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North Carolina Water Rebates

Raleigh, North Carolina Water Rebates

Raleigh Rainwater Rewards reimburses property owners for stormwater projects, including rain gardens, cisterns, permeable pavement, green roofs, and constructed wetlands. Most projects get 75% of approved costs back. Projects in high-priority watersheds and the Downtown District get 90%, and properties in disproportionately impacted communities, non-profits, and places of worship can qualify for 100%. A free consultation has to happen before you apply.

Up to 90% of costs

Rainwater Rewards Reimbursement

Open the official program site

How to apply

  1. Confirm you own property within the City of Raleigh
  2. Email rainwaterrewards@raleighnc.gov to request your free consultation
  3. Meet with the Stormwater team to assess your site and confirm which reimbursement tier applies
  4. Submit your application and project design for approval
  5. Install the rain garden or cistern to the approved specifications, then submit receipts for reimbursement of up to 90% of costs

What you'll need

  • Proof of City of Raleigh property ownership
  • Consultation notes and approved project design
  • Approval confirmation from the Stormwater team
  • Itemized receipts for the installed project
  • Photos of the completed rain garden or cistern

Pollinator Patch can help: It picks Piedmont natives that thrive in a rain garden, designs an HOA-friendly layout that fits the stormwater goal, and assembles the plant list and before photos for your consultation.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Don't start construction before your consultation and approval. The site assessment sets the design and confirms your reimbursement tier.
  • Don't assume every address gets 90%. The higher tiers are tied to specific watersheds, the Downtown District, and priority communities. Confirm your tier during the consultation.
  • Don't skip the receipts. Reimbursement is a percentage of approved, documented costs, so itemized records matter.

Raleigh Water Rebate FAQs

How much does Raleigh Rainwater Rewards pay?
Up to 90% of approved project costs for rain gardens, cisterns, and similar stormwater work, with 75% in most areas and 100% available for priority communities, non-profits, and places of worship (City of Raleigh Stormwater Management, verified June 2026).
Do I have to apply before I build?
Yes. A free consultation and project approval come first. The consultation sets the design and confirms your reimbursement tier before any work starts.
Do native plants qualify for a rain garden rebate?
Yes. Rain gardens planted with native species qualify, and natives suit the wet-then-dry conditions of a rain garden well.
Which areas get the higher reimbursement?
High-priority watersheds like Pigeon House Branch, Perry Creek, Swift Creek, and Falls Lake, plus the Downtown District, get 90%. Disproportionately impacted communities can qualify for 100%.

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Plan a native yard with Pollinator Patch.

Pick the right native plants for your region, design an HOA-friendly layout, and generate documentation that supports your rebate application.

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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.

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.