Weather scientists predict modest or below-average rainfall this winter due to the La Niña weather pattern arriving in late 2024. Capturing rainfall is a smart water management tactic. Now is an ideal time to take advantage of several upcoming rainwater harvesting workshops and rebate programs available in San Diego County and the rainfall available in the months ahead.

City of San Diego rebate programs

City of San Diego residents can take advantage of rebates for rain barrels, rain gutter installation, downspouts and other water management tools. Visit the City’s Public Utilities Rebate page to learn about your options and requirements.

The Solana Center For Environmental Innovation offers a rain barrel purchase program for City of San Diego residents. The Solana Center will help set up your household for water harvesting success. Order your discounted rain barrel by January 11, 2025, for pick up at the North Clairemont Recreation Center on Saturday, January 25. You can attend a free rainwater harvesting workshop at 10 a.m. More information is available on the Solano Center website.

County of San Diego rebate programs

The County’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host free rainwater harvesting workshops in 2024. Workshops teach residents how to capture rainwater to supplement your irrigation needs, save money on water bills, and protect our region’s environment by preventing pollutants from spilling into regional watersheds.

Workshop dates are expected to be scheduled soon. For future workshops, check the County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program website.

Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible to receive a free rain barrel. Workshop participants in incorporated areas can check their rebate eligibility on the San Diego County website’s interactive map.

If you live in unincorporated San Diego AND receive your water from the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies, you are eligible for ALL rebates listed under the County program. 

The County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (WPP) partners with the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (through SoCal WaterSmart) and can assist residents in determining which program benefits are available.

Reduce water use to preserve the environment and save costs

During San Diego County’s limited periods of rainfall, any rainwater captured from your roof and property saves money. It also helps the region maintain its water supplies.

In addition to rain barrels, directing downspouts to fill containers lets you choose how to use the rainwater you capture. The overflow should empty onto your yard or a landscape feature to infiltrate the excess flow into the soil. Rain chains can assist with this.

The County is committed to protecting the water quality in creeks, streams, and coastal areas. Runoff from irrigation, storms, and even faulty septic systems can pollute our waterways and threaten public health.

When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, we preserve healthy, safe waterways and more reliable water supplies while achieving cost savings.

How rain barrel rebates work

After you make your purchase of rain saving containers and any other items eligible for rebates and have installed them, you can apply for rebates. Current rain barrel rebates are $35 and limited to two per household for most San Diego County residents. You can submit for multiple projects. Learn more at SoCal Water Smart.

Conserve water for landscape maintenance

Even light rain can provide enough water for later use. A roof with a 2,000-square-foot surface area can capture 300 gallons from only a quarter inch of rain.

Stored water can be released gradually into landscaping between winter rainstorms, building up the soil sponge and ensuring that native plants get adequate water during the winter months when they need it most. If you need additional water in the summer and capture enough of it during the winter, you may be able to use your stored water for supplemental irrigation.

Visit the Solana Center For Environmental Innovation website for additional details on conservation rebate programs and to order rain barrels.