Rainwater Downspout Redirect

Rebate Information

Up to $40 per downspout when redirected to an on-site landscape feature (e.g., rain garden, swale, dry well, etc.) for a maximum of two downspouts. The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the materials (e.g., downspout diverters, piping, etc.) needed to redirect the runoff. Sales tax and labor are not included.

Redirecting and slowing the flow of rainwater that runs off of your roof to the street can prevent damage to your home and foundation, provide water to your plants, promote infiltration and groundwater recharge, and help minimize erosion, runoff and stormwater pollution.

The concept behind this rebate is to "Slow it, spread it, sink it!" as presented in A Homeowner's Guide to Greening Stormwater Runoff (Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, June 2009). The Guide contains pictures of common runoff and drainage problems and suggests ways to correct these problems, including constructing rain gardens, swales, and rainwater collection systems. Visit the Rain Catchment page for our rainwater collection system rebates.

Considerations

  • As with any landscaping project, call the Underground Services Alert before digging.
  • Some projects, like drywells, may require registration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn more at the EPA website.

Rainwater Downspout Redirect Rebate Eligibility

If you have any questions regarding rainwater downspout redirect rebates or need additional information, please call our Conservation Department at 831-475-8500.

Complete rebate eligibility requirements are listed on the Rainwater Downspout Rebate Application (PDF). However, we still want you to be aware of the following:

  • Rebate applies to materials only. Sales tax and labor are not included.
  • This rebate requires a pre-approval inspection by District staff. The District will provide the applicant with a pre-approval form that must be signed and provided to the District representative at the time the pre-approval inspection is completed. Do not redirect roof downspouts until after pre-approval inspection.
  • Downspouts must be redirected to landscape and rebate applications must be postmarked within 90 days of the purchase date of materials.
  • The project must be inspected by District staff before the rebate credit is approved.
  • The maximum rebate is for two redirected downspouts.
  • Rebates are applied as a credit that will appear on a subsequent water bill (see exceptions below). The account must be in good standing to receive a credit. Upon closing an account, any rebate credit balance will be mailed to the account holder. Allow four weeks from the date of rebate approval for credit processing. You will be issued a check in lieu of a credit if: (1) your Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) water service is in the name of your Home Owner's Association or Condominium Board and you are the legal property owner of your dwelling unit; or (2) you are the legal property owner (but not the account holder) and you purchased the rebated item(s) for your rental property.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all rebate program participants receiving $600 or more per calendar year in rebates to be issued an IRS Form 1099 unless exemptions apply. If you have received rebates from Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) totaling $600 or more in the current calendar year, you must submit a completed IRS W-9 Form (PDF) with your rebate application to receive a rebate.
  • The Social Security or Tax ID number requested in the rebate application process is in compliance with exemptions to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, 42 UCS 405 (c)(2)(c). Social Security numbers provided as part of the application process are held in confidence under terms of the Privacy Act and are not divulged or otherwise conveyed to individuals or organizations outside the SqCWD Rebate Program.
  • To qualify for the rebate, the downspouts must be diverted directly to the landscape feature (e.g., rain gardens, swales dry wells, etc.) so that there is no off-site runoff. Drainage systems that convey water off-site (e.g., French drains, etc.) do not qualify for the rebate.
  • The landscape feature receiving the runoff must be designed to drain within 48 hours to reduce the risk of standing water and mosquito breeding.