Rain Barrel & Cistern Rebate Application

Installed, operated and maintained in accordance with requirements of Chapter 16 of the 2019 California Plumbing Code and local permitting requirements.
- Water treatment or a permit are typically not required for exterior rainwater catchment systems used for outdoor non-spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 5,000 gallons where the tank is supported directly upon grade and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1 and it does not require electrical power or a makeup water supply connection.
Newly purchased, constructed of durable opaque material such as HDPE plastic or comparable, with at least 50 gallons of storage capacity, and designed for the intended purpose of rainwater capture. Cannot be a portable or collapsible container (e.g. garbage bin or soft-sided container).
The ratio of height to diameter must be less than 2 to 1.
Installed on a solid and level foundation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Situated to avoid blocking or restricting access to doors, walkways, or pathways.
Connected to a rain gutter downspout, rain chain, or other effective means of capturing flow from roofs or other impervious surfaces.
Equipped with an appropriately sized (at least as big as the inflow pipe(s)) overflow outlet near the top of the barrel or cistern, directed away from buildings and/or adjacent properties.
Screened or sealed for vector control (e.g. mosquitos and rodents) with a fine mesh screen (1/16th inch).
Equipped with a debris excluder to prevent the accumulation of leaves, needles, and other debris and sediment from entering the storage tank.
Equipped with a spigot near the bottom of the rain barrel or cistern, unless using a pumping system.
Labeled with the words: “NONPOTABLE RAINWATER. DO NOT DRINK”.
Inspected and cleaned annually, including roof surfaces, gutters, downspouts, filters, and screens.
All rainwater harvesting systems that involve rain barrels or cisterns must be equipped with a backflow prevention device at the water main and an air gap between the rainwater harvesting system and the connection, if any, to the potable water supply. Backflow prevention devices must be installed by a licensed professional and require annual inspection and testing. Please contact Marin Water at (415) 945-1571, (415) 945-1559 or backflow@marinwater.org for more information.
The only exception to the backflow device requirement are rain barrels and cisterns that distribute collected rainwater via a hose or bucket only, are not connected to the potable water system, and are not equipped with a pump.

Offer applies to Marin Water residential and commercial customers with an active potable water service.
Applicant must be the Marin Water account holder and property owner, property owner with consent from the water-bill paying tenant, or water bill-paying tenant with consent from the property owner.
Applicant certifies that necessary permissions have been obtained from property owner, if applicant is not the owner.
Application for rebate must be submitted within 90 days of purchase and following installation.
Rebates cover the cost of rain barrels and cisterns only, excluding tax, delivery, and labor.
Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability of funds.
Rebate amounts and eligible products are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Rebates will be paid to the name as it appears on the water bill, unless applicant is not the Marin Water account holder.
Receipts must be legible and itemized to clearly show what has been purchased. If submitting an invoice from a contractor please ensure it includes the name and address of the contractor, itemized dollar amount of qualifying purchase(s), zero balance due, product brand, model and storage capacity. Receipts will not be returned—please make copies for your records.
Rebates over $600 may be considered taxable income and a 1099 will be issued. For more information on whether your rebate check will be considered taxable income, please contact a qualified tax professional.
Rain barrels and cisterns must be installed at the property where potable water service is provided by Marin Water.
Marin Water reserves the right to request proof of installation and/or to inspect the property to verify that the product(s) is (are) installed, either before or after rebate is paid, and, if necessary, to recover rebated amounts on the water bill for any products not installed as required.
Applicants are responsible for complying with all applicable codes and regulations.
Participant agrees to allow Marin Water to use project photos for outreach and education.
Allow six to eight weeks for processing.

To Apply

1. Purchase and install a qualifying rain barrel(s) or cistern(s) at the property where potable water service is provided by Marin Water.

2. Submit this application, including a copy of your sales receipt within 90 days of purchase. Receipts will not be returned — please make copies for your records.

3. Include a completed IRS Form W-9 if you will receive more than $600 in rebates from Marin Water during the tax year.

4. Submit photos demonstrating installation requirements are met:

For professionally installed systems, 1-2 photos of the system and an invoice that provides evidence of professional installation.
For self-installed systems, photos clearly showing the complete system, connection to downspout, screens over openings, overflow pipe, spigot near bottom, label that reads “NONPOTABLE RAINWATER. DO NOT DRINK," and backflow if applicable.

5. A site inspection may be required. Marin Water will contact you to schedule a site visit, if required.

Rain Barrel & Cistern Rebate Application

Overview

To Apply

Rebate Application

Applicant information

Rainwater catchment system information

Installer information

Tax form submission

Applicant confirmation/authorization