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 keep your plants healthy and reduces the amount of city water you use. Rain barrels can also help reduce stormwater runoff in our creeks and rivers.
Using captured rainwater on your plants before turning on the garden hose can help you reduce the amount of water you are charged for during the summer.
Please note: Collected rainwater is not potable, which means you shouldn’t drink it. Never use rainwater for washing hands or dishes. Keep rain barrels out of reach of children.
If you choose to use rainwater on your food crops, follow the precautions below.
2026 rain barrel rebate program
- Rebate amount: $50 per rain barrel
- Rebate is a flat $50 per eligible rain barrel (storage container only), regardless of size
- Accessories/add-ons are not eligible for rebate. Rain barrels must be an original sale (not resale)
- Maximum rebates per household: 3 (up to three rain barrels)
- Receipt timing: receipts must be dated within 12 months of your application date (examples below)
- Application period: April 1, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026 (or until available funding is fully allocated)
- Funding: up to 3,500 rebates are available (first come, first served, while funding lasts)
- Processing time: please allow 4–6 weeks to receive your rebate once your application is complete and approved
Eligibility for the 2026 rain barrel rebate
Final application instructions and fields will be confirmed before the rebate opens. The eligibility and purchase rules are expected to align with 2025, with the 2026 limits and receipt timing confirmed below.
To be eligible, you must meet ALL of the following:
- You are a City of Calgary resident and the rain barrel is for use at your household address.
- You have an itemized receipt or invoice for your rain barrel purchase.
- The rebate applies to the rain barrel storage container only (no accessories/add-ons). The rain barrel must be purchased as an original sale (not resale).
- Your receipt is dated within 12 months of the date you submit your rebate application.
- You have not exceeded the maximum of three rebates per household for the 2026 program.
Receipt timing (12-month rule) - examples
- If you submit your rebate application on April 1, 2026, your receipt must be dated April 1, 2025 or newer.
- If you submit your rebate application on July 15, 2026, your receipt must be dated July 15, 2025 or newer.
Proof of purchase (what your documentation should show)
- Itemized receipt or invoice showing the vendor name, purchase date, rain barrel as a line item (or clearly described), price, and taxes.
- In-store (paper) receipts: write “Applied for City of Calgary rain barrel rebate” on the receipt before you scan/photograph it. (This is not required for online receipts.)
- Online orders: provide an itemized receipt/invoice and proof of delivery or pickup (for example, a delivery confirmation email and order confirmation showing the delivery/pickup address).
- Fundraisers / local pop-up sale events: sometimes these events cannot provide standard proof of delivery/pickup. If this is the case, please contact products@greencalgary.org to discuss an alternative proof of delivery/pickup document.
- Contractor-supplied rain barrels: provide an itemized invoice that clearly identifies the rain barrel as a separate line item (not bundled only as a lump sum).
Not eligible
- Private sales (for example, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, garage sales, or purchases without an itemized receipt/invoice).
- Accessories/add-ons (for example, stands, diverters, downspout kits, hoses, filters, rain chains, etc.).
All applications are reviewed by Green Calgary to confirm eligibility and to prevent duplicate rebates per household.
Where to purchase a rain barrel
Green Calgary sells rain barrels through seasonal sales events in Calgary. Dates, locations, and purchasing instructions will be posted on this page and on Green Calgary’s website.
You can also purchase rain barrels from many retailers and registered businesses. If you are purchasing outside of a Green Calgary sale event, we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability and ensuring you will receive an itemized receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 rain barrel rebate program available now?
The program is returning in 2026. Rebate applications will open April 1, 2026.
When do rebate applications open and close?
Applications open April 1, 2026 and will be accepted until Oct. 31, 2026, or until available funding is fully allocated.
How much is the rebate?
The rebate is $50 per eligible rain barrel.
How many rebates can I apply for?
You can apply for up to three rebates per household (up to three rain barrels).
What receipts are eligible (12-month rule)?
Receipts must be dated within 12 months of the date you submit your rebate application.
Example: If you apply on April 1, 2026, your receipt must be dated April 1, 2025 or newer.
Can I buy a rain barrel before applications open and apply later?
Yes. As long as your receipt is dated within 12 months of your application date, you can apply once applications open.
Are online orders eligible?
Online orders are expected to be eligible if you can provide an itemized receipt/invoice and proof of delivery showing the delivery address. Final documentation requirements will be confirmed before applications open.
Are contractor-supplied rain barrels eligible?
Contractor-supplied rain barrels are expected to be eligible if you can provide an itemized invoice that clearly identifies the rain barrel as a separate line item. Final documentation requirements will be confirmed before applications open.
How long will it take to receive the rebate?
Please allow 4–6 weeks to receive your rebate once your application is complete and approved.
What if funding runs out?
Up to 3,500 rebates are available. Rebates are first come, first served, while funding lasts.
Are accessories eligible for a rebate?
No. The rebate applies to the rain barrel storage container only. Accessories/add-ons are not eligible.
Do I need to write “Applied for City of Calgary rain barrel rebate” on my receipt?
If you have a paper receipt from an in-store purchase, please write “Applied for City of Calgary rain barrel rebate” on the receipt before scanning/photographing it. Online orders do not need this note on the receipt.
I bought a rain barrel at a fundraiser or pop-up sale and don’t have proof of delivery/pickup. What do I do?
Some fundraiser or pop-up sale events may not be able to provide standard proof of delivery/pickup. If this is the case, please contact products@greencalgary.org to discuss an alternative proof of delivery/pickup document.
How will I receive my rebate (cheque vs e-transfer)?
Rebates are issued by Green Calgary. Payment instructions will be confirmed before applications open. If you select e-transfer, Green Calgary may use Plooto to deliver the e-transfer to the email address provided in your application. (Tip: double-check your email address — typos can delay payment.)
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:
