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Applying for funding for rainwater harvesting systems

  • Finanzierung und Förderung

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

  • Basic information

    Storing and using rainwater helps to relieve the burden on the sewage system and conserve groundwater. At the same time, it helps to save drinking water. The senatorial authority therefore subsidizes the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.

    Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater that runs off roof surfaces in decentralized storage tanks. The stored water can then be used for flushing toilets, washing machines and/or watering the garden.

    Funding is available for the new installation or retrofitting of rainwater harvesting systems in residential and commercial buildings. Funding is available for up to 40% of the eligible costs of a system, up to a maximum of 5,000 euros. If a rainwater storage tank is used exclusively for garden irrigation, only up to 25% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of €1,500, will be subsidized.

    If unexpected additional costs arise during the construction phase, a subsequent approval can be applied for in writing. However, the maximum funding amount of €5,000 may not be exceeded. Personal contributions are not taken into account in the funding.

    Requirements

    The prerequisites for funding are that

    • the house for which the rainwater harvesting system is being installed is located in Bremen or Bremerhaven,
    • the applicant is the owner of the land and/or building or is otherwise entitled to dispose of it in rem (e.g. hereditary building owner or tenant with the owner's declaration of consent),
    • the connection of at least 50 square meters of covered area and a tank with a capacity of at least 2 cubic meters are guaranteed and
    • the measure is voluntary and there is no legal obligation, such as a requirement in the building permit.
    • The system must comply with current technical regulations.

  • Procedure
    • If you are planning to install a rainwater harvesting 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.
    • Complete the application form.
    • Submit the application together with the required documents by post, e-mail 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, submit the receipts to Bremer Umwelt Beratung.
    • Once the documents have been checked, the grant will be paid out. (In the case of rainwater utilization in the house, an on-site inspection of the system is also carried 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 rainwater harvesting systems is handled by Bremer Umwelt Beratung e.V. on behalf of the senatorial authority.
    • Rainwater utilization systems are only subsidized if corresponding funds are available. There is no legal entitlement to funding. If the funding is not used properly, it can be reclaimed, including interest. If the system is dismantled within 10 years, any subsidies paid out can be reclaimed.
    • Funding is not available for PVC components and their installation or for labor costs for own work.
    • The operating risk of the system is borne by the operator.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Completed application form
    • Site location plan and floor plan drawings M 1:100
      • with sketched entry of all components belonging to the system (location of the necessary system components such as storage tanks, treatment if necessary, domestic water center, supply lines and overflow lines or infiltration systems, as well as extraction points, etc.).
    • Cost estimate

  • 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. 22.05.2026

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