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As we head into the rainy season, we’ll be getting opportunities to harvest the bounty of rainwater that falls on our beautiful county. And while the average rain barrel may only be able to store a fraction of the water that runs off your roof in a heavy storm, they are part of a movement that we see as critical to make San Mateo County resilient in the face of climate change. The movement we’re talking about is the large-scale adoption of Green Infrastructure as a way to mitigate water pollution and flooding. Check out some of the science on the benefits of green infrastructure in the face of climate change from a study in the Chesapeake Bay area, here.

While there are more and more public green infrastructure projects cropping up in communities around, rain barrels are one of the cost-effective ways everyday water-wise heroes can help adapt to the weather-related impacts of climate change! Keep reading to understand how.

What Are Rain Barrels?

Rain barrels are used to collect rainwater from hard surfaces, such as rooftops, and store it for later use. They are a low-cost system that allows you to supplement your water supply with a sustainable source and help preserve local watersheds by detaining rainfall. When you install a rain barrel at your home you are helping to maintain a healthy urban watershed by reducing the volume of stormwater runoff from your property and cutting back your demand for potable water to irrigate your garden.

Are Rain Barrels A Good Option For Me?

Rain barrels and cisterns are appropriate for sites with the following characteristics: 

  • Roof areas that drain to downspouts or that can be linked to a rain barrel via a rain chain.
  • A level, firm surface to support a rain barrel to prevent shifting or falling over.  A full 55-gallon rain barrel will weigh over 400 lbs.
  • A landscaped area where captured water can be used (and where it can be drained by gravity flow) located within a reasonable distance but sufficiently far from a foundation.
  • A landscaped area or safe path to the storm drain.

The Countywide Rain Barrel Rebate

Effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

In partnership with Flows To Bay, Bay Area Water Supply Conservation Agency and participating member agencies are offering rebates of up to $200 per rain barrel for the purchase and installation of qualifying rain barrels depending on their size.

ALL RESIDENTS of San Mateo County are eligible to receive the following rebate amounts from Flows To Bay, the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program:

Rain Barrel SizeRebate Amount*
50-99 gallon capacity$50
100-199 gallon capacity$100
200+ gallon capacity$150
*Limit of two rebates per single-family residential account or four rebates per multi-family resident or commercial account

Residents of the below areas receive an additional $50 from their member agencies:

  • City of Brisbane/Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District 
  • City of Burlingame
  • City of Millbrae
  • City of Redwood City
  • City of San Mateo
  • Mid-Peninsula Water District
  • North Coast County Water District
Rain Barrel SizeRebate Amount*
50-99 gallon capacity$100
100-199 gallon capacity$150
200+ gallon capacity$200
*Limit of two rebates per single-family residential account or four rebates per multi-family resident or commercial account. Rebate amounts for for residents of the cities of Brisbane/Guadalupe Valley MID, Burlingame, Millbrae, Redwood City, and San Mateo as well as residents services by the Mid-Peninsula Water District and North Coast County Water District.

Rain Barrel Requirements & Rebate Program Checklist

All of the following must be true to be able to qualify and receive your rain barrel rebate.

  1. I installed a newly purchased rain barrel in San Mateo County.
  2. My rain barrel is a minimum size of 50 gallons, and designed for the intended purpose of rain capture.
  3. My barrel has a secure lid for child safety and either rust-proof screening or a sealed design for vector control (mosquito, rodent) and debris control.
  4. My barrel is algae and UV-resistant or I am using specially constructed sun barriers.
  5. The rain barrel is installed in accordance with the program requirements, as noted in the installation requirements.
  6. I completely filled out and signed my application.
  7. I enclosed a copy of the original rain barrel receipt with my rebate application.
  8. I included two post-installation photos with my rebate application.
  9. I installed my rain barrel and mailed the application within 90 days of purchase.

