Rain Check

For homeowners who choose to participate, the Philadelphia Water Department will share the cost of installing rainwater management tools on their property.

What is Rain Check?

Rain Check is a pilot program where the Philadelphia Water Department shares the cost of special residential landscape improvements that help manage stormwater runoff and beautify homes. Rain Check participants will receive home improvements at a fraction of the full cost.

Participation in Rain Check will not result in a lower water bill. However, it is an opportunity for residents to do their part in greening the City. By managing stormwater runoff at home through green practices such as the ones offered by Rain Check, you can make a difference in helping to protect the health of our waterways.

More than 30 percent of the City’s impervious surfaces are associated with residential properties. The water that runs off of impervious surfaces can overtax the sewer system, causing Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). By participating in Rain Check, you can help reduce the occurrence of CSOs.

The following landscape practices (green tools) will be offered through Rain Check to help manage stormwater runoff and improve the look of the home.

Rain Gardens: This shallow, planted depression absorbs the water that flows from your roof, patio or yard.

De-Paving: The removal of concrete, asphalt or other impervious surfaces can provide area for a rain garden, lawn space, tree planting or pervious patio.

Porous Pavers: Specially designed paving stones, bricks or pavers allow water to soak into the ground below.

Downspout Planter: Plants are irrigated by water from the roof downspout. Water is slowed down and filtered before it enters the sewer.

Yard Trees: Trees provide shade, absorb stormwater through their roots, and intercept rainfall with their leaves.

Rain Check Pilot Selection

A variety of factors were considered in determining the target locations for the Rain Check pilot program. Key factors included locations that represent the diversity of housing types in Philadelphia and neighborhoods that are represented by strong civic organizations. If the pilot is successful, PWD will launch a citywide program in the near future.

List of participating neighborhood organizations is forthcoming.

What Are the Benefits of Participating in Rain Check?

Sharing the cost of landscaping projects offered by Rain Check saves you money.
The green tools on your property will filter pollution and manage stormwater runoff that would otherwise end up contaminating and flooding our creeks and river.
Simple changes in landscapes can inspire others to also contribute to the solution and motivate neighbors to also install green stormwater management tools.
The selected Rain Check trees and plants are low-maintenance landscape options that may also raise property values.
Less pavement in our neighborhoods means lower temperatures and more green means more shade.
Your participation in Rain Check will positively impact the entire City.

Information for Interested Homeowners

If you are in a Rain Check pilot neighborhood, sign up with your neighborhood civic group by March 1.
When contacted, please schedule a time to meet with the green stormwater inspector to evaluate the exterior of your property for stormwater management tool options that will work on your property.
Choose the tool you would like to have installed based on the inspector’s recommendations.
Schedule installation with the approved contractors through ECA and pay your portion of the installation through ECA.
Participate in a focus group and surveys, so that we can hear from you on what you like and dislike about Rain Check.
Allow PWD to show off your beautiful new landscape feature through photographs and periodically scheduled tours.

Resources

If your neighborhood was not contacted to participate in the pilot, there are plenty of other ways you can contribute to beautifying the city while helping to manage stormwater runoff, pollution and flooding: