Tarrant County residents can pick up 55-gallon rain barrels for $45 each in September, a $30 discount off the regular $75 price, through the county's Save Tarrant Water program.

The catch: you have to attend a free online Rainwater Harvesting class on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Completing the class unlocks the discount on up to three barrels, which can be ordered online and picked up at Colleyville Public Works on Saturday, Sept. 19, between 9 a.m. and noon.

Registration for the barrel sale closes Wednesday, Sept. 9, according to the Save Tarrant Water program page.

The barrels connect to a home's downspout to collect roof runoff for use on landscaping during dry stretches. The program is open only to Tarrant County residents. One warning from the county: never drink collected rainwater.

County also under burn ban

The barrel discount arrives as Tarrant County grapples with severe drought. Commissioners Court approved a 90-day outdoor burning ban on Thursday, Aug. 13, according to KRLD. The ban covers unincorporated areas and prohibits outdoor burning without Fire Marshal's Office approval. Cooking, welding and fire pits at social gatherings are exempt; violators face fines up to $500.

Tarrant County is one of 144 Texas counties currently under a burn ban, Fox 4 reported. Fire Marshal Kenny Wilson urged rural property owners to maintain a 30-foot mowed perimeter around homes, clear dry vegetation and keep a water hose accessible.

How to sign up

Residents can register for the free class at stw.fyi/rwhocs and order barrels at stw.fyi/rbs. Barrels must be picked up in person at Colleyville Public Works on Sept. 19.