Rainwater Management

About

The City of Hillsboro and Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District have partnered to develop a Rainwater Management Program in Hillsboro. Rainwater management is the process of capturing, diverting, or storing rainwater runoff. Rain gardens, barrels, cisterns, and disconnecting downspouts are some common examples of rainwater management methods used in the Pacific Northwest.

Through our partnership with the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, we have compiled resources for community members interested in taking their environmentally conscious living to the next level. The City of Hillsboro will answer questions and provide technical assistance to help determine site suitability. The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District can provide additional resources, technical assistance, and financial resources for some conservation projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Rainwater Management Program?

What are the benefits of rainwater management?

The Rainwater Management Program offers storage options to capture rainwater to be reused in the future. The captured rainwater can then be reused within existing landscaped areas, flower beds, lawns, and gardens. The benefits of reusing captured rainwater include reduced amounts of runoff from hard surfaces, pollutant removal through natural filtration, recharged groundwater, flood reduction, and habitat for native plants and wildlife.

In the Pacific Northwest we get a substantial amount of rainwater in the fall, winter, and spring and experience dry summers. During summer months we rely on potable water for irrigation. Storing rainwater can help supplement the use of potable water during drier months.

How does the City of Hillsboro Rainwater Harvest Program work?

This program is voluntary. Community members interested in participating can evaluate their property using the resources provided on this page.

Regardless of your property size, you can participate in the program. The City can help determine the extent of the program that can be performed and provide recommendations for how to perform it without creating damage to adjacent properties and to help determine if a permit is required.

To begin the process, complete and submit the webform application to provide the City with the necessary information to begin an evaluation that includes the following steps:

Step 1: The property owner must provide permission.

Step 2: Review and understand the Hillsboro Rainwater Management Guidelines .

Step 3: Review this information with the City of Hillsboro or Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District. Visit the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District for next steps regarding technical assistance.

Step 4: The applicant provides a description of the proposed plan.

Step 5: The City reviews the information and determines site eligibility. The City will respond within 10 business days of receiving the completed application.

Step 6: The City will share the application with the Tualatin Soil Water Conservation District and coordinate a follow up with the applicant and site potential site visit as necessary.

Who is eligible?

How do I get started?

Why do I need to fill out a Webform Application?

What are other ways I can support sustainability efforts?