Water Savers Rebate Program
For Salt Spring Residents in the North Salt Spring Waterworks District
Join the Water Savers Program!
Install a Rainwater Harvesting System and receive a $250-750 rebate
For Salt Spring Ratepayers of the North Salt Spring Waterworks District.
As climate change brings longer and more intense droughts, our freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Living on an island, the only water we have is what falls from the sky, making it essential that we all do our part to conserve our limited freshwater supply for the most critical uses—drinking water for people, animals and ecosystems.
By installing a rainwater catchment system, you can help ensure that this precious resource is available where it’s needed most while reducing your reliance on costly water from the Water District for non-essential tasks.
Rainwater catchment systems are designed to collect and store rainwater, giving you a dedicated source for irrigating your garden, fruit trees, and landscaping. This not only helps conserve freshwater but also prepares your plants and property to better withstand the increasing droughts.
With a catchment system in place, your roses, bushes, and fruit trees will be more resilient during dry spells, and you’ll contribute to a sustainable future where we all use water responsibly.
With a little extra effort, we can protect our freshwater sources and maintain the beauty of our landscapes in the face of climate change.
2024-2025 Funding is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.
Funding for this rebate is generously provided by North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD).
Rebate Offerings
Status: We are currently accepting rebate applications on Salt Spring Island for ratepayers in the North Salt Spring Waterworks District. Apply now through our pre-screening form to reserve your rebate.
Funding is limited and receipts must be dated between September 2024 and September 2025.
- $250 per household for 520-1039 US Gallon capacity
- $500 per household for 1040-2499 US Gallon capacity
- $750 per household for 2500+ US Gallon capacity
Note: Please remember that we are measuring US Gallons (not Imperial Gallons) on our forms. Please take this into account when requesting a Cistern quote.
Apply for Salt Spring Island Residents
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 Only 1 (one) rebate is available per address.
- Salt Spring Island Residents: households must be part of the North Salt Spring Waterworks 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.
- This rebate program is for non-potable water catchments only.
- Water Saver receipts must be dated after September 1, 2024*
- Only 1 (ONE) completed (operational) Rainwater Harvesting System will be eligible for a rebate.
*We recognize that some North Salt Spring Waterworks District ratepayers may have recently installed a rainwater harvesting system, prior to September. We want to reward recent adopters by maintaining some flexibility with this start date & encourage those who installed a system in the summer of 2024 to still apply.
Rebate Process:
- Apply through 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 and materials.
- 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 from Salt Spring 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.
Resource Links:
Conservation Strategies
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.
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.