Broward County residents were paid $178k to save 26 million gallons of water in one year — and they did!
Submitted by Rand, Ph.D. APR
On Oct. 1, 2012, funding begans again for the very successful High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program. Since October 2011, the program reimbursed residents with more than $178,000 for the replacement of 1,796 water-wasting toilets. The result is 73,092 gallons in daily water savings, nearly 27 million gallons for the year. In addition, the program received more than 150 pledges to conserve water from Broward County residents. This year, the program expects to save even more with a goal of 30 million gallons.
The Broward Water Partnership includes Broward County and 17 municipalities and water utilities. Together, these community partners pooled resources to provide their customers with cash rebates and other incentives for saving water.
“We’ve had some exceptional results,” said Jennifer Jurado, director of Broward County’s Natural Resources Planning & Management Division. “More than 1,400 residents took advantage of the program, with several condominium and homeowner’s associations helping to organize neighborhood projects.” The Partnership continues to streamline and facilitate the application process. “We want our residents to have a positive experience with great results, and the feedback has been very good.”
Customers of participating utilities with toilets using more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf) may be eligible to receive up to two $100 rebates for replacing their older model toilets with WaterSense® certified HETs that use 1.28 gpf or less. Some residents are also eligible to receive free low-flow faucet aerators and shower-heads. The older the original unit, the greater the potential water savings, as great as 70 – 90 percent, depending on the device.
Commercial and multi-family, properties, and non-profits are also eligible, with the total number of allowable rebates determined on a case-by-case basis. High efficiency pre-rinse spray valves are also available for commercial kitchens. Each replacement can save up to 400,000 gallons per year, the equivalent of 27 residential swimming pools. All participants must be pre-approved and other restrictions apply.
Water conservation is part of our community’s long-term strategy to ensure Broward residents have the water they need now and in the future, and at a price they can afford.
To see if your community is participating, visit www.ConservationPays.com. Or, call 1-800-270-9794 for more information.
