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Rainwater Harvesting Rebate 2024

Up to $750 for non-potable rainwater harvesting

Install a Rainwater Harvesting System, and receive a $250-750 Rebate 

For Salt Spring & Southern Gulf Island Residents.

The Southern Gulf Islands’ water supply is suffering from increasing drought. A great way to save money on water and improve the health of the water table and local ecosystems is to install a Rainwater Harvesting Cistern. 

This rebate program is here to support you to collect and use rainwater for irrigation! 

2024-2025 Funding is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. 

Funding for this rebate is generously provided by the CRD and the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD).

 

Rebate Offerings:

Status: We are currently accepting applications on Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands. Apply now for pre-screening to reserve your rebate. Funding is limited.

 

  • $250 per household for 520-1039 US Gallons
  • $500 per household for 1040-2499 US Gallons
  • $750 per household for 2500+ US Gallons


Note: Please remember that we are measuring US Gallons (not Imperial Gallons) when requesting a Cistern quote.

"Thanks to Transition Salt Spring for organizing this program - an incentive to me to add to our rainwater system - without which we would not have gone ahead this year" - John Metzger
"Thanks to Transition Salt Spring for organizing this program - an incentive to me to add to our rainwater system - without which we would not have gone ahead this year" - John Metzger

Rebate Guidelines


Qualifying expenses include:

  • Cistern(s) rated for CSA or NSF-61 potable use; minimum total volume of 1,968 L (520 USG), and/or
  • Associated costs for qualifying collection and rainwater storage system expenses:
    • transport piping,
    • debris traps,
    • Filters,
    • installation labour,
    • fittings and gutters.
  • This program is open to year-round primary residents on Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna Island (and any other islands in the SSI/Southern Gulf Island Electoral districts). Only 1 (one) rebate is available per address.
  • Salt Spring Island Residents: households must be on a Private well or be part of the North Salt Spring Water District to be eligible. Residents in the Salt Spring Island Electoral District who get their water from a local public water distribution system other than the NSSWD are not eligible for this program. Residents of Mayne, Galiano, Saturna and the Penders are not limited to this restriction.
  • This rebate program is for non-potable water catchments only.
  • SGI Receipts must be dated after July 15, 2023.
  • SSI Private Well receipts must be dated after March 1, 2024.
  • SSI North Salt Spring Waterworks District Ratepayers receipts must be dated after September 1st, 2024.
  • Only completed (operational) Rainwater Harvesting Systems will be eligible for rebate Approval.

 

Rebate Process:

  1. Apply for our pre-screening form to reserve your rebate for 90 days. Funding is limited - first come, first serve. To apply, you must provide a quote for a cistern and/or related installation costs.
  2. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email notice that funding is reserved for you for 90 days.
  3. You have 90 days to submit your final application, with proof of receipts (only up to rebate amount required) and photographic proof of your completed rainwater harvesting system.
  4. Once your final application has been approved, you will receive your rebate within 30 days. 

 

Status: We are currently accepting applications on Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands. Apply now for pre-screening to reserve your rebate. 

Planning Your Rainwater Harvesting System

Before applying for this rebate, we recommend you research and create a rainwater harvesting system plan. The resources linked below should help you get started. Many non-potable rainwater harvesting systems can be DIY; however, if you require a more complicated system, you may need to consult a local Professional Rainwater Consultant. 

Past Rebate Tank
past tank 2

Need help financing your Rainwater Catchment purchase?

Low-interest Climate Action Loans are available from Green Loans Salt Spring (Transition Salt Spring Enterprise Co-op), our local lending co-op partner.

Rainwater Rebate FAQs:

The Southern Gulf Islands’ water supply is suffering from increasing drought. A great way to reduce our impact on your groundwater water supply is to collect rainwater during the winter months for use in summer.  

It will help reduce stress on local aquifers and some of the costs of getting water trucked in during the summer. It also helps slow down stormwater run-off during heavy rains, which helps reduce erosion and increase water quality in streams. Best of all, you can use non-potable rainwater catchment to water your garden, flush your toilet, and wash your clothes.

Water Savers Rebate Program

Ready to Harvest Rainwater?

If you are a Salt Spring or Southern Gulf Island resident - Apply now (links below) to reserve your rebate for 90 days. Funding is limited - first come, first serve. To apply, you must provide a quote for a cistern and/or related installation costs.

 

> Application for Salt Spring Island Residents

> Application for Residents in the North Salt Spring Waterworks District

> Application for Southern Gulf Island Residents