RAINWISE
RainWise Rebate Increase
RainWise rebates have increased!
In 2023, the rebate for rain garden projects increased from $4.00 per square foot of rooftop runoff to up to $7.00 per square foot1 Cistern rebates were $3.00 per square foot on average and increased as well, with a new maximum of $5.33 per square foot. Rebate rates are also based on how well your system manages your stormwater runoff (i.e., larger cisterns that control more runoff will receive higher rebates.)
Here are some side-by-side examples of projects that illustrate the difference in rebate amounts available before and after the 2023 rebate increase.
Please contact rainwise@seattle.gov with any questions.
How Are RainWise Rebates Calculated?
RainWise rebates are calculated by multiplying the roof area your installation captures by the type of system(s) installed. Rebate caps are higher for rain gardens as they do not have water storage limitations.
How Are RainWise Rebates Changing?
RainWise rebates are changing to account for fiscal inflation and the changing climate. Rain Garden rebate maximums are increasing by $3/sq ft. Cistern rebate caps are increasing by almost $2/sq ft.
Merica’s Rain Garden Project
Merica’s project captured 922 sq ft of rooftop into a rain garden that was 70 sq ft in size. She received a rebate of $3,688 for her pre-2023 installation. Today, that same project would receive $6,454.
Julie’s Cistern Project
Julie’s project captured 1463 sq ft of her rooftop into two, linked 205-gallon cisterns. She received a rebate of $4,155 for her pre-2023 installation. Today, that same project would receive $4,659.
Julie’s Cistern Project – Alternative Scenarios
Julie’s project captured 1463 sq ft of her rooftop into two, linked 205-gallon cisterns. Today, if she instead installed three, linked 205-gallon cisterns (scenario #1) she would receive $6,158 rebate. If she chose two, linked 420-gallon tanks (scenario #2), she would receive $7,634.