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The 2010 Rebate Program begins April 20, 2010.
Qualifying rain barrels/cisterns must have a purchase date of April 20, 2010 or later.
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2010 Rain Barrel & Cistern Rebate Program
Frequently Asked Questions
(select a question to view the answer)
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1. What is the purpose of the rain barrel/cistern rebate program?
The CVRD’s aim is to help residents be more efficient with water use and to reduce water consumption, which lowers demand for water and lessens wasted water. This, in turn, will keep future infrastructure costs down. Water consumption is about three times higher in the warm summer months due to outdoor water use, mainly related to lawn watering. Using a rain barrel or cistern to collect rainwater can promote more efficient use of water in the yard.
2. How much money can I receive back for the purchase of a rainbarrel or cistern?
The rebate amounts are as follows for rainbarrels and cisterns:
3. Who is eligible to participate in the rain barrel/cistern rebate program?
To be eligible for the program you must meet the following criteria:
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Applicants must be registered owners of legal dwelling units on properties connected to the Comox Valley water system which includes most homes within the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and CVRD water local service areas such as Arden, Comox Valley, England Road, Marsden/Camco and Greaves Crescent.
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Properties serviced by private wells or utilities, improvement districts (e.g. Sandwick, Union Bay), the Village of Cumberland as well as the Royston and Black Creek-Oyster Bay water local service areas do not qualify as they are not fed by the Comox Valley water system. The program is funded only by those connected to the Comox Valley water system. Maps of the CVRD water local service areas are available on the CVRD website here.
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Applicants must submit the original sales receipt dated April 20, 2010 or later for a rain barrel 150 litres or larger or cistern 500 litres or larger, as well as a clear photograph of the installed rain barrel/cistern.
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Rain barrel/cistern must meet the following criteria
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Be securely affixed on a solid, level platform.
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Be a manufactured rain barrel/cistern made of high quality materials
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Include at least one spigot which can be used to attach a hose or fill a watering can
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Be connected to a roof gutter down pipe.
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Have an overflow method such that excess water is directed away from the house.
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Must have a fine screen mesh and/or lid covering the opening to ensure debris, animals and bugs cannot get inside.
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Must complete an application form. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis while the funding lasts.
4. Are commercial users eligible to receive rebates?
This rebate program is aimed at residential water users as they account for approximately 80 percent of the annual system water consumption. Applicants must be the registered owner of a legal dwelling unit.
5. I’m not the registered owner of my home; I’m a renter. Am I eligible?
If you are a renter or have other arrangements for living in your home, and are interested in this water-saving initiative, you need to have the owner of the home submit the application and other supporting documents.
6. What if I want to build my own rain barrel?
The 2010 rebate is for manufactured rain barrels and cisterns only.
7. How much water can be collected from a roof?
Every millimetre (mm) of rain on a square metre of roof, can result in a harvest of one litre of water. Over the past five years (2005-2009) the Comox airport has received an average of 31 mm of rain during the month of July. On a 93 square metre roof (1000 square feet), this would equate to 2,883 litres of harvestable water.
8. When will the application forms be available and where can I obtain one?
Applications are now available from the CVRD, City of Courtenay or Town of Comox offices. Download the rebate form.
9. Is there a maximum number of rebates for which I can apply?
For 2010 there is a maximum of one rebate per applicant and home.
10. Where can I purchase a rain barrel/cistern?
Good quality rain barrels can be purchased at most hardware and garden supply stores as well as from stores that sell water system equipment.
11. How do I maintain a rain barrel/cistern?
Rain barrels are relatively maintenance-free during the spring and summer months. One tablespoon of olive oil in your rain barrel/cistern water will keep mosquitoes from breeding. During cold weather, you may want to take your rain barrel out of operation by disconnecting and draining it so that if the water freezes and expands, it won’t crack the tank.
12. How long does it take to get a rebate once an application has been submitted?
It may take approximately six weeks to process eligible applications and mail the registered owner a rebate cheque.
13. Can I submit one rebate application to cover a rain barrel/cistern as well as toilets under the separate toilet rebate program?
Yes. The same rebate application form can be used for toilets as well as rain barrels and cisterns.
14. How can I submit my rebate application?
To avoid delays in processing your rebate application, completed forms and receipts should be mailed or submitted in person directly to:
Rebate Program
Property Services Branch
Comox Valley Regional District
600 Comox Road
Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6
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