Half-Price Rain Barrels are Back at Two San Mateo County Events This October

With the rainy season on the way, San Mateo County residents have a chance to get ready to capture the rain and save some money while doing it.

By popular demand, we’re bringing back our popular annual rain barrel drive this October, offering 50-gallon rain barrels for $85 each. That’s around half the regular online price! This 2026 discount rain barrel sale is being conducted in partnership with the cities of San Mateo and Half Moon Bay, which will distribute the rain barrels on two upcoming event days in October. Eligible residents may also qualify for rebates that can cover the full purchase price, potentially bringing their final cost to $0.

Last year, residents purchased and picked up more than 380 rain barrels through two countywide distribution events, with many households purchasing two. This year, residents can order their barrels in advance and pick them up at one of two events:

Collect the rain now. Use it later.

Rain barrels collect water from rooftops during storms and store it for later use on gardens and landscaping. Along with conserving water, collecting rainwater helps reduce the amount of runoff leaving a property and flowing into streets and storm drains.

That matters for local water quality because stormwater runoff can pick up pollutants from streets, yards, and other surfaces on its way to local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

“Rain barrels are a simple way for residents to make the most of our rainy season,” said Michael Salazar, Chair of the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County Board of Directors. “Collecting rainwater from your roof helps reduce runoff flowing from your property into neighborhood streets, storm drains, and ultimately the Bay. It also provides gallons of stored water that can be used during the dry months. We’re thrilled to offer eligible residents rebates that can cover the cost of purchasing up to two rain barrels.” 

Order early. The purchase window is limited

Rain barrels must be purchased in advance and picked up during the selected distribution event. No barrels will be sold at the pickup events. The ordering window is short, with sales expected to close approximately one week before each distribution date. Quantities may also be limited, so residents interested in participating are encouraged to order early.

Learn more about the program and purchase a rain barrel: https://flowstobay.org/bulk-rain-barrel-program/

Residents must order through the link for their preferred pickup event when purchasing. Orders placed for pickup in the City of San Mateo must be picked up in the City of San Mateo on the day of the City of San Mateo event. Orders placed for pickup at the City of Half Moon Bay must be picked up in the City of Half Moon Bay on the day of their event.

San Mateo: Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Half Moon Bay: Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

As we get closer to closing dates for our sales, our limited stock of rain barrels tend to start selling fast. Don’t delay. Join the rain barrel movement and order your high quality rain barrels today! We hope to see your at one of our distribution events.