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Stormwater Tools

Which Stormwater Tool is Right for You?

Determining which stormwater tool is right for you depends on a number of factors, including how much you want to spend and how much outdoor space you have. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, answer these questions to help you choose a tool that best fits your home, needs, and budget.

Program Updates

Updates on the Rain Check program

Rain Barrels

A rain barrel is a storage container connected to a downspout that captures stormwater runoff from the roof.

Metal Downspout Planters

Downspout planters are decorative landscaped planters specially designed to absorb and filter stormwater before it enters the sewer system.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are shallow, planted depressions that absorb water from your roof, allowing it to drain directly into the soil.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers are specially designed pavers, stones or bricks that allow water to soak into the ground below.

Cost of Rain Check Stormwater Tools

The Philadelphia Water Department will help you pay for the cost of these stormwater tools. Rain Barrels are free and participants can get a rain barrel in addition to one of the other tools.

Our goal is to keep as much stormwater as possible out of the sewer system, so the amount PWD pays is generally based on the amount of water managed by these tools. Each tool costs a different amount to install. The chart below provides some average costs you can expect from a contractor for each tool. The amount that PWD pays is fixed. You pay the balance of the cost. These costs are examples, and can change depending on your property.

These prices are effective June 1, 2020.

Stormwater Tool
Approximate total cost
PWD PAYS
Cost to Participant
Rain Barrel
About $150
About $150
FREE!
Metal Downspout Planter
$1000
$900
$100
Rain Gardens
About $17-$25/sq. ft.
$16/sq. ft. up to a maximum of $1,500
Participant pays the remainder
Permeable Pavers
About $30-$50/sq. ft. (Depending on site conditions)
$15/sq. ft. up to a maximum of $1,500
Participant pays the remainder