Rain barrels are low-cost, effective, and easily maintainable water conservation devices. They help prevent stormwater pollution by reducing the amount of water that reaches our storm drain system. By storing and diverting rainfall runoff from roofs, these devices reduce the undesirable impacts of storm drain overflows such as flooding, erosion problems in creeks, and water pollution. Due to their relatively small volume, Rain barrels are commonly used as a secondary source of water for landscape irrigation in residential areas. If larger water storage capacities are desired, cisterns can also be used to collect rooftop runoff.

Rain barrels can provide a source of chemically untreated 'soft water' for gardens and compost, free of most sediment and dissolved salts. Because residential irrigation can account for up to 40% of domestic water consumption, water conservation measures such as Rain barrels can be used to reduce the demand on the municipal water system, especially during dry summer months. Rain barrels have also been found to be an easy solution to gutter system blockages, and similar home improvement projects.

STEP 1 – APPLICATION SUBMITTAL

1. Read and agree to the City of Palo Alto Terms and Conditions listed on the Stormwater Rebate homepage.
2. Create a Valley Water application portal account. (For applicants who cannot access the online portal, a hard copy is available upon request by calling the Water Conservation Hotline at (408) 630-2554, or emailing conservation@valleywater.org).
3. Complete the Stormwater Rebate Application in the portal and attach all required documents.

• Taxpayer information (taxpayer name, contact info, mailing address)
• Site information (address, site type, water account number)
• Initial Proposed Project (including photos of the proposed landscape/existing equipment to upgrade or photos of the existing downspouts)

STEP 2 – APPLICATION AND DESIGN REVIEW 

1. Valley Water and Watershed Protection staff receive the application and attached documents, including the proposed design. Applicants will be contacted to confirm the retrieval of their application information.
2. Some projects may require a permit to install. To inquire about permitting, please contact the Development Center at 650-329-2496 and select Option 3 for Building Plan Check Team when prompted. (Please note, do due Shelter in Place order, Planning and Development Services staff are working remotely. Please refer to the Development Center page for more information).
3. Staff may contact the applicant to request additional information or set up a pre-inspection if deemed necessary.
4. A “Notice to Proceed” will be issued from Valley Water prior to installation of your rain barrel(s).
   

1. Purchase and install rain barrel(s) per specifications on submitted application.
2. Notify Valley Water through the application portal once the rain barrel(s) has been fully installed.
3. All eligible rain barrel(s) must be inspected by Watershed Protection staff upon completion.

STEP 4 – FINAL DOCUMENTATION

1. Submit all documentation through the Valley Water rebate application portal (if not previously submitted, including IRS Form W-9).
2. Receive rebate payment from Valley Water within 6-8 weeks of final approval.

The size of your system depends on several factors: how big the roof is, how much space is available for rainwater storage, and what the intended use is for the water. A rough rule of thumb is that 600 gallons of water can be collected for every 1,000 square feet of roof area for every inch of rain. Palo Alto receives an average of 16 inches of rain per year, so for 1,000 square feet of roof that can add up to almost 10,000 gallons of rainwater (San Francisco FAQ). Applicants that desire higher storage capacities may prefer a cistern.

Rain barrels require little maintenance once they have been properly installed. San Francisco Water, Power, and Sewer suggests that owners follow these simple steps to maintain their rain barrel:

• Inspect inlet area every six months to remove debris, algae growth, or any other obstruction from the surface.
•  Before and after the rainy season (typically Oct.-Apr.), ensure downspouts are clear, and clean roof gutters, screens, overflow outlets, and filters on your barrel to prevent clogging.
•  Once a year, flush out any debris or buildup that may have accumulated on the bottom of the rain barrel. For tough buildup, you may scrub the bottom using vinegar or another non-toxic cleaner.
•  Maintain clear access to the rain barrel and outlets for regular maintenance. 
•  Repair leaks or holes immediately.

The City of Palo Alto is not responsible for damage to property or injury of applicants, contractors, or property owners because of the recommendations of San Francisco Water, Power, Sewer. The City of Palo Alto reserves the right to do a post-inspection of a rebate to ensure that the system is running properly.

Rain barrels that are not connected to potable water or automatic irrigation do not require a pre-inspection of the property. In certain circumstances, the City may wish to do a pre-inspection of a property before installation of a rain barrel. If this is necessary, applicants will be contacted to set up an inspection.

A typical Rain barrel will include an inlet connected to a downspout, a screen, an overflow pipe, and a spigot at or near the bottom of the barrel. Rain barrels are commonly made of plastic, metal, wood, stone, or clay. 

• Downspouts typically carry water from the gutters to the rain barrel storage. 
• The screen of the rain barrel keeps mosquitos and other insects out of the water supply.
• The overflow mechanism releases excess rainwater that cannot be stored in the barrel. Overflow pipes can be connected to adjacent rain barrels for higher storage capacity or directed into pervious surfaces like gardens for irrigation. 
• The spigot allows access to the water stored in the barrel. The spigot can be kept partially open to retain water from the barrel, or closed to store more water. The spigot can also be connected to a hose for pressurized irrigation systems. 

Figure 1: Rain Barrel Diagram