Tag Archive for: Rain Barrels

San Diego homeowners can take advantage of discounted rain barrels and workshops through April. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Discounted Rain Barrels and Workshops Available For San Diego Residents

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With San Diego’s rainy months just ahead, Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (Solana Center) and Think Blue San Diego (the City of San Diego Stormwater Department) are providing discounted rain barrels to encourage City of San Diego residents to collect and conserve rainwater and reduce stormwater pollution.

Rain barrels are $30 each for City of San Diego residents after the $75 discount (original price $105), while supplies last. By using a rain barrel, San Diegans can collect water for later use and reduce runoff to the ocean.

Free Rainwater Harvesting Workshops

Participants in two upcoming workshops can pick up their new discounted rain barrels at the same time. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Participants in two upcoming workshops can pick up their new discounted rain barrels at the same time. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

City of San Diego residents may attend a free rainwater harvesting webinar on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, to learn more about whether rainwater harvesting is the right fit for their household before ordering their rain barrel. They may also attend a rain barrel and rain harvesting workshop on Sunday, March 29, 2026, or Sunday, April 19, 2026, and pick up their discounted barrels afterward at the same location.

“Rain barrels provide free, untreated water for gardening and landscaping,” says Solana Center educator and rain barrel specialist, Sarah Van Horn. “Collecting rainwater is also an easy step households can take to keep our local waterways clean and free from contaminants.”

Benefits of Rain Barrels

When it rains, stormwater flows from roofs, sidewalks, and other hard urban surfaces onto city streets, picking up pollution and trash along the way. Water that enters the stormwater system flows untreated directly into our creeks, rivers, bays, beaches, and, ultimately, the ocean. Instead of letting fresh rainwater flow off of your property, you can collect some of it in rain barrels where it can be saved and used to irrigate yards and plants that need it most.

Just one inch of rain yields 600 gallons per 1,000 square feet of roof space, depending on your roof configuration. That’s a lot of free, fresh water for San Diegans to divert and help their plants thrive. The rain barrels provided can store up to 50
gallons of rainwater for later use each time it rains, and include screens to prevent mosquito entry and breeding.

Collecting rainwater from your roof can contribute to water conservation by reducing the need to use potable municipal water for irrigation, helping to reduce pollutant flows to local waterways, and reducing flooding around your property and neighborhood.

Rain Barrel Program Details

City of San Diego residents eligible for discounted rain barrels can attend a virtual or an in-person workshop to learn more about maximizing their benefits. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

City of San Diego residents eligible for discounted rain barrels can attend a virtual or an in-person workshop to learn more about maximizing their benefits. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Here’s how the program works:

1. Check your address to ensure you qualify as a City of San Diego resident.

2. Register for the rain barrel distribution event of your choice:

Sunday, Mar. 29, 2026: Mountain View Community Center – 641 S Boundary St., San Diego, CA 92113
Sunday, April 19, 2026: North Clairemont Recreation Center – 4421 Bannock Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

3. Register to attend a workshop or webinar to learn more about rainwater harvesting
and how to use your rain barrel:

Webinar: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 – 6 – 7 p.m.
In-Person Workshop: Sunday, Mar. 29, 2026 – 10 – 11 a.m. – Mountain View Community Center
In-Person Workshop: Sunday, Apr. 19, 2026 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – North Clairemont Recreation Center

Check your eligibility for the program here on the website.

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (Solana Center) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Encinitas, CA that has provided waste diversion and environmental education in San Diego County for over 40 years. Solana Center’s work centers on community education, direct resource conservation and waste reduction, and innovative environmental research and development. Learn more at www.solanacenter.org.

To help educate San Diegans about the importance of stormwater services to neighborhood quality of life, Think Blue San Diego is the City of San Diego’s longest-running and most successful public education and outreach program. For more than 20 years, this Stormwater Department program has implemented innovative, proactive steps to stop pollution before it gets into storm drains.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshops Begin September 27 in Lakeside

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The County of San Diego’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host rainwater harvesting workshops throughout the fall months of 2025. It’s an ideal time for homeowners to explore their options for water-saving improvements that also benefit the San Diego region’s watershed.

