Rain barrels and cisterns · California

SoCal Water$mart Rain Barrel and Cistern Rebate

Run by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (SoCal Water$mart)

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Rain barrel $35 each (max 2); cistern 200-500 gal $250, 501-999 gal $300, 1000+ gal $350 (max 1)
Maximum
$350 per household
Who qualifies
Residents with a water account in a participating agency area; renters need owner consent. Barrel and cistern rebates cannot be combined.
Where
Water customers of participating agencies in the Metropolitan Water District service area.
Status
Open. Amounts vary by agency and depend on funding.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Buy and install a complete rain barrel (50-199 gal) or rigid cistern (200+ gal) connected to your roof downspout.

Requirements

  • Gutters along entire roof perimeter and existing downspouts
  • Purchased as complete unit; homemade not eligible
  • Cover and overflow spigot with mosquito netting
  • Barrels: rain capture only, not connected to graywater or irrigation; about 6 inches off ground on solid base
  • Cisterns: rigid, at least 200 gal, above or below ground
  • Tall units (height at least twice width) strapped to home
  • Must not block walkways
  • Apply within 1 year of purchase; documents within 60 days of applying
  • Receipt with model, date, full payment plus water bill with matching address

How to apply

  1. 1Check amounts with Estimate Your Rebate
  2. 2Submit application online (all barrels on one application)
  3. 3Upload receipt/invoice and water bill
  4. 4Rebate payable to water bill account holder; check void after 90 days

Timing and deadlines

Apply within 1 year of purchase; processing time not published

Combining it with other programs

Can be combined with turf replacement project where eligible

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 See something out of date?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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