Be RainWise

RainWise—Private property owners can be part of the stormwater pollution solution

With every storm, rain carries pollutants off our roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces. These pollutants end up in our creeks, the Duwamish River, our lakes, and Puget Sound. During big storms, the sheer volume of this “stormwater” can cause sewer overflows and polluted runoff.

RainWise helps private property owners install rain gardens and cisterns to help manage the rain that falls on their roofs. These installations can also add attractive landscaping, provide water for summer irrigation, and may reduce flooding.

Check out 700milliongallons.org to find out if you qualify for rebates, see examples of rain gardens and cisterns, and learn more about how to get RainWise.

How to become RainWise

RainWise rebates cover most or all of the cost of installing cisterns and rain gardens on private properties in eligible combined sewer overflow basins. The average rebate has been around $4,400.

Here is how you get started:

• The first step is to check your eligibility at https://700milliongallons.org/rainwise/eligibility/.
• The next step is to find a contractor. If you can't attend one of our events, email us at rainwise@seattle.gov with the subject line "Contractor Matchmaking" and we will help you find the best contractor for your needs.

Learn more

Check out our library of webinars and resources at https://700milliongallons.org/tools/rainwise-webinar-resources/.

• Information available in Vietnamese, Chinese and Spanish.

Visit our blog, Clean Water Stories, for rainwise articles.

Download the following documents to learn more about this program.

• Be RainWise flyer
  • Se dispone de más información en español.
  • Hiện có nhiều tin tức bằng tiếng Việt.
• 2020 Progress Report, Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Not eligible for RainWise?

Green Stormwater Mini-Grants are available in the King County Wastewater Treatment Division service area.

If you are located in unincorporated King County, the RainScapes program is available to incorporate GSI projects at residential and commercial properties.

Here are some other resources: GSI Western WA Resources.