Rain barrels and cisterns · Ohio

Franklin SWCD Community Backyards Rain Barrel Rebate and Free Barrels

Run by Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (Community Backyards)

PausedLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Dollar amount not stated on the rain barrel page (Dublin city page cites $50, unconfirmed); free barrels for low-income Columbus utility discount customers
Who qualifies
Live in Franklin County and/or a participating community; one voucher per household per year. Free barrel: residents enrolled in Columbus Public Utilities low-income or senior discount programs, or IMPACT weatherization clients (income at or below 200% FPL, certain zip codes).
Where
Residents of Franklin County and participating communities; rebates depend on tax district.
Status
Paused. Program closed for 2026; free barrels out for 2025; waitlist by emailing [email protected]; reopens Earth Day 2027.
Type of payment
Voucher or coupon
Official program page

What you do

Buy and install a fully enclosed rain barrel with a diverter hose, then redeem a voucher.

Requirements

  • Complete the online course or an in-person workshop
  • Barrel completely enclosed with installed level straight-across diverter hose
  • No direct downspout-to-barrel connection reimbursed
  • Free barrel option requires a water bill showing the discount

How to apply

  1. 1Complete the online course or workshop
  2. 2Wait for voucher (staff verify tax district via Franklin County Auditor)
  3. 3Choose the rain barrel item on the voucher
  4. 4Redeem via immediate discount at a participating vendor, or buy anywhere and submit a reimbursement application through Choice Digital
  5. 5For a free barrel, provide a Columbus discount water bill

Timing and deadlines

not published

Program window April-September annually

Combining it with other programs

One rebate per household per year

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 See something out of date?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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