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.
2025 Rain barrel rebate program - now closed
The 2025 rebate closed on Oct. 31, 2025. Applications received by the deadline will continue to be processed; late applications aren’t accepted.
If you purchased a rain barrel by Oct. 31 but didn’t apply, please keep your receipt and check back in spring 2026. If the program restarts, 2026 eligibility and application dates will be posted.
Want to share feedback? Take our five-minute survey for a chance to win a $100 Golden Acre gift card.
No purchase necessary. One entry per household. Skill-testing question required.
Eligibility for the 2025 rain barrel rebate (program now closed)
- The 2025 rebate was available to Calgary residents living in homes with an individual roof downspout and a private outdoor area for a rain barrel (e.g., single-detached; semi-detached/duplex; townhomes with a private yard).
- Renters could apply with owner/manager permission to install and use a rain barrel.
- Purchases were required to be made on or after April 1, 2025 and on or before Oct. 31, 2025 from a retailer, business, or not-for-profit organization (in-store or online) that issues an itemized receipt.
- Households could receive $50 per barrel (or the price paid, if less) for up to three rain barrels.
Online orders
- Seller must be a business or not-for-profit (not an individual).
- Applicants must have an online receipt and delivery confirmation or photo of package/label matching the receipt.
Contractor-supplied barrels
- Purchase qualified if the contractor is a registered business and the invoice itemized the barrel (date, item, price).
Purchases not eligible for the 2025 rebate
- Purchases from private individuals (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, garage/yard sales, person-to-person sales)
- Informal group buys without an official business or not-for-profit receipt (e.g., neighbourhood buy/sell groups, cash sales without itemized receipts)
- Handwritten notes, or messages from peer‑to‑peer marketplaces
- Apartments/condos without individual downspout access
- Homes without a suitable outdoor area
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Take our five-minute survey for a chance to win a $100 Golden Acre gift card. No purchase necessary. One entry per household. Skill-testing question required.
Where to purchase a rain barrel
The 2025 rebate is now closed, but you can still buy a rain barrel from many retailers, businesses or not-for-profit organizations (local garden centres, home-improvement stores, or online). We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 rain barrel rebate still available?
No. The 2025 program closed Oct. 31, 2025. Applications submitted by the deadline will continue to be processed. Late applications can’t be accepted.
I purchased my barrel within the 2025 dates but didn’t apply — can I still submit?
Applications for 2025 are now closed. Please keep your itemized receipt and check back in spring 2026. If the rebate returns, we’ll post the 2026 eligibility dates and how to apply. Purchases made in 2025 may be considered, subject to 2026 program rules and available funding.
Can I buy from a private seller and get a rebate?
No. Rebate-eligible purchases (in 2025) had to be from a retailer, business or not-for-profit organization that issues an itemized receipt. Private/peer-to-peer sales (e.g., Marketplace/Kijiji/garage sales) were not eligible.
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.
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:
