Rain Barrel and Cistern Rebate

Rebate Program Details

SFPUC customers can qualify to receive a rebate of up to $100 for each rain barrel purchased and installed, maximum of two (2) rain barrels allowed or up to $350 for the purchase and installation of one (1) cistern with a holding capacity between 205 and 5,000 gallons. 

How to Participate

Review these steps, take the required training, and make sure you have compiled the documentation required to get a rebate before you apply.

Step 1 - Review the SFPUC’s resource materials.
FAQs and other materials linked under the Resource section below provide detailed information on how and where to install rain barrels and cisterns.

Step 2 - Review the Program Terms & Conditions and Release of Liability.
  Terms and Conditions

• Application for a rebate must be submitted within 90 days of the purchase date and installed prior to submitting an application.
• You must meet the following eligibility and documentation requirements:
  • Install and maintain the rain barrels or cisterns per guidance provided in the SFPUC’s resources below and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
  • Installed rain barrel(s) or cisterns must comply with California Plumbing Code Chapter 16.The rain barrel(s), cistern, and a diverter kit shall be connected to a downspout or other effective means of capturing concentrated flow from roofs or other impervious surfaces.
  • Rain barrel capacity must be a minimum of 50-gallons.
  • Cistern storage capacity must be between 205 – 5,000 gallons.
  • NOTE: Cisterns over 5,000 gallons in size require a licensed civil engineer to design the foundation and seismic support. A permit from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection is also required for cisterns of this size. The SFPUC’s rebate only applies to cisterns under 5,000 gallons.
  • For disconnected downspout installations, the rain barrel(s) or cistern must be equipped with an overflow hose that shall direct excess rainwater away from adjacent buildings and/or properties and flow to a sewer service drain or landscape area with appropriate drainage requirements.
  • The rain barrel(s) or cistern shall not be connected to the potable water system.
  • The rain barrel(s) or cistern cannot be a portable or collapsible device (e.g., garbage bin or soft-sided container).
  • Collected rainwater shall be utilized by a hose or bucket/watering can.
  • The rain barrel(s) or cistern shall be placed on a solid and level foundation such as concrete pad, pavers, or bricks. Cisterns over 500 gallons must be installed over a concrete pad or compacted gravel foundation.
  • The rain barrel(s) or cistern shall not block or restrict access to walkways or pathways.
  • The rain barrel(s) must have mosquito-proof screen with mesh less than 1 millimeter in size covering the top of the rain barrel or a tight-fitting impervious lid.
  • Install a debris excluder or first-flush diverter on downspout for cisterns.
  • Affix the required warning label that indicates the water is non-potable and is not for drinking. The SFPUC provides labels free per request, or you can make or obtain your own.
• The SFPUC endeavors to issue a rebate check within 8 weeks of final approval of an eligible rebate.
• Submission of an application constitutes an applicant’s acknowledgment and agreement that the applicant shall comply with these Terms and Conditions.

Rebate Agreement – Release of Liability 

The SFPUC may deny any application that does not meet the requirements. The applicant agrees to allow the SFPUC to inspect the installed rain barrel(s)/ cistern as a potential condition to obtaining a rebate under this program. Funding for this program is limited to available resources. Rebates are processed on a first come, first serve basis.

SFPUC shall bear no responsibility or liability for the cost, expense, operation, maintenance, or repair of a rain barrel or cistern. SFPUC shall likewise bear no responsibility or liability for delay in accepting an application, rejection of an application, or termination of the program.

Step 3 - Purchase your rain barrel(s) or cistern and save receipts.
Save the receipt (s) that shows what you paid for the rain barrel(s) or cistern.

Step 4 - Install and photograph your device(s).
Take two photos of your installed rain barrel(s) or cistern, including a photo of the downspout. If your photos aren’t sufficient, we may require a site visit to confirm your rain barrels(s) or cistern is installed and functioning properly.

Step 5 - Gather all necessary materials to complete online application as our portal cannot save partial applications.

Please have the following information:

• SFPUC Water Account and Account Holder/Name on Water Account Installation Address
• Applicant’s contact information (name, phone, email)
• Receipt(s) that shows the itemized amount you paid to purchase each rain barrel or the cistern (receipts can be uploaded as photos or scans in pdf format).
• Provide a photo(s) that shows the installed rain barrels or cistern.
• Submit a simple diagram with your rebate to be considered for our Stormwater Credit.

Step 6 - Apply online for your rebate.

• If you haven’t applied for any previous SFPUC conservation assistance, you’ll be prompted first to register for our application portal.
• Click APPLY NOW and complete the application. Partial applications cannot be saved in our system.
• After completing the online application, send a completed and signed IRS Form W-9 to the San Francisco Controller’s Office. You can email them to supplier.management@sfgov.org or you can mail a hard copy to: Supplier Management, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place, Room 300, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Rebates cannot be issued without a W-9 form on file with the Controller’s Office. This is because some people receive $600 or more in rebates from the City of San Francisco in a year. These people will receive an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099 and may have to pay federal taxes. The Social Security number you provide in the application will remain confidential. The SFPUC operates under the terms of the Privacy Act. Social Security numbers will not be shared with people or organizations outside the Controller's Office. The SFPUC's request for Social Security or Tax ID numbers follows federal law. This law is the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, 42 UCS 405 (c) (2)(c).

For more information on this program, please email waterconservation@sfwater.org or call 415-551-4730.

Watch this video of how to install a rainwater harvesting system.