Apply for a stormwater credit

We are currently reviewing the Stormwater Bylaw. During this time, we have temporarily paused all stormwater credit applications. We expect to resume by the end of June 2026 and will share updates as they become available.

On this page:

  1. Who can apply
  2. How the credit works
  3. How to apply
  4. Credits for residential properties
  5. Credits for multi-unit or non-residential properties
  6. Contact us

Who can apply

You can apply if you own:

  • a single home or duplex
  • a multi-unit or non-residential property, such as an apartment, school or business

You will need your 7-digit water account number to apply.

How the credit works

The City of Waterloo’s stormwater credit program rewards property owners who reduce runoff entering the city’s stormwater system. Learn about stormwater and how the city manages it.

Credits are based on the amount of rainwater your property captures or filters before it reaches storm drains.

Earn up to 45% off the stormwater charge on your utility bill.

How to apply

We are currently reviewing the Stormwater Bylaw. During this time, we have temporarily paused all stormwater credit applications. We expect to resume by the end of June 2026 and will share updates as they become available.

Residential properties

Stormwater credits are based on how much rainwater you capture and divert from the stormwater system.

Credit levels by volume of rainwater captured:

  • 200–400 L → 9% credit
  • 401–800 L → 18% credit
  • 801–2000 L → 27% credit
  • 2001–3200 L → 36% credit
  • 3201 L or more → 45% credit

How to earn credits

You can earn credits by installing one or more approved stormwater management practices on your property.

Rain barrels and cisterns collect rainwater from your roof for later use, such as watering your garden. 

To qualify for a stormwater credit, your setup must meet these requirements:

Requirements

  • holds at least 200 litres (52 gallons)
  • sits on a flat, stable surface
  • has a covered, leak-free barrel
  • includes a screen over the opening to keep out debris
  • connects securely to your downspout
  • includes at least two barrels connected in sequence or separately
  • drains overflow onto a grassed or garden area, not a driveway or other paved surface

Tips

  • disconnect and empty barrels before winter to prevent cracking
  • raise the barrel a few inches for better water flow
  • drain after each rainfall to make room for more water

These systems let clean rainwater soak into the ground instead of running off into storm drains. They help recharge groundwater and reduce flooding.

An infiltration gallery (also called a soakaway pit, dry well or French drain) is usually an underground pit filled with stone or gravel. It stores rainwater temporarily and lets it slowly absorb into the soil.

Tips

  • keep at least 5 metres away from your house to prevent basement flooding
  • make sure nothing blocks the flow of water into the pit or chamber
  • route downspouts directly into the gallery
  • install gutter guards to prevent debris from clogging the system

Permeable pavers let rainwater soak through gaps between stones into the gravel and soil below. This reduces runoff and helps filter pollutants before the water reaches storm drains.

Common permeable materials include:

  • paving stones or interlocking pavers (nonporous but spaced to allow drainage)
  • pervious concrete or porous asphalt

Tips

  • choose pavers with wider gaps than traditional paving stones
  • use loose gravel, not sand, between and beneath pavers
  • include at least 30 cm (1 ft) of stone base underneath to store stormwater
  • note that solid patio stones or systems without spacing and gravel bases don’t qualify for stormwater credits

A rain garden is a shallow, planted area that collects rainwater from roofs or driveways. It helps water soak into the ground instead of running off into storm drains, creeks and rivers.

To qualify for a stormwater credit, your rain garden must:

  • hold a measurable volume of water on your property
  • receive runoff directly from a hard surface, such as a roof or driveway
  • allow water to soak into the soil within 72 hours after rainfall

Learn more about building a rain garden at the Reep Green Solutions website.

You can also visit our demonstration rain garden at the Waterloo Service Centre from May to October, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ask at the customer service desk to be directed to the garden.

Multi-unit or non-residential properties

Multi-unit or non-residential property owners can earn up to 45% credit on their stormwater fee, based on the types of stormwater controls on your site. 

Attach a copy of your stormwater management report, if available, when applying.

How to earn credits

The credit is based on three categories:

  • Flood reduction → up to 25% credit
  • Pollution control → up to 15% credit
  • Education → up to 5% credit

Flood controls help manage the amount of stormwater that flows into the city’s system during heavy rain. These features slow down runoff and reduce the risk of flooding.

Examples include:

  • Rooftop storage: flat roofs that temporarily hold rainwater and release it slowly through drains and downspouts
  • Parking lot storage: designed areas that collect and hold water before it enters the stormwater system
  • Underground storage: tanks or vaults that store runoff and release it gradually
  • Stormwater management ponds: large ponds that collect runoff to prevent flooding
  • Green roofs: roofs covered with soil and vegetation that absorb rainwater and reduce runoff

Pollution controls improve the quality of stormwater before it enters the city’s system. The credit you receive depends on how much pollution your system removes.

You can also earn additional credit (up to the 15% maximum) for other best management practices, such as a salt management plan or a paved area sweeping program.

Pollution control credits by treatment level
Level of treatment Total suspended solids (TSS) removed Maximum credit
Enhanced 80% or higher 15%
Normal about 70% 10%
Basic about 60% 5%

Examples of pollution controls

  • Bioswales: vegetated channels that slow and filter runoff before it enters storm drains
  • Oil/grit separators: underground structures that remove sediment, oil and debris from stormwater
  • Salt management plan: certified through the Smart About Salt program to reduce salt use and protect water quality
  • Stormwater management ponds: collect runoff and let sediment settle before releasing cleaner water
  • Vegetated filter strips: gently sloped, planted areas that slow runoff and remove sediment before it reaches waterways

Contact us

If you have questions about the stormwater credit program: