What?

A Rebate Program for a toilet…

Not just any toilet, but an Ultra-Low-Flow (ULF) Toilet to replace existing toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons per flush… A rebate for 75% of the purchase price of the Utlra-Low-Flow Toilet up to $50… Save money while conserving for El Paso’s future!

Why?

A typical toilet uses from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush and accounts for 37% of all in-house use. Replacing a typical fixture with a model that uses 1.6 gallons or less per flush can conserve approximately 15,000 gallons of water a year depending upon the size of the toilet replaced and frequency of use.

Where?

Ultra-Low-Flow toilets are available locally at home improvement centers and plumbing supply houses. Be sure it is an Ultra-Low-Flow toilet (1.6 gallons per flush or less); Low-Flow toilets (3.5 gallons per flush) are not eligible for the rebate and by City code are not allowed to be installed. Customers should shop for price, features, and quality.

How?

Replace your existing toilet that uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush with an Ultra-Low-Flow toilet. Contact El Paso Water Utilities within 90 days of purchase to arrange verification. A Water Conservation Technician will come to your property to verify the installation for approval of the rebate. The original receipt must be submitted at that time. The receipt will be returned with your processed rebate within eight-to-ten weeks. Rebates will be made for 75% of the purchase price of the toilet (excluding tax, discounts, installation materials, and labor) up to $50.00 per fixture.

When?

This program was made effective September 12, 1991, and is not retroactive.

Requirements?

• Applicants must be customers of El Paso Water Utilities.
• Applies to the replacement of existing toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Each new toilet must not exceed 1.6 gallons of water per flush. New construction must install ULF models, so is not eligible for the rebate.
• Original sales receipt must be provided to verify the purchase price of each toilet. The rebate does not cover tax, discounts, the cost of additional parts or labor for installation.
• Existing toilet fixture must be cleaned and stripped of any metal and wood parts and turned over to El Paso Water Utilities personnel for recycling as road base material.
• By participating in the Rebate Program, the customer agrees to a follow-up inspection and questionnaire conducted by El Paso Water Utilities.

Results?

Since the program started in 1991, over 45,000 toilets have been replaced saving million of gallons of water and wastewater per year. This program is open to residential, commercial, industrial and multi-family complex customers.

One concern expressed by the use of ULF toilets is the possibility of clogged sewer lines. Studies in other cities have not shown that to be true. Ultra-Low-Flow toilets meet the same standards as other toilets. They are tested and certified by Independent Approval Agencies such as the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials or