Wednesday Learn About City's RainWise Program

Seattle Public Utilities', RainWise program, is having a meeting on Wednesday at 6:30pm at the NE Branch Library (6801 35th Avenue NE). 

Rainwise provides rebates that cover most or all of the cost of installing cisterns and rain gardens at residences. 

Rainwise says on their Facebook page:

The average rebate has been around $4,800. Learn about applying for a rebate from Seattle Public Utilities and King County for up to 100 percent of the cost of your rain garden or cistern at this free workshop. You will hear a short presentation about the program, meet a homeowner in your area that completed the rebate process and meet trained RainWise contractors to take the next step for your rebate!

SPU's Residential RainWise Program was established to manage stormwater at home and the information says:

Rain falling on roofs, driveways, or compacted soil rushes off quickly to the nearest drain or stream. In big storms, this excess “storm water” can cause sewer backups, or pollute and erode our streams.  

We can all help reduce runoff and pollution with simple RainWise practices of reducing flooding, protecting property and restoring our waters, for people and wildlife. Doing so soaks up and filters rain so water does not run into the sewer system.   

If you live in a targeted sewer overflow basin, you may be eligible for rebates to hire a trained RainWise contractor to install a rain garden or cistern. See if your property is eligible, find a contractor, and apply at RainWise Rebates. 

Laurelhurst's first City approved "Rain Garden"  was installed in 2002 on the 4700 block of 47th Avenue NE. t 

SPU's RainWise program started ten years ago in Ballard as a pilot project and  expanded to include parts of Laurelhurst, which also now qualifies for free rain gardens, as well as Windermere and Wedgwood. 

Go here for more information.