Petaluma nonprofit launches rebate program for rainwater catching

The Petaluma-based education nonprofit Daily Acts has announced a countywide program that will offer residents rebates for installing rainwater catchment systems, as part of efforts to save water amid an ongoing drought.

In a partnership with Sonoma Water, the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, the cities of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg and Petaluma, as well as the Gold Ridge and Sonoma Resource Conservation Districts, leaders with Daily Acts and Sherwood Design Engineers will launch the rebate program in an informational webinar from 5:30-7 p.m. May 5.

“Whether you are interested in installing a smaller barrel system or larger system using 5,000-gallon (High Density Polyethylene) tanks to offset potable water use in your urban or rural landscape, we hope you will join us at this kickoff event to learn more about this exciting opportunity to capture the rain,” the group said Monday in an emailed press release.

The program, funded by Sonoma County and the California Department of Water Resources, will assist residents in designing and installing roof rainwater catchment systems for outdoor watering, and will provide technical assistance and rebates toward materials costs.

Webinar attendees will receive information about submitting an application, design support, the differences and benefits of barrel vs. tank systems and how to assess the quality of rainwater.

The rebate program will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out.