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Apply for funding for graywater utilization systems

Are you planning to install or retrofit a graywater utilization system? Find out here how you can apply for a subsidy.

  • Basic information

    Drinking water is of such good quality that it can be drunk for life without hesitation. However, it is not available in unlimited quantities. Conserving drinking water resources is therefore an important task for the protection of our livelihoods.

    When showering, bathing or washing hands, the water is only slightly contaminated. The resulting wastewater is known as gray water. In treated form, it can be used for flushing toilets or watering gardens and green spaces. This saves valuable drinking water and protects groundwater supplies.

    For this reason, the senatorial authority subsidizes the new installation or retrofitting of systems for greywater use.

    Funding is provided for the costs of

    • the graywater system,
    • the installation of the system,
    • installation work in the building and
    • the materials required for this.

    The amount of funding is up to 40% of the total eligible costs, the maximum grant is 5,000 euros.
    If unexpected additional costs arise during the construction phase, a subsequent approval can be applied for in writing. However, the maximum grant amount of 5,000 euros may not be exceeded. Personal contributions are not taken into account for the grant.

    Requirements

    The prerequisites for funding are that

    • the building for which the graywater utilization system is being installed is located in Bremen or Bremerhaven,
    • you are a homeowner or tenant with the consent of the owner,
    • the graywater comes exclusively from personal cleaning,
    • the measure is voluntary, i.e. there is no requirement in the building permit or other legal obligation.

  • Procedure
    • If you are planning to install a graywater utilization system, you can obtain advice beforehand from Bremer Umwelt Beratung.
    • They can also help you with the application process.
    • The overall financing of the measure must be secured at the time of application.
    • The measure may not be started before the grant has been approved.
      • The granting authority will decide on exceptions upon application.
    • Please complete the application form.
    • Submit the application together with the required documents by post, email or in person to Bremer Umwelt Beratung.
    • If the eligibility requirements are met, you will receive a written notification that the grant has been approved.
    • Once the system has been completed, you submit the receipts to Bremer Umwelt Beratung.
    • After the documents have been checked and the system has been inspected on site, the grant will be paid out.
    • The funding recipients are obliged to provide the information required to monitor the success of the funding measure.

    More information

    • Funding for the construction of graywater utilization systems is handled by Bremer Umwelt Beratung e.V. on behalf of the senatorial authority.
    • Funding is not available for PVC components and their installation as well as labor costs for own work.
    • In-house services for installation work in connection with drinking water pipes are only permitted if appropriate technical suitability has been demonstrated in advance.
    • The operator bears the operating risk of the system.
    • There is no legal entitlement to funding. If the subsidies are not used properly, they can be reclaimed, including interest. If the system is dismantled within 10 years, any subsidies paid out can be reclaimed.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Completed application form
    • Cost estimate (with details of the manufacturer, type and planned capacity of the system)
    • Site plan
    • Floor plan with location sketch of the system and identification of the system components

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    gebührenfrei

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    There is no deadline for submitting an application.
    The entitlement to funding expires after 12 months.
    The period begins on the date of the approval notice. In justified cases, this period can be extended once upon application.

    How long does it take to process

    2 weeks as soon as the application documents are complete.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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The official information in German is complete and correct. 21.05.2026

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