Rainwise Program rebates average $4,500 for approved rain gardens or cisterns
Fourteen thousand homes in north Seattle just became eligible for big rebates—average rebate $4,500—under the popular RainWise Program. A joint effort by Seattle and King County to fight water pollution, the RainWise Program offers rebates to cover up to 100 percent of the cost of a professionally-installed rain garden or cistern on private property.
In all, 55,000 homes and businesses in the City of Seattle are now eligible for the program.
Expanding RainWise into Seattle’s University and Greenlake neighborhoods could help keep up to 18.2 million gallons of stormwater out of Lake Washington and the Ship Canal during heavy rains.
Besides being beautiful, rain gardens help reduce one of the largest sources of water pollution by naturally cleaning and controlling stormwater. Cisterns can store runoff from rooftops that can later be used to water outdoor plants and gardens.
More than 600 customers have already received RainWise rebates, collectively reducing stormwater runoff by 9 million gallons annually.
The city and the county will also host a series of free RainWise events March and April, offering people an opportunity to learn more about the program and meet contractors who are trained and ready to install these systems.
RainWise Events in Seattle
Tuesday, March 17 – 6 pm to 8 pm
The Hall at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse
9131 California Avenue SW
Saturday, March 21 – 9:30 am to 1 pm
7744 35th Avenue NE
Sunday, March 29 – 3 pm to 4:30 pm
King County Library Southwest Branch
9010 35th Avenue SW
Wednesday, April 1 – 6 pm to 7:30 pm
5614 22nd Avenue NW
Saturday, April 11 – 11 am to 2 pm
5275 California Avenue SW