How to get free rain barrels in San Diego county

Rainwater and grey water harvesting has been around for decades, but only recently has it received extra attention due to the California drought. Many residents have been looking for sustainable ways to reduce water consumption. Rain barrels are a great way to achieve this, especially when you can get free rain barrels!

Rain barrels are a great way to collect rainwater from hard surfaces such as rooftops, especially in a place like San Diego. Even in drought, San Diego county averages around 10 inches of rainfall per year. 1,000 square feet of roof surface captures about 625 gallons of water for every 1 inch of rain that falls. That's a lot of water that can be stored from every rain fall!

When you install a rain barrel at your San Diego home you are helping to conserve water by reducing the demand on the potable water system to irrigate your garden or outdoor landscaping. The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department is offering a great program which essentially lets you get free rain barrels through a rebate process.

Rebate Process:
1. Take pre-installation photo.
2. Install the rain barrel.
3. Take post-installation photo.
4. Complete the Rain Barrel Rebate Application and gather supporting documentation.
5. Submit the application and supporting documentation via email or snail mail to City of San Diego Public Utilities Department.

Residential customers of the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department served by an individual water meter may participate in the rebate program. The rain barrel program offers $1.00 for every gallon of rain barrel storage capacity for new rain barrels , up to 400 gallons.

Example: A 55 gallon rain barrel rebate = $55 ($1x55 gallons). Multiple barrels may be rebated but total rebate is capped at $400 per property.

The rain barrel must have at least a 45 gallon capacity and only the cost of the rain barrel(s) is eligible for a rebate. The complete rain barrel program parameters, requirements, and rebate process can be found on the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department website.