Rainwater Harvesting Workshops Begin September 27 in Lakeside
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
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
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.
