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.
Rain barrel rebate program update
Program closes October 31, 2025. Eligible purchases must be made on or after April 1, 2025 and on or before October 31, 2025.
Applications are accepted until October 31, 2025 or until program funding runs out, whichever comes first.
After October 31, 2025, applications will not be accepted — even for purchases made earlier in 2025.
Eligibility for the rain barrel rebate
- Calgary residents who live in a home with an individual roof downspout and a private outdoor area suitable for installing a rain barrel such as:
- single-detached
- semi-detached/duplex
- townhomes with a private yard
- Renters are eligible if they have the property owner/manager’s permission to install and use a rain barrel at the property.
Purchases must be made on or after April 1, 2025 and on or before October 31, 2025. Purchases must be from a retailer, business, or not-for-profit organization (in-store or online) that issues an itemized receipt. Purchases from private individuals are not eligible.
Households can receive a $50 rebate for up to three rain barrels.
- Rebate amount: You’ll receive the price you paid for the barrel, or $50 — whichever is less.
Purchases not eligible for a 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
Where to purchase a rain barrel
You can buy a rain barrel from many retailers, businesses, or not-for-profit organizations, including local garden centres, home-improvement stores, and online sellers that issue itemized receipts. We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
Online orders
Ensure the seller is a business or not-for-profit organization (not an individual). You’ll need your receipt and delivery confirmation, or a photo of packaging/label that matches the receipt.
Frequently asked questions about purchasing a rain barrel
Are used or privately sold rain barrels eligible for the rebate?
No. Purchases from private sellers (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, garage sales or person‑to‑person sales) are not eligible.
The rebate is designed to increase the number of new rain barrels available and installed in Calgary, which helps capture rainwater and reduce stormwater flows.
To qualify, purchase from a retailer or registered business and submit an itemized receipt.
Community fundraisers run by registered not-for-profits can qualify if the sale is for new barrels and the organization issues an itemized receipt in its name.
Do purchases from charities or community fundraisers qualify?
Yes, if the seller is a registered not-for-profit/charity and provides an itemized receipt showing the organization’s name, date, item(s), and amount paid.
(A charity or non-profit registration number on the receipt is helpful but not required.)
Do contractor supplied barrels qualify?
Yes, if the contractor is a registered business and the invoice clearly lists the rain barrel with date, item and price.
Keep a copy of the invoice for your application.
What proof is needed for online orders?
Include your receipt and either:
- delivery confirmation showing your name/address matches the receipt, or
- a photo of the package/label that matches the receipt.
Receipts or messages from private sellers aren’t accepted.
Can I buy a rain barrel in another city and apply for the rebate in Calgary?
Purchases from retailers or registered businesses outside Calgary are eligible.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
Calgary residents with a suitable place to install a rain barrel — typically single-detached, semi-detached/duplex, and townhomes with a private yard. If you rent, you’ll need your property owner/manager’s permission.
Not eligible: apartments/condos without individual downspout access or homes without a private outdoor area.
How do Calgarians apply for the rebate?
Applicants are required to submit an application form and the original receipt for their purchase.
Is there a limit to the number of rain barrels rebated per household?
Calgarians can submit an application and original receipts for a maximum of three rain barrels per household and receive $50/barrel back.
If you have already applied for a City of Calgary rebate on 1 or 2 rain barrels this year, you may apply again for a new purchase. Maximum of 3 rebated rain barrels per household.
What is the rebate application process for rain barrels ordered online?
Green Calgary will accept receipts for online orders. 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.
Applicants must have their barrel in hand at the time of applying. Your barrel must already be delivered/ picked up and physically in your residence.
Confirmation that your barrel has been delivered/ picked up is required. Therefore, order confirmation and shipping confirmation is not considered valid, as it does not confirm you have received your barrel.
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.
How will applicants receive their rebate?
Green Calgary will be issuing the rebates on behalf of The City. Successful applicants will receive their rebate by cheque through the mail or e-transfer. If applicants choose to receive their rebates through e-transfer, the payment will be processed through the 3rd party payment processor, Plooto.
Rebates for applications may take two to four weeks from the date of submission to be processed.
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.
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:
