Updated May 19, 2026 — note price increase to $79 plus tax.  

The Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services Division encourages rainwater collection by selling rain barrels at wholesale cost.

Through the rain barrel program, Hillsborough residents can purchase a rain barrel at a discounted price — $79 plus tax — and schedule pickup from the Town Hall Campus at 101 E. Orange St.  

Rain barrels provide several benefits, including:

• Conserving water. 
• Saving money on water bills.
• Reducing runoff and pollution. 

"Fall is a great time to install a rain barrel so that it’s ready to use in the spring,” Stormwater Program Coordinator Heather Fisher said. “If freezing is a concern, the rain barrel nozzle can be set to a slow drip. The slow drip setting also helps reduce stormwater pollution by slowly releasing stormwater into the soil where natural processes can remove pollutants."

Fisher noted that water from rain barrels is nonpotable. "Don’t drink the water — but your plants will love it!” 

Contact the Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services Division by contact form or by phone at 919-296-9622 with any questions.