YardSmart rain barrels

Capturing and using rainwater for your yard

Make every drop count: Collect and use rainwater

Using a rain barrel is a great way to capture and reuse rainwater in your yard. Capturing rainwater helps to reduce the amount of rainwater runoff entering the stormwater system and flowing into our creeks and rivers.

Using captured rainwater on your plants before reaching for the garden hose can help you reduce the amount of city water you are charged for during the summer. 

Please note: Collected rainwater is not potable, which means you shouldn't drink it. There also may be risks associated with using it on food crops.
 

If you choose to use rainwater on your food crops, follow the precautions below.

New rain barrel rebate program for 2025

The City of Calgary has teamed up with Green Calgary to provide all Calgarians with an opportunity to receive a $50 rebate on up to two rain barrels, starting April 1, 2025.

The rebate program is currently OPEN for applications

Eligibility

  • This rebate program is open to Calgarians who have purchased a rain barrel from a local vendor.
  • Calgarians who wish to apply for the rebate can submit an application form with the original receipts.  
  • To be eligible for the program, rain barrels must be purchased from a local vendor. (Please note: This program is not limited to rain barrels purchased from Green Calgary only. See the Rebate program FAQs for full details).
  • Rain barrels must be purchased on or after March 31, 2025.
  • Households are limited to a maximum of two $50 rain barrel rebates.

Don’t delay – only 3,000 rain barrel rebates are available. Applications will close when all rebates are claimed.

Frequently asked questions about the rebate
Green Calgary

Where to purchase a rain barrel

Rain barrels purchased in Calgary may be eligible for a $50 rebate!

When it comes to purchasing a rain barrel, Calgarians have many options.  

The great news is, whether you purchase a rain barrel from Green Calgary or another local vendor, on or after March 31, 2025, you may be eligible for a $50 rebate. Rebates are limited, so don’t delay – apply today. 

See the rain barrel rebate program FAQs

Green Calgary

Green Calgary’s rain barrel pre-sale has officially sold out.

Although this year’s pre-sale is now closed, Green Calgary will have more rain barrels for sale on-site at the following locations and dates, between 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.:

Green Calgary’s rain barrels cost $125 + GST. Once the $50 rebate is applied, they will cost  $75 + GST each.

Local vendors

Rain barrels may also be found at local garden and home centres. We recommend calling ahead to any local garden or home centres to confirm availability.  

Rain barrels purchased from local vendors (with an address in Calgary) are eligible for the $50 rain barrel rebate program.

See the rain barrel rebate program FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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The benefits of using a rain barrel

Water use can increase significantly in the summer months due to outdoor watering. Capturing rainwater can help Calgarians and our community build resiliency during times of hot and dry weather while keeping yards and gardens healthy.

Rain barrels typically fill up after a single rainfall and help keep water on your property, so less dirt and contaminants wash into the rivers.

Join the thousands of Calgarians who are using water wisely by installing rain barrels for outdoor watering. By incorporating a rain barrel into your outdoor routine, you're not only benefiting your yard but also contributing to a greener Calgary.    

Setting up your rain barrel

Please read the installation instructions carefully and refer to the barrel manufacturer or retailer for support. You can set up one rain barrel, or multiple rain barrels - each attached to a downspout or connected in series.

Ensure your rain barrel is on a stable and wide surface to prevent it from being pulled or knocked over. And, for safety's sake, ensure your barrel has a secure cover.

Make sure the overflow drain pipe or your downspout is set at least 1.5 metres (five feet) away from your house.

  • YardSmart Brochure

    For more information about setting up and maintaining your rain barrels.

  • DIY household rain barrels

    For those interested in creating a DIY rain barrel, Green Calgary also has information on how to convert household items into rain barrels.

    Learn how to create an DIY rain barrel

Additional resources

Green Calgary Rain Barrel Information
Setting up your Green Calgary rain barrel

 

Seasonal rain barrel maintenance

When cold weather arrives, here are a few quick actions to keep your barrel from cracking:

  • Completely drain your barrel of water.
  • Remove and store taps and place barrel upside down in a protected area away from strong winds.
  • Always remember to reconnect your downspout. If you have a diverter attached to the downspout, remember to winterize it as well. Check with the manufacturer for specific instructions.

Risks of using collected rainwater

Rain barrels collect water that runs off a large surface, such as a rooftop. Every catchment area is unique and therefore the quality of water collected by rain barrels is unpredictable and could change each time a barrel is filled.

The primary risks associated with roof-top collected rainwater are bacterial pathogens, mostly those transmitted by birds and small mammals.

The pathogens most carried by these types of animals are Campylobacter and Salmonella. These two pathogens are the most common cause of foodborne illness and have often been detected in studies looking at the water quality of rooftop collected rainwater.

If an individual chooses to use collected rainwater for food crops at their own risk extra precautions can include:

  • Use a drip irrigation system or hand water the plant roots with a watering can. This is called ‘base of plant’ watering and will help to prevent possible contamination of above-ground fruits and vegetables. 
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables to remove as much contamination as possible. 

Green Calgary’s rain barrel program is sponsored by:

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