Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program

The rainwater harvesting program allows Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) water users to get money back on their rainwater storage systems. Apply before you buy!

Rainwater harvesting systems allow residents to capture and utilize rainwater for outdoor water uses, instead of treated tap water. Rainwater is exempt from Water Conservation Regulations.

  • Up to $500 for installing a minimum of 4,500 litres of new rainwater storage.
  • Up to $1000 for installing a minimum of 9,000 litres of new rainwater storage.

A maximum of $1000 in rebates is available per property over the lifetime of the program.

  • Only residential property owners with an SCRD water utilities account are eligible.
  • Applications must be approved before the purchase of the storage vessel (cistern) to qualify for the rebate program.
  • The rainwater harvesting system must be installed on the property listed on the utilities account.
  • Only cisterns, or storage vessels, are eligible for a rebate. Additional materials and installation fees, such as pumps and piping, are not eligible for the rebate.
  • Roof catchment area must be a minimum of 20 square meters.
  • If there is a functioning rainwater harvesting system on the property that has not received a rebate, the property is eligible for a rebate for an additional storage volume.
  • Properties that have received a $500 rebate in past programs are eligible for up $500 for the installation of additional rainwater storage.
  • Rebates are available on a first come, first serve basis. Once funds are fully allocated, the program will be finished for the year.

How to apply

In the planning of your rainwater harvesting system, the SCRD asks you review the 2024 Rainwater Harvesting Program Best Practices guide which will ensure your system is as effective as possible.

Take a couple of minutes to review the rainwater harvesting program terms and conditions.

Now it’s time to apply!

Complete a pre-approval application form, including a description of the system that is going to be installed.

Submit “before” photos of the site showing catchment area and intended storage vessel location with the pre-approval application form. Photos of the catchment area and location where cistern will be installed should have an indication of scale, such as a person or a meter stick, and a reference point so that one can see the “before” and “after” photos are the same property.

Pre-approval application forms must be submitted prior to purchasing.

The SCRD will review your application to determine eligibility and the availability of funds. Should the application be approved, you will receive an approval letter or email. Approval time is dependent on the volume of applications, usually one to three business days.

Approved? Now it’s time to purchase and install your system.

Once applicants have received written approval from the SCRD, they will have a $500 or a $1000 rebate set aside. Installations must be completed and the claim form submitted within 90 days of the approval letter from the SCRD. Property owners or hired contractors may perform the installation.

Time to get your rebate.

The rebate claim Form and supporting material must be submitted within 90 days of approval letter from the SCRD. Final document submission includes:

  • Itemized sales receipt(s) and/or invoice(s) marked PAID and dated. Cistern cost to be shown separately from the total system cost.
  • Photo(s) of the installed system, clearly showing the roof catchment area and the installed storage with appropriate equipment.
  • Completed claim form.

All documentation (forms, photos, and receipts) can be sent to the SCRD either:

  • Via email – to infrastructure@scrd.ca with “Rainwater Harvesting Program” in the title
  • Or by mail/in person to:
    Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program
    Sunshine Coast Regional District
    1975 Field Road
    Sechelt, BC V7Z 0A8

The SCRD will provide confirmation of your rebate within five business days. Please allow four weeks for rebate cheque processing and mail out.

Contact Us

Water Services

Phone: 604-885-6806

Email: infrastructure@scrd.ca

Emergency Water/Wastewater Answering Service: 1-866-291-4645