Landscape Rebate: Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Barrels and Cisterns Installer Guidelines

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Spencer Merritt
6 years ago
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City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment 1717 4th Street, Suite 100 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Landscape Rebate: Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Barrels and Cisterns Installer

This will keep the downspout from shifting or disconnecting from the gutter. DIRECT THE DOWNSPOUT TO A RAIN BARREL OR CISTERN.

1 City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment th Street, Suite 100 Santa Monica, CA Landscape Rebate: Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Barrels and Cisterns Installer Guidelines SECURE WITH A DOWNSPOUT BRACKET. The downspout must be attached to the building or other support structure using a downspout bracket. This will keep the downspout from shifting or disconnecting from the gutter. DIRECT THE DOWNSPOUT TO A RAIN BARREL OR CISTERN. Cut the downspout and use downspout extension or flex-tube to extend it into the rain barrel or cistern. The downspout delivers water from the roof gutter system into the rain barrel or cistern. PRE TREATMENT. Add pre-treatment to remove debris such as sediment, leaves, and twigs that may clog the rain barrel or promote bacteria and algal growth. Pre-treatment may consist of a screen across the top of the rain garden, a first flush diverter, or downspout filter. KEEP DOORS, WALKWAYS AND PATHS ACCESSIBLE. Blocking exits from the building can create a fire or earthquake hazard. ELEVATE THE RAIN BARREL OR CISTERN. Elevate the rain barrel or cistern at least 6 inches above the ground (for above ground systems only) on a level and solid foundation, such as a concrete pad, pavers or blocks. This strategy provides stability and pressure to get the water out faster. COVER THE RAIN BARREL OR CISTERN. Ensure that no debris including, mosquitos and rodents will enter the system by choosing a rain barrel or cistern with an adequate screen or cover. Most rain barrels and cisterns come equipped with a screen or cover, but additional screening may be necessary if the inlet is wider than the downspout or Flex-elbow. SECURE THE RAIN BARREL OR CISTERN. The rain barrel or cistern must be attached to your home or building if the height is two times greater than the width. Secure the rain barrel or cistern to your home or building by using a metal strap and masonry screws, which will prevent tipping during an earthquake and deter theft when it is empty.

2 INSTALL AN OVERFLOW PIPE. Install an overflow pipe or tube near the top of the rain barrel or cistern that is at least 1 to 3 inches in diameter. The overflow must direct excess water safely away from the foundation of adjacent structures and preferably to a permeable area. EQUIP WITH A SPIGOT OR PUMP. The rain barrel or cistern must be equipped with a spigot or must utilize a pressurized irrigation system. If you plan to utilize a pressurized irrigation system, you will need to obtain a single-trade plumbing permit from the Building & Safety Division located at City Hall. This permit has no permit fee. MAINTAIN FOR 3 YEARS. Keep the rain barrel or cistern in working condition for at least 3 years. USE YOUR WATER. Try to use your water within 2-4 weeks to prevent bacterial and algae growth. SMGOV.NET/WATER SAVEWATER@SMGOV.NET

3 The downspout must be connected to a rain barrel or cistern. The downspout must be attached to the building. Do not block or restrict access to doors, walkways, or pathways. For above ground systems, elevate the rain barrel or cistern at least 6 inches above the ground on a level and solid foundation, such as a concrete pad, pavers or blocks. The rain barrel or cistern must be equipped with a spigot for a hose or utilize a pressurized pumping system for irrigation or indoor flushing. SMGOV.NET/WATER SAVEWATER@SMGOV.NET

4 Cover the rain barrel or cistern. Strap cisterns to your building if the height is two times greater than the width. Install an overflow pipe or tube near the top of the rain barrel or cistern that is at least 1 to 3 inches in diameter.

You will NOT receive a rebate if you do the

DO NOT install or approve designs that are

this document and understand what may or may

5 You will NOT receive a rebate if you do the following. DO NOT install or approve designs that are depicted in this pictorial. a cover. extending the downspout into it. DO NOT install the rain barrel or cistern on an uneven surface. DO NOT install a rain barrel or cistern without a 1 to 3 inch overflow pipe. DO NOT block doors, walkways, or accesses. a spigot or pump. I have read and understand the contents of this document and understand what may or may not qualify the property owner to receive this Rainwater Harvesting Rebate. signed copy to, Savewater@smgov.net Installation Address Property owner signature Phone Date Installer signature Phone Date Photos by City of Santa Monica. All rights reserved.

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