County's Rain Barrel Rebate Program Granted Extra Year

By Bay City News Service

A rare bout of rain struck the Bay Area Wednesday night, despite temperatures verging on triple digits in some places.

While meteorologists do not expect the rain to continue this weekend, San Mateo County officials encourage residents to be prepared to make the most of any rainfall during the drought. As a result, they are extending the county’s popular rain barrel rebate program through June 30, 2016, a full year longer than originally planned.

The program, according to San Mateo County officials, provides up to $100 for installed rain barrels, which can cost below $100 up to $250 depending on size and design.

Rain barrels are used to collect rainfall from buildings to be used in landscaping after the storm. According to county officials, a 1,000-square-foot roof can produce 625 gallons of water for every inch of rain that falls.

“Not only to rain barrels help limit the use of drinking water to keep our plants alive, they also reduce storm water runoff that washes pollutants like motor oil and litter into our storm drains, which flow directly to our creeks, bay, and ocean,” Water Pollution Prevention Program coordinator Matt Fabry said in a statement.

So far, more than 500 rain barrel rebates have been issued in San Mateo County this year, according to officials. The program’s popularity due to the drought and public interest encouraged San Mateo County government and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency to fund the program for at least a year more.

More information about the program or how to install a rain barrel can be found at flowstobay.org/rainbarrel.