Rain Barrel Program Details
The limited-time Rain Barrel Program is open now until supplies run out. San Mateo County residents, property owners, and property managers can purchase up to two high-quality, 50-gallon rain barrels for $80 each plus tax.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM
- Click on the “Purchase Your Rain Barrel” button below. You will be redirected to the Rain Water Solutions purchase site.
- Confirm that you are available to pick up your rain barrel at the designated date, time, and location. Rain barrels will be distributed on Nov 4, 2023 from 9am-12pm in the city of San Mateo. After confirming, you will be automatically redirected to the waiver form.
- Review and submit a liability waiver form.
- Purchase rain barrel(s) securely online through the Rain Water Solutions site via credit card. You will be automatically redirected to the purchase site once the liability waiver is completed.
- Pick up your rain barrel(s) at the San Mateo address, which will be provided after you make your purchase. There will not be an alternative pick-up date, time, or location. The rain barrel(s) will NOT be shipped to you. If you can not personally pick up your barrel(s), you can have a relative, neighbor, or friend pick up the barrel for you as long as they have your full name and/or sales order number. Read the Pick-Up Event Instructions below for more information.
- Install your rain barrel(s) per the rebate installation requirements found here. We encourage you to watch this 5-minute installation video before your barrel purchase.
- Apply for the rain barrel rebate after barrel purchase and installation, which can cover up to 100% of the per-barrel price (pre-tax) for qualifying applicants. Click here for information on the rain barrel rebate process and installation requirements.
Pick-Up Event Information
The pick up event information is listed below. You will be given the address when completing your purchase online. If you can not personally pick up your barrels, you can have a relative, neighbor, or friend pick up the barrel for you as long as they have your name and sales order number. There will NOT be an alternative pick-up date, time, or location. The rain barrel will NOT be shipped to you.
Pick-Up Event
Date, Time, & Location
Saturday, November 4th 2023
9 am – 12 pm
The pick-up location will be provided at purchase and again one week before the pick-up date. The site is at an easy-to-access lot in the City of San Mateo.
Pick-Up Event Instructions
To help us make this a safe, quick, and efficient process, please follow these instructions.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
- Plan to come from 9 am to 11:30 am (and no later than 12 pm).
- Make sure your vehicle is ready to receive a barrel either in the back seat or trunk by clearing away large items or laying down car protection if desired. Barrels nest together and can fit in a stack of up to 2 into the backseat of an average car or the trunk of most hatchbacks. Barrel dimensions are approximately 43″ in height and 23″ in diameter and each barrel weighs 16 pounds when empty.
- Write on a piece of paper the name of the purchaser, order number, and load location (trunk or backseat) and place it on the driver-side window for our staff to read.
AT THE EVENT:
- Form a line in your car as instructed by signage and/or staff.
- Stay in your car and pull forward as space allows.
- If you did not complete the steps listed above, you will be instructed to do so while in line before reaching the loading area.
- Once at the front of the line, your barrel and all needed accessories will be loaded into your car by our staff. Make sure doors are unlocked or the trunk popped as needed. Please do not get out of your car.
PLEASE NOTE:
- No day-of-event rain barrel purchases will be available.
- For everyone’s safety, please follow all local COVID health guidelines.
How Do I Install The Rain Barrel?
Download a printed version of the installation instructions here or what the short 6 minutes video to learn how to install the Ivy Rain Barrel.
Rain Barrel Specs, Features and Warranty
The Ivy rain barrel comes with everything you need to assemble, collect, and use rainwater. Barrels can easily be connected together with no added cost. All components are included with the purchase price:
- 50-gallon barrel
- 6′ overflow hose
- locking child-proof lid
- 3/4″ HDPE ball valve
Rain barrel features:
- Made in the USA using 100% recycled materials!
- Dark solid material to prevent algae growth
- 50-gallon capacity
- Two overflow ports and screened inlet, mosquito resistant
- 3/4″ ball valve connects to standard garden hose
- Dimensions 42.5″H x 22″D
- Link multiple Ivy Rain Barrels using the existing overflow hose.
- Installation instructions
- Maintenance will be needed
- 2 Year warranty
- Rain barrel specs
What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Rain Barrel?
Rain barrels benefit the environment, your plants, and your budget. Below are just some of the many benefits of owning a rain barrel.
- With the recent water crisis and drought in California, rain barrels are one of the best ways to save money and water by cutting back potable water used for irrigation. Did you know that you can capture about 312 gallons of water for every half-inch of rain that falls on a 1,000 square foot roof?
- Rain barrels collect rainwater, which is free of the additives (such as fluoride, salts, and inorganic ions) that tap water has for sanitation. Over time, these compounds accumulate in the soil and potentially harm plant roots and microorganisms in the soil. Your plants and garden will thrive by being watered with rainwater.
- Rain barrels protect local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Ocean by reducing urban runoff that transports litter, motor oil, and other pollutants into storm drains. See the video below for more information.
- Rain barrels can moderate flooding during the rainy winter season, decrease land erosion, and also reduce the amount of moisture that reaches your home’s foundation.
- San Mateo County has a rebate program that provides a rebate of up to $200. Read the details here.