Grant for rainwater diversion

To be eligible for a grant for disconnection, the following conditions apply:

1. You are the owner of the property
   Tenants may also apply for a grant, but when submitting the application, the tenant of the property must provide a statement signed by the property owner confirming that the owner grants the tenant permission to disconnect the rainwater drainage system and that the owner declares that the disconnected status will be maintained.
2. The property (including structures such as extensions) was built before 2012
3. The drainpipes are still connected to the sewer system
   Search by the ‘Rainwater Disconnection’ map’ where the property is located. If it is in a blank/grey area, you are eligible. If it is in a light/dark green area, you are not eligible. If it is in a yellow area, please contact us; you may still be eligible.
4. The (total) roof area that you are going to disconnect is at least 30 m²*
   You can work out/measure the roof area as follows:
   1. Open the BAG Viewer and search for your property. You can use the search bar to do this.
   2. Click on your property. On the left-hand side of the screen, you will see the building’s floor area in the summary.
   3. Do you have a shed or other outbuilding? If so, please click on it as well. If the floor area is not shown, you can measure it yourself:
   o Click on the ruler in the top right-hand corner.
   o Select ‘Measure area’.
   o Draw the outline of the building.
   o As soon as you close the line, you will see the area.
   Please note: Are you disconnecting just one of several downpipes? If so, divide the total roof area by the number of downpipes connected to that roof. This will give you the area that is being disconnected.
5. You ensure that water is collected properly
   Above ground or underground
6. Please ensure there is sufficient storage space
   As a rule of thumb, for both above-ground and underground disconnection, allow for 20 litres per square metre of roof area disconnected.

If you want to collect rainwater using a rain barrel:

It is important to note that the downpipe must still be disconnected from the sewer system. See ‘Disconnecting using a rainwater butt’ below for more information.
If you meet the conditions set out above, you can submit an application using the button above.

Before you begin, please check that you have the following information to hand

• DigiD login details
• Address details
• Roof area in m²
• An outline of the disconnection method (please specify how you will disconnect the system (above-ground or underground) and the capacity (in litres) of the water collection tank)
• Amount of the grant (see ‘How much grant can you receive?’ below)
• Planning when to disconnect
• Photographs of the current situation

The process is as follows

We will reach a decision within 6 weeks. Sometimes we need a little more information. If that is the case, we will get in touch with you.
If your application meets the eligibility criteria for the grant, you will receive provisional approval.
• You can then start the work and disconnect the drainpipe from the sewer.
You will take a number of photos both during and after the process.
• Once you have finished the work, please report this via the certification form that you have finished. Please enclose photos of the work carried out and the final result. If your roof area exceeds 250 m², please also enclose the original invoice for the work.
We will check whether you have disconnected in accordance with the terms and conditions and whether the work has been carried out within one year of your notification.

A rainwater butt alone is not sufficient to divert rainwater. You should allow for approximately 20 litres of storage capacity per square metre of roof area. Part of this is held in the rainwater butt; the remainder must be provided at the point where the overflow discharges. An overflow is mandatory and must allow the water to infiltrate the ground, for example via the garden, a gravel bed or a green strip. The overflow must not drain into the existing sewer system. This also applies if an automatic fill valve is used. The connection to the sewer must therefore be demonstrably sealed off or completely removed.

We will make a decision on your application within 6 weeks. If your application is successful, this will be a provisional decision. We will finalise the grant once you have disconnected the rainwater drainage system and we have received the completion form from you.

You can submit your assessment submit online. Please include the following attachment(s):

• Photographs of the disconnected downpipe(s) and disconnection point(s), showing that the property has been disconnected. In the case of an underground disconnection point, please include photographs of the installation.
• Where the area of the detached roof exceeds 250 m²: Please enclose the original itemised invoice and proof of payment for the work.

Are you applying for a grant for a roof measuring less than 250 m² roof area?

Do you collect rainwater above ground?
In that case, the grant is a maximum of €7 per metre² roof. 

Do you collect rainwater underground?
In that case, the grant is a maximum of €14 per metre² roof.

Are you applying for a grant for a roof larger than 250 m² roof area?

In that case, you will receive a grant to cover the actual costs. However, there is a cap on this:
Do you collect rainwater above ground?
In that case, the grant is a maximum of €7 per metre² roof. 

Do you collect rainwater underground?
In that case, the grant is a maximum of €14 per metre² roof.

Are you applying for a grant to disconnect your roof from the public space?

• For disconnection into a ditch, trench or pond. You will then receive a grant to cover the actual costs.
• For disconnection on a public road or wadi, you will only be reimbursed for the actual costs if sufficient account has been taken of the disconnection of private land.

You can find more information about rainwater diversion and examples on the ‘Rainwater’ page’.

Would you like to find out more about making the most of rainwater in your garden? Take a look at the step-by-step guide on the Veluwse Tuin website.

This grant was made possible in part thanks to the Vallei en Veluwe Water Board.

• Take a look at the Vallei en Veluwe Water Board website
• You can read the full regulations at overheid.nl
• Or get in touch via regenwater@apeldoorn.nl