Rain Catchment

Literally save water for a sunny day by collecting rainwater from your roof. Rebates are now available for rain barrels as well as larger catchment systems or cisterns.   Catchment systems generally collect water drained off of rooftops.   Soquel Creek Water District recommends that captured rainwater only be used for irrigation purposes, not for drinking or other potable uses. In addition, if collecting roof runoff you should take care not to use toxic substances to treat your roof.

The picture below shows a below ground cistern system which saves space and hides the hardware. There are many ways to install rain catchment tanks. The one below uses modular boxes and pond liners to contain it. This hardware was provided by Rain Source Water, a division of Pondsaway, Inc. in Soquel.

Photo credit: Rain Source Water

How much are the rebate amounts?

1. Rain barrels – the rebate is a flat $25 for containers between 40 gallons and 200 gallons.
2. Large Catchment Systems (Cisterns) – the rebate is $25 per 100 gallons of storage capacity with a minimum capacity of 200 gallons to a maximum rebate of $750 (3,000 gallons).

Photo credit: Solar Crest Innovations	Photo credit: Use the Rain Company

How do I apply for rebate credit?

Select a rain catchment system/ cistern that works best for your site. Keep record of the total capacity in gallons. After you install your rain catchment system fill out the rebate application linked here. (Note the rebate requirements below and on the application form.   After your system is approved for the rebate via a post-installation inspection, your account will be credited the correct rebate amount.   Call 831-475-8501 ext. 144 or e-mail rond@soquelcreekwater.org if you have questions.)

Photo credit: www.wonderwater.net	Photo credit: Blaney Shire Council

What are the rebate requirements?

• Rain barrels and cisterns must be child proof and mosquito proof.
• Mosquito proof means completely sealing the opening with mesh that is the size of window screening or smaller. Shade covering can also be used. Don't let your water catchment become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Rebate applies to material only, no labor costs.
• Original receipt must accompany rebate credit application.
• Customer must allow a post installation inspection.
• Backflow protection is required on any storage tank to be used to store rainwater exceeding 250 gallons.
• Follow all permitting and zoning laws. A permit from the planning department at the County is required if container is over 5000 gallons or the height to width exceeds a 2 to 1 ratio. See planning department's website.
• Other requirements are shown on rebate credit application.

Photo credit: Aaron's Rain Barrels	Photo credit: Cypress Design

Where can I find rain catchment supplies and installers?

Rain barrels can be installed by a handy homeowner or a professional.   However, a larger system generally needs a professional to perform the installation.   Table 1 below provides contact information for companies that either supply rain catchment material and/or perform installations.

The photos below show a 2500 gallon cistern tank that was installed in the Soquel Creek Water District area. The first photo shows how the landscaping was used to hide the tank and the second photo shows the cistern when it was first installed. The pressurized cistern is gravity-fed from the roof and in turn supplies drip irrigation and a few sprinklers in the yard. The water that this cistern collects from the winter's rain is enough to irrigate the drought tolerant landscaping all year long!  Monthly tours are offered of this water efficient home. Please call 831-477-0571 to find out when the next tour takes place.

Photo credit: Sullivan

The list below provides additional links to companies that sell rain catchment hardware and expertise. (not local)

(e-mail more link suggestions.)

• Arcsa.org: American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association
• oasisdesign.net: Oasis Design sells books on rain water catchment 
• Rain barrel guide.com: Good site for barrels and descriptions
• ne-design.net: Aaron's Rain Barrels for sale
• aquabarrel.com: Aquabarrel Rain Barrel
• aridsolutionsinc.com: Arid Solution
• composters.com: Composters.com sells rain barrels
• cypressdesigns.com: Cypress Designs feature corner tanks 
• epcontainers.net : Eagle Peak Containers, Inc sell rounded barrels
• Drum and Barrel vendors: EnviroYellowPages search results
• gardenwatersaver.com: Garden Water Saver 
• seattlerainbarrels.com: Seattle Rain Barrels
• watersavers.com: The Green Culture sells water saving tools and rain barrels
• naturalrainwater.com: Natural Rain Water sells barrels
• rainbarrelsconserve.com: Rain Ready sells barrels 
• rainsaverusa.com: Rainsaver Systems
• realgoods.com: Real Goods sells rain barrels, use the product search
• gardeners.com: Gardener's Supply Company - rain barrels, use product search
• aussieraintanks.com: Aussie Rain Tanks - local supplier of rain tanks of all sizes
• tufftechbags.com: Tuff Tech Bags - flexible rain barrels, great for storage under the deck

 

Save Water!

Rebate Application: 

Outdoor_rebate_appjul2011.pdf