RainWise:Lessons Learned

Bob SpencerRainWise Program Manager

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RainwiseFinancial Incentive Program for Private Property

Owners

Seattle Public Utilities

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Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program Implementation

Residential RainwiseGreen Infrastructure

CIP projects- Ballard- North Union Bay- Montlake

- Evaluating additional basins– Barton (lead by King

County)– Genesee– Henderson– Fremont/Wallingford

Seattle Public Utilities

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Future GSI Basins?

MOA discussions started –goal is to coordinate

programs to look the same to City residents

King County GSI Coordination

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RainWiseTools

Available atrainwise.seattle.gov

Lessons learned Getting to RainWise

“Handholding” required is extremely staff intensive

City contracting process/site feasibility not suited to being built by city

Accountability for maintenance/longevity Facilities oversized, could be made

smaller (100 year storm sizing)

RainWise Adopted

Train the contractor model Standard 95% design guidelines for

projectsRebate instead of “free installation”

New Directions

City is “hands off” in contracting process

Trained vendor community

Pre and post inspections ensure quality control

Homeowner involvement in implementation hopefully strengthen commitment to maintenance

Learning and Incorporating Feedback

Seattle Public Utilities 9

Seattle Public Utilities 10

Cisterns

Seattle Public Utilities 11

Auditable and AccountableProcess and Procedures

Homeowner legal agreement 5 year term, must be disclosed upon sale of

property Includes maintenance agreement Inspection clause Don’t forget photo permission!

Flexibility to Adapt

Update documents as conditions change Add new items as necessary

Contractor Warranty/Homeowner Certification/Rockery Waiver

Update designs to reflect discovered site conditions

Recruitment Strategy

Start minimally, add additional outreach elements as we move forward

Contractors will help you recruit as they promote their business!

Onus on homeowner to follow through with project

Staff Considerations

Program staff Inspection staff Engineering/design staff Administration staff Finance staffMonitoring staff

Cautionary Tales

Media exposure can affect you for good and bad

Staff needs will be larger than expectedGetting that staff up to speed will take

months The internet is not for everyone

RainWise Status Update 67 completed installations

average 1000+ SF 40 in construction

Seattle Public Utilities 19

Bob SpencerBob.spencer@seattle.gov

206-684-4163

www.rainwise.seattle.gov www.seattle.gov/util/RainWise

Questions?