Apply for funding for rainwater infiltration systems 
If you plan to install a system for the infiltration of precipitation water, you can apply for funding from the Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing.
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Basic information
Numerous areas in Bremen and Bremerhaven are overbuilt or sealed by paved roads and paths. Extensive surface sealing means that rainwater can no longer seep away and evaporate naturally, so that groundwater recharge is reduced and canals are overloaded during heavy rainfall. A consequence can be flooding, high water and increased water pollution. However, rainwater that runs off sealed surfaces such as roofs or from the overflow of rainwater storage tanks can often be specifically infiltrated into the ground. For this reason, the Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing promotes the construction of systems for the infiltration of rainwater.
Funding is provided for up to one third of the eligible costs of a system, up to a maximum of 3,000 euros. The subsidy amount per square meter of area connected to the infiltration system is a maximum of 12.50 euros. In case of unforeseen additional costs during the construction phase, a subsequent grant can be applied for in writing. However, the total subsidy of 3,000 euros may not be exceeded. Own contributions are not taken into account for the subsidy.
Requirements
Funding is provided for the construction of facilities for the infiltration of precipitation water. Infiltration can take place via
- surface infiltration
- via infiltration troughs
- trough infiltration systems
- or comparable systems.
Further prerequisites for a subsidy are
- the property in question is located in Bremen or Bremerhaven,
- the applicant is the owner or has the owner's consent,
- at least 50 percent of the sealed area of the property must be connected to the infiltration system,
- for the design of the infiltration system, planning in accordance with Worksheet A 138 of the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA-A 138) must be submitted by a specialist,
- the measure is carried out voluntarily, i.e. there is no legal obligation, such as a requirement in the building permit.
The complete decoupling of the area draining into the infiltration system from the sewer system must be ensured. All precipitation water accumulating on the corresponding area is to be infiltrated decentrally on site. At least 50% of the sealed area of the property must be connected to the infiltration system. Materials made of PVC are not eligible.
Any risk to soil and groundwater as a result of infiltration must be excluded.
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Procedure
The funding program for the construction of infiltration systems is handled by Bremer Umwelt Beratung on behalf of the Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing. Interested parties can obtain advice on the implementation of projects and help with the application process here by prior appointment. In addition, citizens direct the attached application form to this office (see service).
The overall financing of the facility must be secured at the time of application.
The measure may not be started before the grant is approved. Exceptions are decided by the granting authority upon application.
The Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing checks whether the measure is technically, ecologically and economically viable and determines the eligible costs (construction costs including technical ancillary costs).
The subsidies are approved by notice.
The subsidy is paid out after completion of the plant and after submission of the cost receipts and inspection of the plant by the granting authority or a body appointed by it.
There must be no risk to soil or groundwater as a result of the infiltration.
The operation of an infiltration system must be reported to the companies responsible for wastewater disposal in Bremen or Bremerhaven.
Please also refer to the attached funding guidelines for the granting of subsidies for the infiltration of precipitation water in the state of Bremen.
More information
Infiltration systems are only subsidized if corresponding funds are available. There is no legal entitlement to funding. If the subsidies are not used properly, they can be reclaimed, including interest. If the areas subsidized by this program are drained again within ten years, subsidies paid out may be reclaimed.
The funding of a measure by the Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing does not include any required building inspection approval.
In accordance with Section 5 of the Act on the Enforcement of a Minimum Wage in Bremen (State Minimum Wage Act) of July 17, 2012 (Brem.GBl. p. 300), which came into force on September 01, 2012, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and the municipalities of Bremen and Bremerhaven only grant subsidies if the recipients undertake to pay their employees at least the statutory minimum wage of currently €8.50 (gross) per hour worked.
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Necessary Documents
- Pictures if necessary
- Cost estimate
- Plan of the property (e.g. 1:5 000) or a sketch
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Competent Department
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Die Senatorin für Bau, Mobilität und Stadtentwicklung
- +49 421 361 0
- Contrescarpe 72, 28195 Bremen
- Website
- office
@bau. bremen. de
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Die Senatorin für Umwelt, Klima und Wissenschaft
- +49 421 361 2407
- An der Reeperbahn 2, 28217 Bremen
- Website
- office
@umwelt. bremen. de
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
Entitlement to funding expires after twelve months. The period begins with the date of the grant decision. In justified cases, this period may be extended once upon request.
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More Information
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The official information in German is complete and correct. 29.08.2025