Broward County’s Popular Toilet Rebate program is back
– Residents received more than $178,000 in rebates last year –
Submitted by Asif Ali, Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management Division
Broward County residents will once again have the opportunity to save money by replacing their old water-guzzling toilets with new high-efficiency models. Eligible residents can receive up to $100 in rebates per toilet for up to two new water saving models.
The plan is to replace toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush with new, WaterSense® certified, high-efficiency models that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less.
Broward County and 17 cities have partnered to help residents obtain a rebate and conserve water when they purchase a new, high-efficiency toilet. The Broward Water Partnership is offering rebates to qualified homeowners through its Conservation Pay$ program.
Last year, the program reimbursed residents with more than $178,000 for the replacement of 1,796 toilets. The WaterSense® certified toilets were responsible for saving 73,092 gallons of water daily. That’s nearly 27 million gallons for the year. This year, the program has a goal to save 30 million gallons.
“We’ve had some exceptional results,” said Dr. Jennifer Jurado, director of Broward County’s Natural Resources Planning and Management Division. “More than 1,400 residents took advantage of the program, with several condominium and homeowner’s associations helping to organize neighborhood projects.”
Some residents will be 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 multifamily properties, along with nonprofit organizations, are also eligible, with the total number of allowable rebates determined on a case-by-case basis. High efficiency pre-rinse spray valves are 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.
The program will end Sept. 20, 2013, or when funding is exhausted.
Water conservation is part of Broward County’s long-term strategy to ensure 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 ConservationPays.com, call -1-800-270-9794 or email ConservationPays@broward.org for more information.
