Rain Barrel Program Details
The 2026 San Mateo Countywide Half-Price Rain Barrel Sale is hosted by the City of San Mateo for pick-up on October 17 and hosted by the City of Half Moon Bay for pick-up on October 24.
Limited supply still available, buy soon.
Sales open until October 11 at 11pm or while supplies last, whichever comes first!
The limited-time Discount Rain Barrel Program is open now until supplies run out. San Mateo County residents, property owners, and property managers can purchase up to two high-quality, 50-gallon rain barrels for $85 each (pre-tax, regularly $152).
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM
- Decide on the date and location where you’d like to pick up your rain barrel(s). Rain barrels will be distributed in early November at two different dates and locations:
–City of San Mateo, October 17th, 9 am – 12 pm
–City of Half Moon Bay, October 24th, 9 am – 12 pm
After selecting your pick-up location, you will be required to sign a liability waiver form. - Click on the “Purchase Your Rain Barrel” button below. You will be redirected to the Rain Water Solutions website on the main landing page for the sale.
- Click on the “Agreement Form” link next to your chosen event.
- Review and submit the liability waiver form. You will be automatically redirected to the purchase page for your selected date and location once the liability waiver is completed.
- Purchase rain barrel(s) securely online through the Rain Water Solutions website on the purchase page for your selected date and location via credit card. Submitting the liability waiver alone does not place your order—you must complete your purchase on the specific page for your chosen event.
- Note that the date and location you have chosen is the only date and location where you can pick up your purchase. Your barrel(s) will not be available on the other date or at the other location. The rain barrel(s) will NOT be shipped to you. If you can not personally pick up your barrel(s), you may send a relative, neighbor, or friend on your behalf, as long as they have your full name and sales order number.
- The exact address of your chosen location will be provided after you make your purchase. Read the Pick-Up Event Instructions below for more information.
- Install your rain barrel(s) per the rebate installation requirements found here. We encourage you to watch this 5-minute installation video before your barrel purchase.
- Apply for the rain barrel rebate after barrel purchase and installation for qualifying applicants. You could be eligible to receive $50 (for up to two barrels) and an additional $50 depending on your water provider. Click here for information on the rain barrel rebate process and installation requirements. Rebates available:
- $50 countywide rebate (for up to two barrels)
- An additional $50 if your water provider is one of 10 participating agencies:
- Brisbane/Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District
- City of Burlingame
- City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District
- City of Millbrae
- City of Redwood City, not including CalWater customers
- City of San Bruno
- City of San Mateo
- Menlo Park Municipal Water
- Mid-Peninsula Water District
- North Coast County Water District
Pick-Up Event Information
The event information is listed below. You will receive the event address when completing your purchase online. If you cannot personally pick up your barrel(s), a relative, neighbor, or friend may collect it on your behalf, as long as they have your name and sales order number. Rain barrel(s) will NOT be shipped to you. You must pick up your rain barrel(s) on the date and at the location you select—your order will not be available at the other event and there are no alternative collection times.
Pick-Up Event
Date, Time, & Location
Saturday, October 17th 2026
9 am – 12 pm
The location will be provided at purchase and again one week before the scheduled pick-up event. The site will be an easy-to-access lot in the City of San Mateo.
Saturday, October 24th 2026
9 am – 12 pm
The location will be provided at purchase and again one week before the scheduled pick-up event. The site will be an easy-to-access lot in the City of Half Moon Bay.
Pick-Up Event Instructions
To help us make this a safe, quick, and efficient process, please follow these instructions.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
- Plan to come from 9 am to 11:30 am (and no later than 12 pm).
- Make sure your vehicle is ready to receive a barrel either in the back seat or trunk by clearing away large items or laying down car protection if desired. Barrels nest together and can fit in a stack of up to 2 into the backseat of an average car or the trunk of most hatchbacks. Barrel dimensions are approximately 43″ in height and 23″ in diameter and each barrel weighs 16 pounds when empty.
- Write on a piece of paper the name of the purchaser, order number, and load location (trunk or backseat) and place it on the driver-side window for our staff to read.
AT THE EVENT:
- Form a line in your car as instructed by signage and/or staff.
- Stay in your car and pull forward as space allows.
- If you did not complete the steps listed above, you will be instructed to do so while in line before reaching the loading area.
- Once at the front of the line, your barrel and all needed accessories will be loaded into your car by our staff. Make sure doors are unlocked or the trunk popped as needed. Please do not get out of your car.
PLEASE NOTE:
- No day-of-event rain barrel purchases will be available.
- For everyone’s safety, please follow all local COVID health guidelines.
How Do I Install The Rain Barrel?
Download a printed version of the installation instructions here or watch the short 6-minute video to learn how to install the Ivy Rain Barrel.
Rain Barrel Specs, Features and Warranty
The Ivy rain barrel comes with everything you need to assemble, collect, and use rainwater. Barrels can easily be connected together with no added cost. All components are included with the purchase price:
- 50-gallon barrel
- 6′ overflow hose
- locking child-proof lid
- 3/4″ HDPE ball valve
Rain barrel features:
- Made in the USA using 100% recycled materials!
- Dark solid material to prevent algae growth
- 50-gallon capacity
- Two overflow ports and screened inlet, mosquito resistant
- 3/4″ ball valve connects to standard garden hose
- Dimensions 42.5″H x 22″D
- Link multiple Ivy Rain Barrels using the existing overflow hose.
- Installation instructions
- Maintenance will be needed
- 2 Year warranty
- Rain barrel specs
What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Rain Barrel?
Rain barrels benefit the environment, your plants, and your budget. Below are just some of the many benefits of owning a rain barrel.
- With the recent water crisis and drought in California, rain barrels are one of the best ways to save money and water by cutting back potable water used for irrigation. Did you know that you can capture about 312 gallons of water for every half-inch of rain that falls on a 1,000 square foot roof?
- Rain barrels collect rainwater, which is free of the additives (such as fluoride, salts, and inorganic ions) that tap water has for sanitation. Over time, these compounds accumulate in the soil and potentially harm plant roots and microorganisms in the soil. Your plants and garden will thrive by being watered with rainwater.
- Rain barrels protect local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Ocean by reducing urban runoff that transports litter, motor oil, and other pollutants into storm drains. See the video below for more information.
- Rain barrels can moderate flooding during the rainy winter season, decrease land erosion, and also reduce the amount of moisture that reaches your home’s foundation.
- San Mateo County has a rebate program that provides a rebate of up to $200. Read the details here.
