Maintenance

On-going maintenance is essential to keep your RainWise installation working properly. We are counting on your RainWise project to prevent polluted stormwater from going into our waterways. Your cistern and/or rain garden is made possible with public funds. In return, RainWise requires homeowners to maintain their RainWise project for five years.

RainWise Maintenance Guide

RainWise Maintenance Videos

Cistern Maintenance Video

Maintaining your cistern is easy! Watch our cistern care video, also available in:

Rain Garden Maintenance Video: Weeding and Mulching

Rain gardens require routine maintenance that even an amateur gardener can do! Watch our rain garden care video on weeding and mulching, also available in:

Rain Garden Maintenance Video: Watering


Rain gardens need regular watering during dry months, especially in their first year. Watch our rain garden care video on watering, also available in:

An adult smiling in front of a rain garden.


Questions?

Not sure where to find arborists’ wood chips for fresh mulch? Need help with rain garden plants and weeds? Wondering how often or how long to water your new rain garden? Contact the Garden Hotline at 206-633-0224 or help@gardenhotline.org. Multi-lingual services provided.

Learn more about the Garden Hotline

Have questions about the program? We’d love to hear from you!

Email RainWise

Read the RainWise Homeowner Agreement (PDF), which you signed before receiving your rebate.

If you are selling a home with a RainWise installation, your cistern and/or rain garden must be listed in your Seller’s Disclosure Form. Please email us at rainwise@seattle.gov to let us know.