The first rainwater harvesting workshop scheduled for Fall 2025 takes place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Lakeside Library, 12428 Woodside Ave, Lakeside.

As more rainwater harvesting workshops are scheduled, they will be listed on the County of San Diego’s Rainwater Harvesting webpage here. For more information, email .

Rebates For Water-Saving Improvements

Workshops can help San Diego County residents, businesses, and agricultural producers get cash rebates for water-saving improvements like efficient landscaping and irrigation upgrades. Photo: County of San Diego

Workshops can help San Diego County residents, businesses, and agricultural producers get cash rebates for water-saving improvements like efficient landscaping and irrigation upgrades. Photo: County of San Diego

The Waterscape Rebate Program helps San Diego County residents, businesses, and agricultural producers get cash rebates for water-saving improvements like efficient landscaping and irrigation upgrades.

The County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (WPP) is dedicated to protecting the environment by preventing pollutants from entering local waterways. Funding the rebate program is one of many strategies for protecting water quality in our region.

When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, we preserve healthy, safe waterways, more reliable water supplies, and can achieve costs savings at the same time.

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

If you live in an incorporated city, including the City of San Diego, there are numerous rebates available for residents. Visit SoCal WaterSmart, the City of San Diego’s rebate page, or your local water agency’s website to learn more. Not sure who your water agency is? Find your water district here.

The Watershed Protection Program partners with Environmental Incentives to manage and distribute rebates to program participants. Other rebates are offered and distributed by program partners, the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (through SoCal Water$mart).

The Waterscape Rebate Program supports a wide range of yard sizes and home setups. While using a contractor is not required, your project must follow all program requirements to qualify for a rebate.

Reduce Water Use, Save Money and Environment 

Learning how to reduce your water use benefits your wallet along with the watershed. Photo: County of San Diego

Learning how to reduce your water use benefits your wallet along with the watershed. Photo: County of San Diego

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.

Workshops introduce residents to several beautiful, efficient ways to save rainwater. 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.

By using a rain barrel, San Diegans can collect water for later use, reduce runoff to the ocean, and save money on their water bill. Reducing runoff from driveways, streets, and sidewalks also keeps harmful pollutants from reaching beaches and waterways. Instead, we can redirect fresh rainwater to our plants that need it most.

Just one inch of rain yields 600 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. of roof space, depending on your roof configuration. That’s a lot of free, fresh water for San Diegans to divert and help their plants thrive. In addition to diverting rainwater, the rain barrels provided can store up to 50 gallons of rainwater for later use in a mosquito-proof container.

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

How Rain Barrel Rebates Work

After you purchase 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.

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

How Collecting Rainwater Can Save You Money and Help the Environment

/in , /by /ABC 10by Max Goldwasser Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Rain has officially entered the region once again. Coastal communities are not expecting to receive more than an inch of rain through Friday, which might not sound like a lot, but it is when it comes to water conservation.

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Rainwater harvesting using rain barrels can be part of your irrigation management strategy. Photo: National Audubon Society

Rainwater Harvesting Rebates Help San Diegans Meet Irrigation Needs

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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.

The National Weather Service predicts drier than average conditions. Photo: National Weather Service

The National Weather Service predicts drier than average conditions. Photo: National Weather Service

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.

RRain barrel rebates are available through several programs in the San Diego region. Photo: Suzy Morris / Creative Commons rainwater harvesting

Rain barrel rebates are available through several programs in the San Diego region. Photo: Suzy Morris / Creative Commons

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

Using rain barrels and other rainwater diversion tools helps keep runoff pollutants out of stormwater systems and the environment. Photo: Pixabay/CC

Using rain barrels and other rainwater diversion tools helps keep runoff pollutants out of stormwater systems and the environment. Photo: Pixabay/CC

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

Directing downspouts into water collecting features in your landscaping makes use of rainfall. Photo: County of San Diego rain barrel rebates

Directing downspouts into water collecting features in your landscaping makes use of rainfall. Photo: County of San Diego

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.

