Durham, N.C. — Durham residents can exchange their old, water-wasting shower heads for free, water-efficient (1.5 gallons/minute) shower heads or purchase one for $3 (cash only).

The city plans to hold a “Water – Use It Wisely!” education and sales event from 9 a.m. to noon March 8 in the parking lot on the corner of Foster Street and Hunt Avenue in downtown Durham.

The Department of Water Management will offer other free items, such as toilet retrofit items and faucet aerators, to make homes even more water efficient.

Residents can also pick up pre-ordered rain barrels for $90 and start saving money and water by collecting rainwater year-round to water plants, lawns or even wash cars. The 65-gallon capacity rain barrels are made of recycled plastic and are easy to use, officials said.

Also, a variety of bird boxes and wildflower seeds will be available for purchase.

Rain barrels are limited, so interested residents should reserve their barrels or bird boxes by March 6 by e-mailing lmarochak@co.durham.nc.us or by calling 919-560-0558.

Cash or checks made out to the Durham Soil & Water Conservation District will be accepted for the barrels. Proceeds from the rain barrel sale will go toward the conservation district’s environmental education efforts in Durham County.