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06/24/2026 4:47 pm

A rain garden with tall, green plants and yellow flowers that soaks up water when it rains.

Apply for Raleigh Rainwater Rewards

Capture and recycle stormwater runoff from your property to reduce water pollution

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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How it Works Reimbursement Confirm Eligibility Request a Consultation Water Quality Project Types Requirements Program Process Annual Maintenance Report New GSI Virtual Tour!

This program is part of Raleigh’s Sustainable Business Toolkit, a collection of programs designed to help businesses and other organizations save money and help reach the goals in the city’s Community Climate Action Plan.

Do you want to help protect the environment and get paid to do it? You can right from your home or business! The Raleigh Rainwater Rewards (R3) Program provides funding for projects that help preserve and protect our waterways.

How it Works

  • Choose a project that's right for your property
  • Submit application and receive approval
  • Work with contractor to install project
  • Submit invoices and the City completes cost share payment

Reimbursement

Eligible projects receive up to 90% for reimbursement. Starting July 1, 2026, the City is increasing its cost-share for stormwater projects to 90% citywide.

Raleigh Rainwater Rewards Subsidy Program

The Raleigh Rainwater Rewards Subsidy Program offers 100% cost-share of project costs for property and rental owners in potentially underserved communities, non-profits, and places of worship. This option is determined by specific eligibility criteria to maximize limited funding for communities with the greatest need.

Confirm Eligibility

Properties that are in Raleigh City limits and pay stormwater fees are eligible for the program. Enter your address below to see if you're eligible and your property details.

Request a Consultation

Are you interested in learning more? Complete our Rainwater Rewards Consultation Request Form. Once a consultation is requested, City staff will call to discuss your potential project and next steps.

Questions?

Take a look at these common questions to learn more about participating in the program.

Water Quality Project Types

There are several project types you can choose from for this program. We'll help you figure out which is the best one for your property. Learn more about each project type and their benefits.

  • Cistern
  • Disconnecting downspout
  • Green roof
  • Impervious surface removal
  • Permeable pavement
  • Rain garden (run a soil infiltration test before applying)
  • Constructed wetland
A rain garden in a yard with green plants, purple flowers, and brown soil and mulch.

This is a rain garden that collects stormwater runoff from the property's roof and sidewalk when it rains. The plants and soil in the garden protect creeks and streams from water pollution.

A driveway with permeable pavement that soaks up water when it rains

Permeable pavement can be used for driveways and walkways. It allows stormwater runoff to soak into the ground when it rains protecting surface waters from pollution.

Green, open space that used to be paved.

Removing impervious surfaces such as paved driveways or tennis courts reduces stormwater runoff by allowing rain to soak into the ground.

A metal cistern connected to the side of the Longleaf Hotel in downtown Raleigh

Cisterns collect rainwater that would normally flow to a stream or creek. Water from cisterns can be used for landscaping, carwashing, and gardening. 

The roof at Raleigh Union Station with green plants and soil that clean and absorb rain

This green roof at Raleigh Union Station collects rain before it falls to the ground or evaporates into the air. This type of planted roof helps reduce pollution to Rocky Branch, a nearby stream.

Requirements

Here is what's required to complete a Rainwater Rewards project: 

  • Cannot do a project to meet regulatory requirements or for utility fee credits
  • Final design must be approved
  • Agree to a 5 or 10-year maintenance agreement
  • Submit a yearly maintenance report ensuring the device is working properly.

Program Process

The process to complete a project includes the following. The amount of time for the process varies depending on the project type, location and approval requirements. 

ProcessTimeline
Site VisitApplicant completes a consultation request. City staff will call the applicant within 5 business days to discuss the potential project. Staff will schedule a site visit with the applicant. One week
Application and Approval (Based on the reimbursement amount)Up to $10,0002 weeks 
$10,000.01 to $30,000 6 weeks
$30,000.01 and above10 weeks
Legal AgreementOnce a project is approved, staff will notify the applicant of approval. City staff will draft and route a legal agreement through City offices. The applicant will be sent a legal agreement to sign via Docusign. The legal agreement will be signed by both parties (City and Applicant). 4 weeks
ConstructionConstruction can begin once your application has been approved. Construction may take a few days or several months, depending on the complexity of the project and the availability of your contractor. The applicant has one year to complete the project.Varies, few days to several months
Final InspectionOnce installation is complete, the applicant will provide construction photos, invoices and request a final site visit. City staff will conduct a final site inspection.   One week
ReimbursementCity staff will request final approval for cost share, issue the cost share check, and send it out via regular mail. Three weeks
MaintenanceThe applicant will maintain the project for either 5 – 10 years.Five or Ten Years

Tax Notice: All recipients of cost-share funding may receive a 1099 form for tax reporting purposes. Participants are responsible for reporting these funds as required by federal and state tax laws. 

Annual Maintenance Report

After the project is completed, you are required to submit an Annual Maintenance Report to verify the continued and proper functioning of your stormwater quality project. The online form should be completed each year following the project’s completes date through the agreed-upon five (5) or 10-year maintenance term.

New GSI Virtual Tour!

Have you wondered where water quality devices, also known as green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), are throughout the city? Explore the GSI Virtual Tour to see how Raleigh uses GSI to improve local water quality!

Resources

 

Stormwater Quality Cost Share Policy

Annual Maintenance Report Form

Contact

 

Justin Harcum
Project Manager
rainwaterrewards@raleighnc.gov
919-996-3965

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Support Pages

 
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Lead Department:
Engineering Services

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