Seattle Public Utilities and King County created Rainwise to reward homeowners who keep stormwater out of combined sewers. As a Certified Rainwise contractor, Osprey Exterior handles eligibility checks, design worksheets, and paperwork submission for every project in Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding basins.
Rainwise eligibility checker
Enter your address to confirm whether you qualify. We use the same lookup when we scope new cistern and drainage installations.
If the map confirms you are in a qualifying basin, click below and we will reserve a site visit within three business days.
Book Rainwise assessmentRainwise requirements for Seattle and King County
Rainwise funding focuses on roof runoff that would otherwise enter combined sewers. To qualify you will need:
- Qualifying roof area: We measure contributing roof square footage and confirm downspouts can direct water to Rainwise systems.
- Approved storage or infiltration: Options include above-ground slimline cisterns, underground tanks, or modular cubes sized to program standards.
- Documented overflow path: Our designers ensure overflow drains to landscaped areas or side sewers that meet compliance requirements.
- Licensed installation: Osprey’s Rainwise-certified crews provide construction photos and signoff forms for reimbursement.
We bundle these requirements with gutter upgrades, diverters, and inspection prep so your rebate packet is accepted on the first submission.
Timeline from eligibility to payout
The Rainwise process typically runs 4–8 weeks. Osprey Exterior keeps it on track with dedicated project managers and a 24-hour paperwork turnaround.
- Week 0–1: Eligibility confirmed via map lookup and onsite assessment.
- Week 1–3: Design worksheets, cistern sizing, and gutter tie-ins submitted for pre-approval.
- Week 3–6: Installation of cisterns, modular storage, and drainage upgrades.
- Week 6–7: Rainwise inspection scheduled, documentation captured, and compliance forms uploaded.
- Week 7–8: Rebate packet submitted within 24 hours and average payouts received within four weeks.
Timeline planner
Select your preferred installation window to see when we recommend booking inspections and compliance audits.
Cistern styles sized for Rainwise rebates
Rainwise requires a minimum storage volume based on roof area. These are the most popular configurations we install across Puget Sound.
| Cistern type | Capacity range | Best for | Rebate advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slimline above-ground | 205–530 gallons | Urban lots, Ballard and Capitol Hill alleys | Fits narrow setbacks while meeting minimum storage volumes. |
| Underground poly tank | 800–1,700 gallons | Bellevue and Issaquah yards with slope | Invisible after backfill and supports larger rebate amounts. |
| Modular cube system | 1,000–3,500 gallons | Large roofs in Redmond and Kirkland | Scalable storage to maximize Rainwise payouts for multifamily properties. |
Every option can be paired with custom gutters and mesh guards so debris never clogs your diverters.
Who handles the Rainwise paperwork?
Osprey Exterior manages the entire submission. Our coordinators complete design worksheets, collect installation photos, and upload invoices to the Rainwise portal within 24 hours of inspection. Homeowners receive a copy of the submission packet plus status updates until the rebate check arrives.
“Osprey confirmed our Ballard property was eligible, installed dual slimline cisterns, and submitted the paperwork the same day the inspector signed off. We received $3,950 back within a month.”
— Julia M., Ballard homeowner
Next steps to secure your rebate
- Run the eligibility check above and gather recent utility bills.
- Book a site assessment so we can measure roof areas and review existing drainage.
- Choose cistern and gutter upgrades that align with your rebate goals and inspection schedule.
- Let our team manage paperwork, inspections, and final rebate submission.
Ready to move forward? Combine Rainwise funding with compliance audits or service bundles for full-property upgrades.