Chances are, if your home is more than 16 years old, your toilets are due for a facelift. At up to seven gallons a flush, older toilets are water hogs, wasting natural resources and hurting consumers’ wallets.
To promote change, the city of Everett Water Conservation Program will give $100 rebates to 1,500 consumers who upgrade their toilet or clothes washer to newer, more efficient models. Both the city and consumers save money and help conserve water as a result. The program is open to all water customers of the city of Everett, which includes most of the county. Snohomish County PUD also has similar programs for energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers.
High-efficiency toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush, but often cost more than standard models. The rebates ease that cost difference and make it easier for homeowners to make environmentally-friendly purchases and save money in the long run. By switching to high-efficiency toilets, a family of four could save $90 a year, according to EPA estimates. Toilets account for 30 percent of household water use — that’s a big chunk to cut back on.
By working closely with retailers, the program may help dispel some of the negative stigma surrounding high-efficiency toilets. Earlier models performed poorly and “soured” the public’s perception, explained Gary Moore, the Water Conservation Program manager. Today’s models are vastly improved, with more flush options, style choices and other bells and whistles. The rebates should encourage customers to take a second look. And sometimes, second looks can spark markets.
High-efficiency toilets are already standard for many “green homes,” Moore said, and may eventually replace the current standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. The popularity of high-efficiency toilets will likely keep growing as more people look to improve sustainability. We think a revamped reputation can’t hurt.
To check the age of your toilet, look for a label with a manufacture date inside the tank or lid. If it predates 1992, you’ve probably got a guzzler. To see if a new toilet meets rebate qualifications, look for the EPA’s “WaterSense” sticker or ask retailers for a list of approved models. A toilet must use less than 1.3 gallons per flush to qualify for a rebate.
The big picture at heart here is good environmental policy and responsible stewardship of natural resources. Giving consumers a financial incentive makes going green an easier decision. The rebate program shows a small way that a water district can help its citizens make valuable choices, and save everyone money along the way.
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