To Qualify For The Rain Barrel Rebate Program

  • Rain barrel must be installed in San Mateo County.
  • If applicant is not the property owner and/or is not listed on the water service account, applicant must provide the property owner/account holder’s contact information.
  • The rain barrel rebate application must be postmarked within 90 days of rain barrel purchase date.
  • A copy of the original rain barrel purchase receipt must be included with the application. If applicant submits original receipt(s) and needs them returned, they must enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with their application.
  • All rebates are subject to availability of funds.
  • Post-installation inspection may be required at the discretion of the Participating Agency or the local mosquito and vector control agency.
  • Post-installation photos must be included with the application. At least two clear photos of each barrel, taken from at least two directions, must be submitted, showing downspout connections, secured lid and overflow valve, and an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet showing the date and water account number.
  • BAWSCA and the local water agencies reserve the right to deny a rebate to any applicant that does not meet the program requirements.

Rain Barrel Rebate Installation Requirements

  • Rain barrel must be connected to a rain gutter downspout, rain chain, or other effective means of capturing concentrated flow from roofs or other impervious surfaces.
  • Rain barrel must not be connected to the potable water system and collected rainwater must be utilized via a hose or bucket only.
  • Rain barrel must be placed on a solid and level foundation, such as concrete pad, pavers, or bricks for appropriate stability.
  • Rain barrel must not block or restrict access to walkways or pathways, which may become a safety/ emergency access issue.
  • Overflow pipe from rain barrels must be directed away from buildings and/or adjacent properties and may flow to landscape (preferred).
  • Copper materials (including downspouts) are not allowed due to potential leaching concerns.
  • Rain barrel must be maintained for a minimum of three years upon receipt of rebate, including ongoing maintenance to ensure that the barrel does not become a breeding site for mosquitoes and thereby a public health threat.
  • Manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions must be followed.
  • Participants must allow BAWSCA and San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program to reference the project and use photos submitted with the application in outreach materials, and must respond to minimal requests for information about the project for purposes of Program reporting.

Rain Barrel Rebate Program Terms & Conditions

  • Rebates are distributed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are expended or through the program expiration date of June 30, 2021, which ever comes first.
  • All residents of San Mateo County are eligible for the base rebate amounts of $50 (for a 50-99 gallon barrel), $100 (for a 100-199 gallon barrel), and $150 (for a 200+ gallon barrel) which are funded by Flows To Bay, the San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, a program of the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County. Rebates are for the amounts listed above or the total cost of the rain barrel, excluding sales tax, whichever is less.
  • Rain barrels must be installed on properties in or be serviced by the following cities or districts: Brisbane/Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District, Burlingame, Daly City, Millbrae, North Coast County Water District, Redwood City, City of San Mateo, and Mid-Peninsula Water District.
  • Limit of two rebates per single-family residential account or four rebates per multi-family resident or commercial account. For questions regarding rebates in excess of these limits, contact BAWSCA at (650) 349-3000 or email bawsca@bawsca.org.
  • For self-made rain barrel systems, the rebate amount may be applied to the costs (before sales tax) associated with the purchase of accompanying accessories/hardware necessary for installing a rain barrel or modifying a downspout to connect a barrel (does not apply to new or replaced gutters or downspouts).
  • Rebates may take up to eight (8) weeks to process.
  • Rebates are issued as checks or as credits to the customer’s water service account.

Apply For The Rain Barrel Rebate

There are 2 ways to apply for the rain barrel rebate program, online and via a paper application. For the fastest rebate, please apply online!

Partnership with BlueBarrel

Flows To Bay is working with BlueBarrel Rain Water Catchment Systems to provide San Mateo Residents a 10% discount off purchases in their online store using discount code FlowsToBay.

BlueBarrel’s unique expandable and affordable system will allow you to select a system size that’s perfect for you. Each barrel captures up to 55 gallons of water making it easy for your to get the most out of the San Mateo County Rain Barrel rebate.

BlueBarrel provides a lot of resources including a volume calculator to help you estimate your rainwater catchment potential, tips on how to measure for a BlueBarrel System, as well as help on finding the perfect location for your barrels.

Have questions about the rebate or your rain barrel? We’re here to help! Send us a note using our contact form.

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