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Rain Barrel/Downspout Disconnect Pilot Program
In the spring of 2009, the City of San Diego's Transportation and Storm Water Department began implementation of a Rain Barrel/Downspout Disconnect Pilot Program to study the effectiveness of rain barrel systems at reducing polluted runoff and harvesting water during dry periods. Twenty-four rain barrel systems of varying size and design have been installed at eight sites throughout the City. Careful attention was made to match the proper type of rain barrel to the site and design of the buildings' roofs.
The pilot program measured the effectiveness of disconnecting downspouts and installing rain barrels to capture and divert rain water, fog vapor and water condensation from air conditioning units on rooftops to irrigate planter boxes and landscaping below. The pilot program was designed as a cost effective way to reduce polluted runoff from entering San Diego beaches and bays, conserve water, and supplement existing water harvesting efforts. Initial results and can be found in the Final Report below:
For rain barrel and other water conservation rebate programs visit the City's Water Conservation Page.
Rain Barrels throughout the City of San Diego
| Site | Number of Systems | Description |
| Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center | 2 | 2 solar-powered automated systems each consisting of one 54 gallon octagonal rain barrel below grade |
| Rose Canyon Operations Yard Service Building | 4 | 4 automated systems each consisting of a 75 gallon rain box and planter |
| Scripps Institution of Oceanography | 1 | 1 automated 75 gallon rain box and planter box |
| Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center | 4 | 1 gravity flow system with a 55 gallon rain barrel, 3 gravity flow systems each with a 75 gallon rain box with downspout energy dissipater |
| San Ysidro Library | 2 | 1 gravity flow system with a 55 gallon rain barrel, 1 gravity flow system with a 75 gallon rain box |
| Southcrest Recreation Center | 5 | 1 automated system with two 75 gallon rain boxes serially connected, 1 automated system with a 75 gallon rain box and planter |
| Mira Mesa Library | 2 | 1 automated system with two 75 gallon boxes connected serially, 1 automated system with a 75 gallon rain box and planter |
| South Bay Water Reclamation Plant | 4 | 4 gravity flow systems each with a 75 gallon rain box and planter |