Stormwater Reimbursement Program
For Homeowners, HOAs, & Business Owners
Rain Ready Alabama provides cost-share reimbursement opportunities to help cover the cost of projects that improve water quality and reduce stormwater runoff. These programs support practical, real-world solutions that help prevent pollution, reduce flooding, and protect Alabama’s waterways.
Low Impact Development (LID)
Low Impact Development (LID) refers to simple, nature-based practices that manage stormwater where it falls. Instead of allowing rainwater to run off hard surfaces and carry pollutants into streams, LID practices help slow down, absorb, and treat that water on-site.
Examples include rain gardens, permeable pavement, bioswales, native landscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Septic Pump-Out Program
A septic pump-out is routine maintenance where built-up waste is removed from a septic tank. If not maintained, septic systems can release harmful bacteria and nutrients into groundwater and streams.
Regular pumping helps prevent system failure, protect water quality, reduce health risks, and extend system life.
Streambank Stabilization
Streambank stabilization focuses on repairing and restoring eroded stream edges. These projects reduce sediment pollution, protect property, and improve long-term water quality.
Need help with your project?
We can connect you with:
- Trained contractors
- Local professionals
- Installation guidance
Email us at ausrf@auburn.edu
- Submit your application
- Receive approval
- Complete your project
- Submit documentation and receipts
- Receive reimbursement
Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions or support? Email us at ausrf@auburn.edu
Technical Assistance, Training & Funding Opportunities
For Municipal & County Agencies
Rain Ready Alabama partners with municipal and county agencies to support watershed improvement projects, stormwater infrastructure, and erosion control efforts in eligible areas across Alabama.
Through this program, Auburn University’s Stormwater Research Facility (AU-SRF) provides:
- Technical guidance and planning support
- Training for engineers and staff
- Project identification and prioritization
- Assistance with implementation of impactful stormwater solutions
These efforts focus on impaired watersheds where stormwater runoff and erosion can significantly improve water quality.
Roadside Drainage Stabilization
What Is It?
Roadside drainage stabilization reduces erosion and sediment runoff from county road ditches and drainage channels.
What We Provide
- Identify priority drainage areas
- Develop site-specific stabilization plans
- Provide training and best practices
- Support erosion control implementation
- Assist with long-term runoff solutions
Program Approach
- Identify: Locate problem areas using watershed data
- Plan: Develop cost-effective solutions
- Train: Work directly with county teams
- Build Capacity: Support long-term implementation
Interested in partnering with us?
Email us at: ausrf@auburn.edu
Rain Barrel Program
Learn how rain barrels can help reduce stormwater runoff, conserve water, and protect local waterways. This hands-on workshop provides practical guidance on selecting, installing, and maintaining a rain barrel for your home, school, or community.
Participants will gain valuable knowledge about stormwater management and discover simple ways to make a positive impact on watershed health throughout Alabama.
Register for WorkshopWorkforce Development
Interested in getting involved?
Rain Ready Alabama offers opportunities for:
- Technical training
- Streambank restoration experience
- Project funding participation
Email us to get involved: ausrf@auburn.edu
Gain hands-on experience through:
- On-the-job training
- Stormwater management education
- Real-world project participation
Email us to get involved: ausrf@auburn.edu
What is Rain Ready Alabama?
Rain Ready Alabama is a statewide stormwater implementation and reimbursement program designed to help property owners, communities, organizations, and schools install practical projects that improve water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance watershed health across Alabama.
The program provides financial assistance to support the installation of approved stormwater practices that capture, infiltrate, treat, or otherwise manage runoff before it reaches local waterways. The program is intended to help offset the costs of materials, equipment, and/or contracted services associated with implementing approved projects that provide measurable water quality benefits.
Our Goal
To improve water quality across Alabama by reducing nonpoint source pollution through:
- Stormwater management practices
- Community education
- Workforce development
- Financial assistance programs
Make a Difference
Rain Ready Alabama provides funding, training, and technical support to help Alabamians take action on stormwater issues. Our programs are designed for homeowners, businesses, contractors, and local governments, with opportunities ranging from simple water-saving practices to large-scale restoration projects.
Through Rain Ready Alabama, you can participate in:
- Rain Barrel Program – Learn how to collect and reuse rainwater while reducing runoff
- Stormwater Reimbursement Program – Receive cost-share assistance for LID practices, streambank restoration, and septic pump-outs
- Technical Assistance, Training & Funding Opportunities – Support for municipal and county-led projects
- Workforce Development – Training and opportunities for contractors and individuals entering the stormwater field
Explore the programs below to find out how you can get involved and make an impact in your community.
In 2025, the Auburn University–Stormwater Research Facility (AU–SRF) partnered with the City of Auburn through an ADEM-funded 319 grant to install Low Impact Development (LID) practices at Hickory Dickory Park in Lee County, Alabama.
The project included bioretention cells, permeable paths, cisterns, native plantings, and streambank stabilization to reduce erosion and treat stormwater flowing into a tributary of the Sougahatchee Creek.
These upgrades reduced runoff pollution while restoring the park as a functional community space, while giving AU–SRF graduate students hands-on experience.
