What this project looks like
A local program may sell a discounted barrel, reimburse part of a cistern, apply a stormwater credit, or arrange installation. The supported project is safe capture and use or controlled release of roof runoff—not simply owning a container.
Common project routes include:
- Connect a downspout to an approved rain barrel.
- Install a larger cistern with overflow and reuse controls.
- Add rainwater storage as one part of a larger stormwater plan.
- Receive a city-supplied unit or contractor-installed system.
A local program can define the same everyday project differently. Treat its approved plan, drawings, specifications, and written decision as the rule for that property.
Who and where usually qualify
Eligibility is local. A mailing address inside a city does not necessarily mean the property receives service from the city program.
- The roof and property are in the eligible city, utility, watershed, or sewer area.
- The applicant has the required account or property authorization.
- The unit meets volume, connection, overflow, and siting rules.
- The project can be safely maintained and winterized where needed.
Use the map and state directory to find candidates, then confirm the address on the administering agency’s site or with program staff. The map shows directory coverage, not a guarantee of eligibility or available funding.
What the work may involve
- Barrel or cistern with a secure cover
- Downspout diverter, conveyance, and screened inlet
- Overflow routed to an approved location
- Stable base and safe access
- Hose bib, pump, or nonpotable reuse equipment where allowed
This is a project list, not a shopping list. A component can be required, merely allowed, or reimbursable. Those three meanings are different and should be labeled on every program page.
How programs may provide help
Programs use several models: a discounted retail purchase, a one-time credit, cost share, reimbursement, free materials, or direct installation. Recurring stormwater credits may require renewal or continued maintenance.
Compare the benefit mechanism before comparing headline amounts. Ask who pays first, what proof is required, when the benefit arrives, whether it is a check or account credit, and what happens if the final cost is higher than expected.
Before you start
Stop and check: Check capacity, overflow, mosquito control, winter operation, and permitted uses before choosing a unit. Indoor reuse and large cisterns can trigger plumbing, building, or water-right rules that do not apply to a small outdoor barrel.
A safe sequence is:
- Confirm the address, account, applicant, and property type.
- Read the current program page and application—not an old PDF or third-party summary.
- Document existing conditions with dated photos and measurements.
- Submit the required concept, plan, quote, or application.
- Wait for the written approval, contract, or notice to proceed.
- Complete the approved scope and preserve changes in writing.
- Save itemized invoices, proof of payment, product details, and after photos.
- Request the final inspection or submit the completion package.
Programs to check
Detroit Residential Green Credit
No new project is required; this is an automatic credit on eligible residential bills.
25% of the residential drainage charge.
Miami-Dade Landscape Irrigation Rebate Program
The program may support one of these project types: Improve Irrigation and Keep a Yard Alive With Less Water, Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Single family: up to $500.00 per year for five years. Single family total: $2,500.00. Large property: up to $2,850.00 per property.
MWRD Discounted Rain Barrels
Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Standard price including tax and delivery: $22.30. Age 65 plus price: $11.15.
Peconic Estuary Partnership Homeowner Rewards Program
The program may support one of these project types: Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Native or rain garden: up to $500.00 for native plants only. Rain barrel: up to $100.00 each or actual cost.
Philadelphia Water Department Rain Check
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Rain garden: $22.00 per square foot up to $2,500.00. Permeable pavers: $20.00 per square foot up to $2,500.00. Metal downspout planter: $1,100.00 subsidy with $100.00 participant payment. Rain barrel: free 55 gallon barrel approximately $175.00 value.
Pittsburgh Water Stormwater Credit Program
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Residential stormwater control: reduction to next lower residential tier. Tier 1 property: 50% fee reduction. Rain barrel: $40.00 one time bill credit. 2026 monthly tiers: tier 1: $5.75. Tier 2: $11.50. Tier 3: $22.99.
RainScapes Rewards Rebates
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Pavement removal: 3 to $7.00 per square foot. Other practices: varies by practice and actual cost.
RainWise Rebate Program
Install an approved rain garden or cistern that manages enough roof runoff.
Rain gardens use $13.12 per approved square foot of roof managed; confirm the current cistern rate.
Raleigh Rainwater Rewards
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern, or Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure.
Standard cost share: 90% of eligible cost. Qualified subsidy: up to 100%. Permeable pavement basis: 90% of incremental cost over traditional pavement.
Residential Stormwater Utility Credit
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Standard: 35% stormwater credit. Green zone: 45% stormwater credit.
Resilient NYC Partners
The program may support one of these project types: Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Property owner cost: city funds eligible design and construction. Exact cap: not published.
Savannah Residential GI/LID Stormwater User Fee Credit
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern, or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
20% off stormwater user fee.
West Virginia Agricultural Enhancement Program
The program may support one of these project types: Build or Improve a Farm, Livestock, or Heavy-Use Area, Restore a Riparian Buffer or Complete a Working-Land Conservation Project, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
The official sources do not publish one simple amount.
Oahu Rainwater Solutions
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern, or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
Free approved installation.
Questions to ask before committing money
- What minimum storage volume is required?
- Where may overflow discharge?
- Can I install it myself?
- Does the program provide the barrel or reimburse my purchase?
- Do I need to disconnect or modify the downspout?
- Is the benefit one-time or recurring?
Get important answers in writing. If a contractor or supplier says a substitution is “basically the same,” ask the program to approve the exact change before installation.
FAQs
Is a rain barrel rebate the same as a stormwater bill credit?
No. A rebate or discount helps with the unit; a bill credit reduces a recurring fee and may require continuing compliance.
Can captured rainwater be used indoors?
Do not assume so. Indoor use can require treatment, plumbing separation, and local approval.
Does any barrel qualify?
No. Programs may control size, overflow, screening, vendor, or installation.
Does the program pay Hello Gravel directly?
Usually not. Most programs approve and pay for a completed property project using their own process. If the approved design requires aggregate, soil, sand, fill, mulch, or another bulk material, Hello Gravel can help the customer source the correct material after the specification and approval are clear.
Related guides
- how stormwater bill credits work
- contractor led vs diy programs
- permits utility locates and local rules (specialist review pending)
Official sources
Use the official sources below to confirm current rules and availability.
- https://www.miamidade.gov/waterwisely
- https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1495121281246222
- https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=rel1782856427656883
- https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/library/2024-lf-app-list-of-retrofits.pdf
- https://www.miamidade.gov/waterconservation/library/forms/single-family-landscape-evaluation.pdf
- https://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36659/City-of-Savannah-Stormwater-Utility-User-Fee-Credit-Manual---FINAL
- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/department-environmental-protection/property-care/rainscapes
- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/department-environmental-protection/property-care/rainscapes/rainscapes-rewards-rebate-application-guide
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/stormwater/residential-stormwater-credits/
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/stormwater/residential-stormwater-credits/residential-stormwater-utility-credit-application/
- https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/apply-raleigh-rainwater-rewards
- https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/apply-raleigh-rainwater-rewards/permeable-pavement
- https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/news/more-savings-and-faster-approvals-coming-rainwater-rewards-program
- https://www.peconicestuary.org/what-you-can-do/homeowner-rewards-program/