more, visit Let It Rain Barrels.

Caesar Rodney Rotary Club is sponsoring the project as part of its work to raise awareness of water as a vital natural resource. The group is raising money to fund clean-water projects overseas through its partnership with University of Delaware’s Engineers without Borders Chapter. The rotary also wants to educate homeowners and businesses on the time-honored and low-tech way to conserve water and save money by capturing water in a rain barrel. 

Rain barrels have been around forever and continue to make sense. By gathering water that would otherwise run off into the ground or a storm sewer you can keep your garden happy on the hottest day — without turning a faucet.

In addition to Delaware artists, schools and other organizations are creating a deluge of inspiration, including Cab Calloway School of the Arts and Urban Promise, which is dedicated to helping kids and young adults reach their full potential through Christian principals.

Think of the rain barrels as functional art — and a reminder of a precious resource.