Rainwater Harvesting Rebate 2024
Up to $500 for non-potable rainwater harvesting
Install a Rainwater Harvesting System, and receive a $250-500 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 on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands is to install a Rainwater Harvesting Cistern. This rebate program exists to help support you to collect and use rainwater for irrigation! 2024 Funding is limited - first come, first served. Funding for this rebate is generously provided by the CRD.
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 520-1040 US Gallons
- $500 per household for 1040+ US Gallons
Note: Please remember that we are measuring US Gallons (not Imperial Gallons) when requesting a Cistern quote.
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 Well to be eligible. Property owners in the Salt Spring Island Electoral District who get their water from a local public water distribution system (for example, North Salt Spring Water District) are not eligible for this program. Other SGI residents 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.
- Galiano receipts can be dated after March 1, 2023.
- SSI receipts must be dated after March 1, 2024.
- Only completed (operational) Rainwater Harvesting Systems will be eligible for a rebate.
Rebate Process:
- 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.
- Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email notice that funding is reserved for you for 90 days.
- 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.
- 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. See SSIWPA's Best Practices Guide for more information on when you may need a professional.
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.
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.