Save Water & Save Money with Rain Barrels

Harness the power of rain barrels to collect and conserve rainwater for future use. With just one inch of rain, you can harvest up to 600 gallons of water per 1,000 sq. ft. of average roof space! Incorporating rain barrels into your home allows for efficient water collection while reducing runoff to the ocean. Solana Beach residents can benefit from the SoCal Water$mart rebate program, offering rain barrels priced at $35.

SoCal Water$mart is a rebate program offered by the Metropolitan Water District and administered by EGIA. Through the socalwatersmart.com website, you will be able to access the online rebate application, learn about the program rules and regulations, and even check the status of your rebate.

The Benefits of Rain Barrels:

• The rainwater that falls on your roof and property is essentially free.  All it takes is a method to harvest it into a tank or cistern for later use.
• Collecting and using rainwater to replace municipal water use reduces your water bill
• Rainwater harvesting can reduce stormwater runoff from a property.  The elimination of runoff can reduce contamination of surface water with pesticides, sediment, metals, and fertilizers.
• Rainwater harvesting can be a great educational tool to get people to recognize their individual or household water usage.  This can get them to start conserving water in other areas around their home.
• Rainwater can be used for irrigation use, indoor non-potable water use, and/or potable water supply.

Collecting and reusing rainwater for your lawns and gardens not only conserves water but also reduces the amount of water flowing into storm drains, sewer systems, and local waterways. By implementing rain barrels, you can play a vital role in protecting beaches and waterways from harmful pollutants associated with runoff.

Unsure if a rain barrel is suitable for your household? Attend the Solana Center’s webinar on rainwater harvesting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, to explore the benefits and suitability of rainwater collection.

In addition to rain barrels, other conservation rebates are available, such as weather-based irrigation controllers, rotating sprinkler nozzles, high-efficiency toilets, high-efficiency washing machines, leak detection devices, and turf replacement. Discover the full spectrum of rebates and start your journey towards sustainable water management today. The full list of rebates can be found here.