RainWise application tips

Project descriptions should be clear, concise and no more than 1,500 characters. They should include the following information:

• What RainWise project type(s) you are applying for;
• Key distances from building foundations, utilities, and property lines;
• Who will be completing the work (yourself or a contractor); and
• What type and amount of impervious (hard, non-absorbent surface) area will drain into the feature (if applicable)

Sample project description
"This project will include one downspout disconnection and construction of one rain garden. I intend to complete the work myself. The disconnected downspout will redirect flows from half of my roof area (50 m² of directly connected impervious area; area A on sketch) into the rain garden, which will be in my front yard. The rain garden will be 5 m from my foundation and a minimum 1 m from my property lines. There are no utilities located near my rain garden. I plan to use rocks at the inlet and outlet for erosion control, plant native shrubs and grasses, and cover the rain garden with shredded mulch."

Project installation may be performed by yourself or by a hired contractor, unless otherwise specified in the RainWise project’s requirements. Contact Utility Safety Partners prior to any excavating, acquire any required permits to complete the work, and ensure all work adheres to the appropriate bylaws, codes, and regulations. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their RainWise project meets all legal and regulatory requirements.

EPCOR needs clear and accurate photos to assess project sites and determine program eligibility. The number of photos required depends on the RainWise project(s) selected. Ensure you have the required photos listed on the individual RainWise rebate project pages.

To ensure your rebate application is processed smoothly:

• Submit photos as separate files, saved using the following naming convention:
  • ApplicantLastName _DescriptionPhotoX _YYYYMMDD

Example 1: Smith _BeforePhotoA _20250601

Example 2: Smith _AfterExcavationPhotoA _20250717

• Capture photos from the same angle, distance and orientation for easy comparison and to clearly show the transformation of the space.
• Capture photos from a distance that includes the RainWise project feature within the full view of the yard/space to show project scale.
• Ensure photos are not blurry or crooked and the lighting does not diminish the quality (e.g. avoid over-exposure or heavy shadows). 

Understanding what type of customer you are ensures the appropriate options are available to you for your application. 

Customer types

• Single-family: Residential properties such as single-family homes, duplexes, and row housing.
• Multi-family: Multi-unit residential properties such as condos and apartments.
• Industrial, commercial or institutional (ICI): Non-residential properties such as schools and community leagues. 

Contact EPCOR at rainwise@epcor.com if you are unsure what customer type to apply as. EPCOR will assess submitted applications to confirm the appropriate customer category has been selected.

Impervious surfaces are hard surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate the ground, such as asphalt, concrete, brick, and stone.

For most single-family properties, roofs and driveways make up most of the impervious area. For larger multi-family and ICI properties, parking lots also contribute significantly to the impervious area. These areas are often directly connected to the stormwater or combined sewer system and add to the amount of water that goes into the collection systems during a major rain event.

To complete your pre-construction application for a rain garden, box planter, soakaway pit, permeable pavement, absorbent landscaping or soil cells, you will need to know the DCIA for your property. The rebate amount is dependent on the DCIA, which is the impervious (hard) surface area directed into your RainWise project.

How to calculate directly connected impervious area

The Stormwater Intensity Adjustment Program is an opportunity for qualifying multi-family (zoned RM or RL) and commercial property owners to receive a credit on their monthly stormwater utility bill. To be eligible, property owners must demonstrate they contribute significantly less stormwater discharge to EPCOR’s stormwater systems during rainfalls than other properties within their land zone class.

Some properties are eligible to apply for the Stormwater Intensity Adjustment Program in addition to the RainWise Rebate Program; however, there are additional requirements through the Stormwater Intensity Adjustment Program. If you are interested in applying for a credit through the Stormwater Intensity Adjustment Program, refer to the program requirements before initiating your RainWise rebate project.