The Rain Catcher Pilot Program offers incentives like rebates and discounts to eligible property owners to install rain gardens, trees, and/or cisterns that capture and slow down stormwater. Rain gardens, trees, and cisterns add financial and ecological value to landscapes, help with drainage issues, and conserve water.
A scientific modeling exercise selected the headwaters of Waller Creek as the pilot program location. This small urban area is 1.08 square miles with 46% impervious cover and limited options for traditional stormwater controls. In the Upper Waller Creek watershed, significant historic stormwater monitoring data is available as well as ongoing water quality and quantity monitoring, so we can easily study the impacts of changes in the system when we add cisterns and rain gardens in the area.
The rebates and discounts offered through the pilot program can cover some or most of the cost of installing rain gardens and cisterns on a property. The other incentives, like free site assessments & design renderings, and assistance throughout the rebate process help make the program easier for participants.
How it Works
Rain gardens, trees, and cisterns add financial and ecological value to landscapes, help with drainage issues, and conserve water.
The rebates and discounts offered through the pilot program can cover some or most of the cost of installing rain gardens and cisterns on your property. The other incentives, like free site assessments & design renderings, help make the program easier for participants.
Click here for a detailed, step-by-step walk through of the program.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for the program, the property has to be located in the program boundaries located within the headwaters of the Waller Creek watershed in North Central Austin. If your property falls outside of the current program boundaries, we are happy to help you find additional rebates you may be eligible for. There are lots available!
Currently the Rain Catcher Pilot Program is offered to select properties in the Skyview and Highland neighborhoods in North Austin. From 2019 – 2024, it will be offered in phases to different sections within the pilot program area to facilitate the development of the program.
A scientific modeling exercise selected the headwaters of Waller Creek as the pilot program location. This small urban area is 1.08 square miles with 46% impervious cover and limited options for traditional stormwater controls. In the Upper Waller Creek watershed, significant historic stormwater monitoring data is available as well as ongoing water quality and quantity monitoring, so we can easily study the impacts of changes in the system when we add cisterns and rain gardens in the area.
The Map below shows you the basic areas for the next four program phases. Click on the – [ ] – icon in the top right corner of the map to visit Google Maps where you can enter your address to see if if falls in the program area, explore street names, or search nearby features in detail.
I’m Interested!
If your property is eligible based on your search in the map above, click here to learn more about what’s next and how to get started.
If your property is not eligible at this time, click here to learn about all the resources currently available to Austin residents that can help you make changes to benefit your landscaping and nearby creeks in the meantime.