Single Family Residential Voluntary Credit: Rainwater Collection

The Stormwater Utility dispute & appeals deadline is Sunday, October 20.

Definition: Rainwater collection systems, such as rain barrels, underground tanks, and above-ground cisterns, must be empty containers/structures and be placed under downspouts to capture roof runoff. These systems slow runoff and promote soil absorption, improving water quality.

Guidelines:  There are no County specifications for rainwater collection tanks, however they must be properly installed and easily verifiable. Follow the manufacturer/vendor guidelines and instructions for installation. Keep the spigot open. For irrigation purposes, add extra storage (e.g., an extra rain barrel) beyond the minimum requirement.

Additional information is available here.

Ineligible Systems: French drains, dry wells, and underground systems that are filled with stone or gravel are not applicable for credit. If you have one of these systems without stone/gravel, and do not have inspection ports, you do not qualify for this credit.

Existing or New: Both are eligible

Annual or Ongoing credit: Ongoing

Percent Credit: 5%

Minimum: 100 gallons (may link together multiple rain barrels to achieve minimum required volume for credit)

Frequency of re-certification: Every 2 years

Required Documentation:

Documents	Additional Information
Photos of the installed system(s) Before photos if newly installed If pre-existing, provide the documentation denoted with *
Materials receipts or contractor invoices, including documentation of volume, clearly defined storage capacity, and release mechanisms * A site plan indicating the system location, connected roof area, and impervious area it serves Close-up photo of rainwater collection Perspective photo with nearest structure in background
Credit Re-certification
Close-up photo of rainwater collection installation* Perspective photo with nearest structure in background*

Tips for success:

• Take both photo types
• Follow maintenance guidelines: Locate the rain barrel in a shady or protected location to avoid algae growth in the tank. Darker-colored tanks will help prevent algae growth as well. Check inflow regularly for debris. Inspect periodically during rain events to ensure water is entering and exiting the barrel properly. Rain barrels are capped with a fiberglass screen that allows water in but keeps mosquitoes out. If you’re still concerned, you can add a whole or half of a mosquito dunk to the water in your barrel to kill mosquito larvae. Mosquito dunks can be purchased at most garden supply stores.
• Provide proof of purchase (receipts/invoices), system specifications, and a proper site plan.

• Typical reasons for denial of re-certification: Rain barrel is not connected to downspout. Proper documentation is not provided.