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1. Learn about this resource. 

Homeowners can get help installing and paying for green projects that reduce the amount of polluted water running off their property. We—DC Government—offer reduced prices and installation help for:

• Rain barrels to catch and store rain to use later to water your garden or wash your car. You pay $50 for a Riversides rain barrel or $70 for a Hydra rain barrel (up to two on each property).

• Rain gardens to collect rain and filter out pollution. You pay $100 per 50 square foot of rain garden (up to two on each property).

• Shade trees to help hold rain in the soil. We plant shade trees for free.

• Bayscaping to replace grass or bare soil with native plants that hold rain and reduce erosion. You pay $100 per 120 square foot of native plant garden (up to two on each property).

 

In addition, we can check if it makes sense to replace any concrete or asphalt surfaces at your home with permeable pavement that captures and temporarily stores rain. Unlike other types of green projects, we don’t offer installation help for permeable pavement, but you can get a rebate.

 

This program is called RiverSmart Homes and is offered by the Department of Energy & Environment, in partnership with Casey Trees and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, local nonprofits.

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2. Check if you are eligible.

You are eligible if you live in a single-family home or a building with four or fewer units in DC. If you rent your home, you’ll need permission from your landlord. You don’t need to live in DC to apply, as long as the property you’re applying for is in DC.