RainWise
Rebates for Rain Gardens and Cisterns
Want to prevent flooding, add attractive landscaping, and provide water for summer irrigation? Through the RainWise rebate program, you can work with an approved contractor to install cisterns and/or rain gardens on private property in eligible areas of Seattle. Newer homes with existing stormwater features or large redevelopment projects might not be eligible.
Steps to Get RainWise
Check to see if your property is eligible for a RainWise rebate for a cistern, rain garden, or both!
RainWise projects must be installed by an approved contractor. Browse our list of contractors available to get started on your project!
You and your contractor will work together on a basic site plan.
To move forward in the process, your contractor will request a free pre-inspection. Why is this needed? Learn more about inspection and all the steps for your RainWise project.
After the site plan is approved, your contractor will begin constructing your cistern and/or rain garden! Check out some existing projects already installed by your neighbors!
After a final inspection, you and your contractor will work together to fill out and submit rebate paperwork. Checks arrive 6-8 weeks later.
Steps to Get RainWise
- Check your Eligibility: Check to see if your property is eligible for a RainWise rebate for a cistern, rain garden, or both.
- Attend an Event: Come chat with staff and contractors and learn about the program at a webinar, workshop, or community event.
- Select a Contractor:RainWise projects must be installed by an approved contractor. Browse our list of contractors to get started on your project.
- Get Inspired & Work on a Design: You and your contractor will work together on a basic site plan. Check out the Projects page for inspiration from your neighbors.
- Move Forward with a Pre-Inspection: Your contractor will request a free pre-inspection from the City or County to make sure the project is ready to move forward.
- Construction: After the site plan is approved, your contractor do all the work in constructing your cistern and/or rain garden project!
- Receive Rebate: After a final inspection, you and your contractor will work together to fill out and submit rebate paperwork. Rebate checks arrive 6-8 weeks later.
Steps to Get RainWise
- Check Eligibility: See if your property qualifies for a RainWise rebate.
- Attend an Event: Learn about the program at a webinar, workshop, or event.
- Select a Contractor: Choose an approved contractor from our list.
- Design & Get Inspired: Work with your contractor on a basic site plan. Check the Projects page for ideas.
- Pre-Inspection: Your contractor will request a free inspection to move forward.
- Construction: Contractor completes the installation of your project.
- Receive Rebate: After final inspection, submit paperwork for your rebate, which arrives in 6-8 weeks.
Want to get more information about RainWise? Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
Not sure where to find arborists’ wood chips for fresh mulch? Need help with rain garden plants and weeds? Wondering how often or how long to water your new rain garden? Contact the Garden Hotline at 206-633-0224 or help@gardenhotline.org
Multi-lingual service provided.
Looking for more information about RainWise? Visit our Tools & Resources section for informational brochures, webinars, grant information, and much more!
Connect with RainWise
Want to get more information about RainWise? Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
Looking for more information about RainWise?
Visit our Tools & Resources section for informational brochures, webinars, grant information and much more!
Merica loves her RainWise rain garden design because it follows the original flow of the landscape.
George and Elizabeth installed six rain gardens and two cisterns with 3,686 square feet of roof runoff captured.
Maria loves her RainWise rain garden and the variety of plants it provides.
Paul captures water from the house and garage roofs to flow into a RainWise rain garden.
Maria's RainWise rain garden is both beautiful and functional.
Looking for more information about RainWise?
Visit our Tools & Resources section for informational brochures, webinars, grant information and much more!