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.
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.
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.
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.:
- April 19 - IKEA (8000 11 Street S.E.)
- June 7 - Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE #10)
- June 14 - Calgary Horticultural Society (2725 33 Avenue S.W.)
Green Calgary’s rain barrels cost $125 + GST. Once the $50 rebate is applied, they will cost $75 + GST each.
The following event is online pre-order pick-up only, with no on-site purchases available:
- May 3 – Dalhousie Co-Op (5505 Shaganappi Trail N.W.)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
All Calgarians can apply for the rebate after purchasing their rain barrel.
Eligible purchases are those made on or after March 31, 2025, with original receipts from vendors with addresses in Calgary.
How do Calgarians apply for the rebate?
Applicants are required to submit an application form and the original receipt for their purchase.
What is the rebate application process for rain barrels ordered online?
Green Calgary will accept receipts for online orders placed at vendors or non-profits with a Calgary address. Those who place online orders will need to submit two documents:
- A photo or screenshot of their online receipt and;
- a) A photo of their barrel packaging or mail slip matching information to the receipt or b) A delivery confirmation from a postal service with matching information to the receipt.
What if I'm unable to fill out the form online?
You have two options to fill out a form:
- Visit Green Calgary's Head office: #810, 105 12 Ave S.E. and fill out an application. A staff member will be available to assist you. Office hours are from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday.
- Download a printable version of the rebate form that can be mailed in or dropped off at the Green Calgary office.
When will the rebate be available?
The rebate program opens for applications April 1, 2025. Once the program is fully allocated, it will be closed until further notice.
How will applicants receive their rebate?
Rebates for applications may take two to four weeks from the date of submission to be processed.
Successful applicants will receive their rebate by cheque through the mail or e-transfer.
Is there a limit to the number of rain barrels rebated per homeowner?
Calgarians can submit an application and original receipts for a maximum of two rain barrels per household and receive $50/barrel back.
Can I buy a rain barrel in another city and apply for the rebate in Calgary?
Why is The City of Calgary providing this rebate?
Outdoor water use in Calgary communities increases in the summer months.
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 also help keep water on your property, so less dirt and contaminants wash into the rivers.
This rebate aims to make rain barrels more affordable for Calgarians.
Do Calgarians need to apply for the rebate if they purchase a rain barrel through Green Calgary?
Calgarians who purchase a rain barrel from Green Calgary will be charged the full price of $125 for the barrel but will be eligible to apply for the $50 rebate. After the rebate, Green Calgary rain barrels will cost $75 + GST.
Why do those who purchase a Green Calgary rain barrel need to apply for the rebate?
The City and Green Calgary are working to expand Calgarians’ options for rain barrels. This year, anyone who purchases a rain barrel in Calgary after March 31, 2025 will be eligible to apply for the $50 rebate. This includes rain barrels purchased through Green Calgary.
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.
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For more information about setting up and maintaining your rain barrels.
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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.
Additional resources
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:
