How to Get the RiverSmart Rewards Stormwater Fee Discount Rebate

What you get

An ongoing monthly discount (not a one-time rebate): up to 55% off the DOEE Stormwater Fee plus up to 20% off the DC Water Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge for installing green infrastructure that retains runoff, including bioretention (rain gardens) and BayScaping. RiverSmart Homes participants are auto-enrolled once a practice is installed; the discount scales to the runoff retained (maximum at full retention of a 1.2-inch storm). Reapply every 3 years (DC DOEE + DC Water; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to 55% off the DOEE stormwater fee + up to 20% off the DC Water Clean Rivers charge

Are you eligible?

• Be a DC Dept. of Energy & Environment (DOEE) + DC Water customer
• Property located in: Washington
• District of Columbia resident / property owner
• Green infrastructure retaining runoff (rain garden / bioretention, BayScaping)
• Single application covers both discounts; reapply every 3 years

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to DC Dept. of Energy & Environment (DOEE) + DC Water and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.