How to Get the RiverSmart Rewards Stormwater Fee Discount Rebate
DC Dept. of Energy & Environment (DOEE) + DC Water · Washington, DC, DC
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
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
Full Washington guide
Washington has a complete rebate guide with every local program, qualifying plants, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.
Washington water rebates: full guideThe application checklist
How to apply for the RiverSmart Rewards Stormwater Fee Discount
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you qualify with DC Dept. of Energy & Environment (DOEE) + DC Water before you start.
- 2
Get pre-approval if required
Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with DC Dept. of Energy & Environment (DOEE) + DC Water and take before photos of the existing yard first.
- 3
Do the work
Complete the project, take before and after photos, and save every receipt.
- 4
Submit your application
Send DC Dept. of Energy & Environment (DOEE) + DC Water the completed application with your photos and receipts, then watch for the confirmation.
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the RiverSmart Rewards Stormwater Fee Discount rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.
Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.
One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.