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• Why should I harvest rainwater?

  Reduce water use and save on water bills

  The rainwater that falls on your roof and property is free. When you harvest it and reuse it in your own yard, it reduces the strain on our water supply and saves you money.

  Increase your property value

  Sustainable landscapes have been shown to raise property values by 2-5%.

  Be a community leader

  Changes you implement will help make San Diego County a thriving and resilient community now and into the future.

  Improve local water quality

  Sustainable landscapes filter out contaminants that end up in local waterways where residents surf, swim and hike.

  Improve the environment

  You can create habitats for pollinators, lower the average temperature of your property, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

   

• Why is the County funding this program?

  The County is committed to protecting the water quality in our creeks, streams, and coastal areas. Runoff from irrigation, storms, and even faulty septic systems can bring pollutants to our waterways and threaten public health.

  When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, we all benefit - the County has healthy, safe waterways we can all enjoy and more reliable water supplies, you save money, and our landscapes look better than ever.
  

  Change can be hard, and cost you time and money. We want to ease the burden by helping you cover the cost.

   

• Will I get taxed for this rebate?

  If your rebate amount is $600 or more, you will receive a 1099 form to comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements. The determination of whether or not your rebate is taxable may depend on several variables. We recommend you contact your tax professional for any additional questions you may have.

   

• Can I apply for more than one rebate?

  Yes. You can submit applications for any rebate program you qualify for, and you can receive multiple rebates from the County. 

   

• Can I receive rebates for projects I've completed recently?

  For most rebates, including all commercial rebates, you must not start a project before receiving your Notice to Proceed email.

  For residential device rebates through SoCal Water$mart (rain-saving containers and smart irrigation controllers) - you must apply for the rebate after you have purchased and installed the device.

  Read instructions for the rebate you’re interested in carefully and contact us with any questions. We are happy to help you walk through the process. 

   

• What if I live in incorporated San Diego? Am I eligible for any rebates?

  Yes. There are lots of rebates for San Diego residents. Visit SoCal Water$mart or your local water agency’s website to learn more.

  Not sure who your water agency is? Find your water district here.

   

• Does my yard have to be a certain size to qualify?

  It depends on the rebate. Some, like Turf Replacement and Landscape Optimization Service, have minimum size requirements.

   

• I own multiple properties. Can I apply for the same rebate on all of them?

  Yes, as long as each property is eligible for a certain rebate. But please note – some rebates include lifetime or annual maximums per property or per water meter. Visit each rebate page to see specific eligibility requirements.

   

• Will these rebates expire at any point?

  After you receive approval, you will have a certain amount of time to complete your project. Please see program-specific requirements for details. If you fail to complete it in that timeframe, the rebate may expire or you may need to request an extension.  Due to limited funds, some rebates may have a cap on the total number available. We suggest you look at each individual rebate page for more information on potential caps.

   

• How will I know if my rebate has been approved?

  After you submit an application, you will receive a confirmation email of approval from the organization that administers the program. For some rebates, you’ll need to receive your Notice to Proceed before beginning a project, and you’ll submit your final application when complete.

  Read instructions for the rebate you’re interested in carefully, and reach out to us with any questions.