The rebates for turf removal are used up, but there is still (as of 12/2/2015) a $75 rebate on rain barrels.
http://socalwatersmart.com/?page_id=2973You will need to submit receipts (Amazon and web purchases are okay), and you may need to submit evidence that the item was new in its packaging. A cell phone picture is probably a good idea. The rebate application is online, but there is no guarantee that the funds will remain available, and the application seems as easy to complete as a tax return, so start early.
There also is money left for:
High Efficiency Clothes Washers
Premium High Efficiency Toilets
Rotating Nozzles
Weather Based Irrigation Controllers
Soil Moisture Sensor
Check out the web page before you buy.
Lots of info here:
http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/rainwater.shtml Attachments:
San Diego Rainwater GuideSCWS Tips to Place and Maintain a Rain BarrelWhile this seemed like a one day DIY project with components from Home Depot, the reality is much more complex if you want to do it right. Some quick tips:
Check the CC&Rs; be sure that your installation is in conformity and that it is not unsightly.
A 50 gallon drum will weigh over 400 lbs, so strapping and placement has to be thought out before hand. Storage tanks need locking lids that keep children and pets out.
Water does not flow uphill, so thought needs to be given to getting water out of the barrel. For example, elevating the drum and using a watering can for higher placed trees might be a better solution than a pump system.
Anti-mosquito pellets, barrels with screens, and annual maintenance (cleaning and inspection) by all accounts are all you need to prevent the barrels from becoming mosquito infested. On the other hand, if installed incorrectly or not maintained there is a risk of West Nile Disease and other waterborne illnesses.
The water collected is NON-POTABLE.
The actual cost (excluding elbow grease) for a rain gutter/barrel diversion system is very low compared to solar installations. Barrels run ~$100 to $150, diverters that fit into downspouts run ~$30, and stands are ~$40. Fancy underground cisterns with pumps are much more expensive and need professional installation. BUT the water in one barrel might not go too far, and in reality you might get more value for your money if you just make sure your current sprinklers are adjusted properly and don't overspray or leak.
A shorter SCWS guide to rain barrels is available; contact me for a copy.
The Algreen Castilla Rain Barrel seems like a nice choice. It is currently around $80 at the local Home Depot here in Escondido, can be self-installed and after the rebate costs you only $5. It is also available for the same price on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Algreen-Castilla-Barrel-Brownstone-50-Gallon/dp/B00BDVG9Q4It comes with both a spigot to fill a water can and a hose shut off valve, so that you can leave a hose attached. It looks sort of funky (short, fat and squat) which I suspect improves stability and maybe eliminates the need for strapping. It also has two ports on the rear that can be opened to use for adding more barrels in series.
There are other barrels on Amazon. Another one to consider is the RTS
http://www.amazon.com/RTS-Accents-50-Gallon-Collection-Barrel/dp/B001AYKERO/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1449538150&sr=1-5&keywords=rain+barrelFor either barrel you shorten the downspout (perhaps with a hacksaw?) and direct it to fill the barrel through the screen. Flexible piping is available for short displacement if the barrel is not directly under the downspout.
It is worth considering whether you want or need more than one barrel. As noted above, one barrel is unlikely to go very far. My calculations are that 1,000 sq.ft. of roof will result in around 400 gallons of water from a 1 inch rain (e.g., 8 - 50 gallon tanks). That is a heavy storm, but consider that El Nino predictions are a 60% chance of 4 to 22 inches of rain (that’s at least 40 tanks). That means that you won’t have any trouble filling a single 50 gallon tank, but again, don't think that it will last very long when you start watering.
On the usage side I calculate that in summer months ornamental gardens need 2 gallons per square foot per month, (lawns need 3) so a 1,600 sq.ft. garden will need 3,200 gallons per month, or for 4 months that would be 12,800 gallons, or 256 tanks. You might consider a large cistern, but that will be way more expensive and is sure to be unsightly.
So, no matter what you do this remains a hobby project to make you feel good. To have a real impact on your water bill you will want to put your money into replacing your lawn or garden with lower water need plantings, or at least repair all sprinklers.
An alternative that I don’t recommend is a diverter which is installed into the downspout and connected to an inlet on the barrel. These are:
Flex-Drain okay-quality $7
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-Drain-37042-Catch-A-Raindrop-Rainwater-Colander/dp/B008BMJSCA/ref=pd_sim_60_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41KJVQqDEUL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR128%2C160_&refRID=0KXR6KNX5EJYX5P4Q925,
Oately better-quality $17
http://www.amazon.com/Oatey-14209-Mystic-Rainwater-Collection/dp/B003E1RJVU/ref=pd_bxgy_86_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=16VR1P4BSRT6N4X2XS2N and
Fiskers best-quality $28
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Rain-Barrel-DiverterProKit/dp/B00387FP5M/ref=pd_sim_60_4ie=UTF8&dpID=51%2Bc3sBiq8L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1NJKGWR4JRRES28TFXHPThere are other diverters on Amazon. But I really don’t see the point of this complication.
You may want to put the barrel up on blocks or on a stand. This would make it easier to fill a water can and increases water pressure, but in addition to extra cost, it probably increases the need for strapping (essential if the tank height is more than twice its width), and increases the likelihood that the barrel can be seen over your fence.
Finally, give thought to mosquitos. Use of dunk tablets seems to do the trick, and doesn’t hurt the plants.
http://www.amazon.com/Summit-111-5-20-Pack-Mosquito-Dunk/dp/B0002568YA/ref=sr_1_6?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1449539289&sr=1-6&keywords=cisternBut, remember that this is NOT POTABLE water.
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