Capturing rainfall with a rainwater tank is one of the smartest ways to stretch your water supply, support a healthy garden, and reduce your impact on local stormwater systems. The good news? If you live in the City of San Diego or the unincorporated parts of San Diego County, rebates can significantly reduce the cost of installing a rainwater tank—especially a larger-capacity rain cistern.
Why Harvest Rainwater in San Diego?
Rainwater harvesting offers multiple benefits that go well beyond saving money on your water bill:
- Water independence: Store water onsite for irrigation during dry spells or watering restrictions.
- Healthier plants: Rainwater is naturally soft and chlorine-free.
- Stormwater protection: Capturing runoff reduces pollution and erosion.
- Climate resilience: Communities that learn to live within their local resource budget are more likely to ride out climate extremes.
While rain barrels are often the entry point, many homeowners quickly outgrow them. That’s where rain cisterns, or rainwater tanks, shine.
Rainwater Tanks vs. Rain Barrels: Why Bigger Is Better
Rain barrels typically hold 35–75 gallons. A single moderate storm can fill one in minutes, sending the rest of that valuable water either down a storm drain or messily discharging around your house. Rainwater tanks, on the other hand, can store thousands of gallons of water and when properly installed, will support healthy infrastructure around your home and yard.
Key advantages of rainwater tanks include:
- Much higher storage capacity, capturing more of each storm
- Cleaner water for longer, especially when paired with external leaf filters and first-flush diverters
- Supports pumped irrigation, allowing you to irrigate garden beds, trees, and drip systems – something that may not make sense with the smaller volume of rain barrels.
- Stronger value per gallon, since larger cisterns cost less per gallon of storage than small tanks or barrels. When rebates are calculated per gallon, that built-in efficiency is amplified—meaning you start with better value and the rebate stretches it even further.
For gardeners growing food, maintaining fruit trees, or irrigating larger landscapes, rainwater tanks are an excellent practical long-term solution.
City of San Diego Rainwater Tank Rebates (Think Blue)
San Diego residents who receive water service from the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department can now apply through the City’s Think Blue rebate program.
- Current rebate amount: $1.50 per gallon of storage capacity, up to $800 per property/unit.
- The rebated cistern must have a capacity of at least 45 gallons and cannot exceed 5,000 gallons.
- The cost of delivery and shipping of the rain cistern to the property is eligible to be rebated.
- Renters, individual units within multi-family residential buildings, and homeowners associations are eligible to apply.
Visit wastenowater.org to review program information and access the rebate application, or click here to apply.
City of San Diego Voucher Program (Coming Soon!)
The City of San Diego is preparing to launch a new voucher-based rebate program for rainwater tanks, piloted in partnership with CatchingH2O.
Unlike traditional rebates that reimburse you after purchase, this program is expected to allow eligible customers to receive a voucher before buying a rainwater tank. The voucher will be applied at the time of purchase, reducing upfront costs. Customers would pay any remaining balance, along with applicable sales tax and delivery, while CatchingH2O handles voucher redemption with the city.
This approach is designed to make rainwater tanks more accessible by simplifying the rebate process and lowering initial out-of-pocket expenses. Stay tuned with CatchingH2O for updates as the program launches.
San Diego Countywide Cistern Rebates (SoCal WaterSmart)
San Diego County residents may also be eligible for countywide rain cistern rebates offered through SoCal WaterSmart. These rebates are available to households with a municipal water bill, regardless of whether they live in an incorporated city or an unincorporated area of the county.
- Cistern rebates typically range from $250 to $350, depending on system size and program guidelines.
- City of San Diego residents are able to combine this rebate with City programs, effectively “double dipping” where allowed.
- Residents in incorporated cities throughout San Diego County are generally eligible.
- Residents in unincorporated areas may qualify for this rebate if they are not participating in the County’s Waterscape Rebate Program.
Visit SoCalWaterSmart.com, or click here for more rebate information and guidelines.
Unincorporated San Diego County Rainwater Tank Rebates (Waterscape)
If you live in unincorporated San Diego County, you may qualify for rebates through the county-level Waterscape Rebate Program. Click here to see if you qualify.
- Current rebate amount: $1.00/sq. ft. of roof that you capture rainwater from – up to $2,000. Rebate upgrades could result in a total rebate payment of up to $3,000.
- Cisterns must have a capacity between 200 and 5,000 gallons.
- More requirements for the rebate program can be found here.
- Program requires pre-approval.
How to Successfully Apply for a Rainwater Tank Rebate
No matter which program applies to you, a few best practices can make the process smoother:
- Confirm eligibility before purchasing or installing a tank
- Apply for pre-approval if required
- Take pictures before you start your project
- Keep all receipts, specs, and photos
- Follow installation guidelines carefully
- Submit paperwork promptly after installation
Rebate funds are limited, so timing matters.
Where to Get a High-Quality Rainwater Tank
If you’re ready to move forward, CatchingH2O offers durable Bushman rainwater tanks designed for Southern California conditions. We’re currently collecting orders for our next shipment, making this a great time to plan your system and align it with available rebates.
Convenient Pickup or Delivery Options
- Local pickup at City Farmers Nursery – offered twice a month beginning late February
- Delivery available for added convenience
Whether you’re installing your first rainwater tank or upgrading to a larger system, choosing a quality tank and proper filtration will help ensure your stored rainwater stays clean and usable for months.
For pricing and information, check out our Tank Sales page.
If you’re ready to place your order or have questions, email us at sales@catchingh2o.com.
And to learn more about the return on investment of rainwater harvesting, check out our blog post from 2024.