Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the RainWise program?
A: RainWise is a program that helps Seattle-area homeowners manage their stormwater by installing cisterns and/or rain gardens on private property.
A: RainWise is a program that helps Seattle-area homeowners manage their stormwater by installing cisterns and/or rain gardens on private property.
Q: What is a rain garden?
A: Rain Gardens are ponding areas planted with a variety of plants that thrive in northwest sun, soil and moisture conditions. They collect water from your roof downspouts and allow it to safely soak into the ground.
A: Rain Gardens are ponding areas planted with a variety of plants that thrive in northwest sun, soil and moisture conditions. They collect water from your roof downspouts and allow it to safely soak into the ground.
Diagram courtesy of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council; Petoskey, MI
Q: What is a cistern?
A: Cisterns are large rain tanks, at least 205 gallons, that capture water from the roof of a house. Their purpose in the winter months is to slow the storm-water down, and in the summer they can be used for irrigation.
A: Cisterns are large rain tanks, at least 205 gallons, that capture water from the roof of a house. Their purpose in the winter months is to slow the storm-water down, and in the summer they can be used for irrigation.
Q: How many RainWise projects has Monsoon completed?
A: As of August 2022, we have completed more than 600 RainWise projects, all of which have qualified for funding from Seattle Public Utilities and King County Wastewater Treatment Division.
A: As of August 2022, we have completed more than 600 RainWise projects, all of which have qualified for funding from Seattle Public Utilities and King County Wastewater Treatment Division.
Q: How much does a RainWise project cost?
A: If your home is within an eligible RainWise area, usually the majority of the total cost is paid for by Seattle Public Utilities and King County. The average cost of a rain garden installation is about $4,500 - $6,000 including all designs, labor and materials (including plants!)
A: If your home is within an eligible RainWise area, usually the majority of the total cost is paid for by Seattle Public Utilities and King County. The average cost of a rain garden installation is about $4,500 - $6,000 including all designs, labor and materials (including plants!)
Q: Do I pay for the project up-front and wait for a rebate check from the city?
A: Nope, Monsoon Rain Gardens uses the 'Vendor Payment Option' of the RainWise program which allows us to be paid directly by Seattle Public Utilities and King County. For your convenience, we determine how much the RainWise program will provide and cover those costs so you don't have to.
A: Nope, Monsoon Rain Gardens uses the 'Vendor Payment Option' of the RainWise program which allows us to be paid directly by Seattle Public Utilities and King County. For your convenience, we determine how much the RainWise program will provide and cover those costs so you don't have to.
Q: What does it mean to be RainWise?
A: Being RainWise is all about slowing down the water that hits your property and making your landscape function more like a forest. This can be accomplished by connecting your downspouts to a rain garden, installing a cistern to collect water, building an impervious driveway, and planting trees on your property.
A: Being RainWise is all about slowing down the water that hits your property and making your landscape function more like a forest. This can be accomplished by connecting your downspouts to a rain garden, installing a cistern to collect water, building an impervious driveway, and planting trees on your property.
Q: Why does Seattle have a program like this?
A: The City of Seattle has a "Combined Sewer System", meaning that the sewer and the stormwater share the same pipes. During heavy rains there is too much volume to be processed at the Sewage Treatment Facilities and they often overflow raw sewage into Puget Sound and Lake Washington.
A: The City of Seattle has a "Combined Sewer System", meaning that the sewer and the stormwater share the same pipes. During heavy rains there is too much volume to be processed at the Sewage Treatment Facilities and they often overflow raw sewage into Puget Sound and Lake Washington.
Q: Can a RainWise rain garden be in my parking/planting strip?
A: No. RainWise rain gardens need to be located on the main property, not the parking/planting strip.
A: No. RainWise rain gardens need to be located on the main property, not the parking/planting strip.
Q: Would my church, school, apartment building, or local business be eligible for RainWise?
A: Yes! Community centers, religious institutions, schools, and businesses often have large roofs that can capture a lot of stormwater. Larger buildings can have a huge positive impact on protecting our waterways and are fully eligible for RainWise!
A: Yes! Community centers, religious institutions, schools, and businesses often have large roofs that can capture a lot of stormwater. Larger buildings can have a huge positive impact on protecting our waterways and are fully eligible for RainWise!
3D Model by Monsoon Rain Gardens