How to Get the Residential Stormwater Fee Credit Rebate
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) · Allegheny County, PA
Yes. Pittsburgh Water (formerly PWSA) cuts the residential stormwater charge by up to 50 percent for the smallest property tier when you capture three quarters of an inch of runoff with a rain garden or other control measure (Pittsburgh Water, last verified June 2026).
What you get
An ongoing credit on the stormwater charge (not a one-time rebate): up to a 50% reduction for the smallest residential tier (Tier 1), with larger residential properties (1-4 units) moved down one tier instead, when you control 3/4 inch of runoff from your impervious surfaces with a stormwater control measure such as a rain garden. A separate one-time $40 credit is available for a 50-gallon rain barrel. Three-year term, then renew with a photo (Pittsburgh Water, formerly PWSA; last verified June 2026).
- Residential: Up to 50% off the stormwater charge (Tier 1 residential)
How much is the Pittsburgh stormwater credit?
For the smallest residential tier (Tier 1) the credit is up to 50 percent off the stormwater charge. Larger residential properties of one to four units are moved down to the next lower tier rather than getting a flat 50 percent off. There is also a separate one-time $40 credit for installing a rain barrel of at least 50 gallons (Pittsburgh Water, last verified June 2026).
- Up to 50 percent off for the smallest residential tier
- Larger residential properties step down one tier
- Separate one-time $40 credit for a 50-gallon rain barrel
Who qualifies for the Pittsburgh credit?
You qualify if you are a residential Pittsburgh Water stormwater customer of one to four units and you install and maintain a stormwater control measure that captures runoff before it reaches the sewer. You have to keep the practice working to keep the credit (Pittsburgh Water, last verified June 2026).
What landscaping qualifies?
The credit rewards a control measure that captures and slowly releases at least three quarters of an inch of runoff from your impervious surfaces, holding it roughly 24 to 72 hours. Accepted practices include rain gardens, a downspout disconnected and routed to a control measure, dry wells, green roofs, permeable pavement, and rain barrels. A rain garden is the common yard choice, and deep-rooted native plants are what make it work.
- Rain garden capturing 3/4 inch of runoff
- Downspout disconnection routed to a control measure
- Dry wells, green roofs, permeable pavement
- Rain barrels
Is the Pittsburgh credit still active in 2026?
Yes. The program is active as of our last check in June 2026. The credit runs on a three-year term, and you renew it by submitting a form with a current photo of the practice every three years (Pittsburgh Water, last verified June 2026).
Can you earn it and keep your HOA happy?
A rain garden can be designed to read as an intentional, tidy bed rather than a wild patch, which is what most HOA-conscious homeowners are after. Keep a clean edge, a defined shape, and a deliberate plant palette. Check your own governing documents before you start, since rules vary.
At a glance
| Credit | Up to 50% off for Tier 1 residential, plus a one-time $40 rain barrel credit |
| Applies to | Your residential stormwater charge |
| Who qualifies | Pittsburgh Water residential customers (1-4 units) |
| Renewal | Every 3 years with a current photo |
| Status | Active (verified June 2026) |
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.
Recurring stormwater-fee credit, not a one-time cash rebate.
How to apply
Confirm the current details on the official program page before you start, since terms can change.
- 1
Confirm your design meets the rule
Review the Stormwater Fee Credit Manual and confirm your control measure captures three quarters of an inch of runoff.
- 2
Prepare a site plan
Draw the practice with its dimensions, location, the impervious area in square feet, the area draining to it, and the soil depth.
- 3
Submit the application
Complete the Stormwater Fee Credit Application online, or email the form to stormwaterfee@pgh2o.com. The rain barrel credit has its own application.
- 4
Pittsburgh Water reviews and approves
Staff review the application and award the credit. Renew with a photo every three years.
Common questions
Does everyone get 50 percent off?+
No. The full 50 percent applies to the smallest residential tier (Tier 1). Larger residential properties of one to four units are moved down to the next lower tier instead of receiving a flat 50 percent reduction.
Is there a credit for a rain barrel?+
Yes. Separate from the stormwater control measure credit, Pittsburgh Water offers a one-time $40 credit for installing a rain barrel of at least 50 gallons, one per parcel.
How long does the credit last?+
The credit runs on a three-year term. You renew it by submitting a form with a current photo of the practice every three years.
We compile these programs from utility and city pages, and not every amount here has been independently confirmed. Program details also change throughout the year. Always verify requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with your water utility 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.