Rain barrels and cisterns · California

San Diego County Waterscape Rain-Saving Containers and Gutters

Run by County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (Waterscape Rebate Program)

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Containers: $1.00 per sq ft of roof captured, up to $2,000. Gutters: $5 per linear foot up to $500. Upgrades: Volume +$0.25/sq ft (up to $500) and Full-Capture +$0.25/sq ft (up to $500); total up to $3,000. SoCal WaterSmart rebate ($35-$350 per container) is deducted from the County total. Older County rates of $30/barrel and $100/cistern appear in a July-Aug 2026 notice.
Maximum
$3,000 per household
Who qualifies
Unincorporated San Diego County residents.
Where
Residents of unincorporated San Diego County.
Status
Open. July-August 2026 notice: device receipts in those months did not get the County rebate; applications to SoCal WaterSmart paused until further notice.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install gutters and a rain barrel or cistern (50-5,000 gallons) fed by your roof downspouts, with overflow to a vegetated area.

Requirements

  • No work before a consultation and Notice to Proceed
  • At least 110 sq ft of roof captured, conveyed by downspout or piping directly to the container
  • Container 50-5,000 gallons, height-to-width ratio no more than 2:1, metal, wood or opaque UV-resistant plastic
  • Screened inlets/outlets; elevated at least 6 inches (containers over 200 gal may rest on ground)
  • Overflow to a non-eroding area on your property, under 5% slope, 5+ ft from structures, not over a septic system
  • Maintain container 5 years
  • Gutters securely attached every 4 ft horizontal and 10 ft vertical

How to apply

  1. 1Submit the Interest Form
  2. 2Consult with Waterscape program staff
  3. 3Receive Notice to Proceed
  4. 4Install the project and meet requirements
  5. 5Submit completion documentation for payment (SoCal WaterSmart application guide also applies)

Timing and deadlines

not published

not published

Combining it with other programs

SoCal WaterSmart rain barrel/cistern rebate (deducted from County total); turf replacement

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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