 

 

North County Water Agencies Offer Low-Cost Rain Barrels to Help Customers Save Water

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Encinitas, CA — To encourage water conservation, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District have partnered to offer discounted rain barrels to area residents. Fifty-gallon barrels are on sale for $97, with a final cost of $62 after a $35 rebate from water wholesaler Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Rain barrels ordered from January 1 to February 29 will be available for pick up at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation located at 137 North El Camino Real in Encinitas.

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Rain Barrel Rebates Timed for Rainy Season

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

With climatologists predicting the potential for above-average precipitation in the months ahead due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of the County of San Diego’s upcoming rainwater harvesting workshops and rain barrel rebates.

The County’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host free rainwater harvesting workshops in Fall and Winter 2023.

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Rain barrels can capture rainfall for irrigation in your garden. Photo: National Audubon Society rain barrel rebates

Rain Barrel Rebates Timed for Rainy Season

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With climatologists predicting the potential for above-average precipitation in the months ahead due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of the County of San Diego’s upcoming rainwater harvesting workshops and rain barrel rebates.

The County’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host free rainwater harvesting workshops in Fall and Winter 2023. Workshops help residents learn how to capture rainwater to supplement their irrigation needs, save money on water bills, and protect our region’s environment by preventing pollutants from spilling into regional watersheds.

The County of San Diego holds free rain barrel rebate workshops at different locations. Use the QR Code for the latest schedule. Photo: County of San Diego

The County of San Diego holds free rain barrel rebate workshops at different locations. Use the QR Code for the latest schedule. Photo: County of San Diego

The next scheduled workshop is Wednesday, November 8, at 1 p.m. at Tractor Supply, 27444 Valley Center Road. Future workshops will be listed on the County of San Diego Waterscape Rebate Program website.

At the end of the workshop, residents who live in unincorporated areas of San Diego County may be eligible to receive a free rain barrel. Participants in incorporated areas can check their rebate eligibility on the San Diego County website’s interactive map.

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.

Capture rainwater 

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.

Directing downspouts into water collecting features in your landscaping makes use of rainfall. Photo: County of San Diego rain barrel rebates

Directing downspouts into water-collecting features in your landscaping makes use of rainfall. Photo: County of San Diego

Workshops introduce residents to several beautiful, efficient ways to save rainwater. 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.

Protecting water quality in watersheds

The Countyl of San Diego is committed to protecting the water quality in county creeks, streams, and coastal areas. Runoff from irrigation, storms, and even faulty septic systems can bring pollutants to county waterways and threaten public health.

When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, it helps preserve healthy, safe waterways and more reliable water supplies.

How rain barrel rebates work

After buying rain-saving containers or other items eligible for rebates, and have installed them, residents can apply for rebates. Current rain barrel rebates are $35 and are limited to two per household for most San Diego County residents. Multiple projects are eligible. Details at: Socal WaterSmart.

Rain barrels conserve water for WaterSmart landscape maintenance

Making use of rain barrels is good for the environment and good for your household budget. Photo: National Audubon Society

Making use of rain barrels is good for the environment and good for your household budget. Photo: National Audubon Society

Whether or not El Niño results in increased rainfall, 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 additional water is needed in the summer, captured and stored water during the winter could be used as supplemental irrigation.

The Solana Center For Environmental Innovation website has additional information on rain barrels and rebate programs.

Saving San Diego’s Rain for a Non-Rainy Day

/in , , /by /NBC 7 San Diegoby Joe Little Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

“I love the rain,” the Encinitas woman said as she walked through her backyard. “Anytime it rains I get excited about my plants.”

Robin Reid-Anderson has dedicated years to creating a backyard that’s sustainable in San Diego’s dry Mediterranean environment.

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Low-Cost Rain Barrels Are Still Available to Reduce Outdoor Water Use

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Encinitas, Calif. —More than 70% of the western United States is experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions, and Californians are still being asked to curb water consumption to preserve water supplies. To encourage water conservation, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, in partnership with neighboring water districts San Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and Carlsbad Municipal Water District, is offering discounted rain barrels to area residents through November 30.

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Water Districts Offer Discounted Rain Barrels

/in , , /by /Water News Network

Due to the persistence of California’s unprecedented megadrought, capturing rainfall when it occurs is a conservation priority. Several water districts in North San Diego County are offering discounted rain barrels.

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