The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is introducing a rainwater harvesting rebate program next month.

Operating on a first-come, first serve basis while funds are available, the program entitles property owners with a SCRD water utilities account a rebate of up to $500 that will apply to the purchase of a rainwater storage tank.

Pre-approval application forms, including designs, will be accepted until funds are fully allocated or until December 14th.

“Summer precipitation patterns on the Sunshine Coast are such that rainwater harvesting requires a large storage capacity in order to be impactful,” says Raph Shay, SCRD Water and Energy Projects Coordinator, Infrastructure Services. “For this reason, larger cisterns are more effective than barrels in supplying water during periods of drought.”

The program will help meet the district’s goal of reducing water consumption by 33% by 2020 from 2010 levels. A 4,500 litre cistern would save an estimated 13,400 litres of water per year with average rainfall.

To find out how to apply for the program and eligibility requirements, click here.

 

Filed under: Conservation, Gibsons, Sechelt, Sunshine Coast, Water