Rain barrels and cisterns · California

SFPUC Rain Barrel and Cistern Rebate

Run by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Up to $100 per rain barrel (max 2 barrels) or up to $350 for one cistern
Maximum
$350 per household
Who qualifies
Property in San Francisco with an active SFPUC water account (or account holder approval); tenants need a Property Owner Approval Form signed by the owner.
Where
Properties in San Francisco with an active SFPUC water account.
Status
Open. First come first served while funding lasts; amount of funding remaining not published.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Buy and install a rain barrel (50+ gallons) or cistern (205-5,000 gallons) connected to a downspout.

Requirements

  • Barrel 50 gallons minimum; cistern 205 to 5,000 gallons
  • Install per SFPUC guidance, manufacturer instructions and California Plumbing Code Chapter 16
  • Connect to a downspout with a diverter kit; not connected to potable water; no portable/collapsible container
  • Barrel: mosquito screen under 1 mm or tight lid; cistern: debris excluder or first-flush diverter
  • Solid level base; cisterns over 500 gal need concrete pad or compacted gravel
  • Overflow hose directing water away from buildings
  • Non-potable warning label (free from SFPUC)
  • Do not block walkways
  • Itemized receipt and two photos including downspout; signed IRS W-9

How to apply

  1. 1Review SFPUC resources, FAQs and Terms and Conditions
  2. 2Buy the barrel or cistern and keep the itemized receipt
  3. 3Install it and take two photos including one of the downspout
  4. 4Gather account number, installation address, contact info, receipts, photos (and diagram for stormwater credit)
  5. 5Apply online within 90 days of purchase (portal cannot save partial applications)
  6. 6Send a signed IRS W-9 to [email protected] or mail to Supplier Management, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 300, San Francisco, CA 94102

Timing and deadlines

SFPUC aims to issue check within 8 weeks of final approval

Apply within 90 days of purchase

Combining it with other programs

Can also earn a Stormwater Credit on the stormwater bill by submitting a diagram

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 See something out of date?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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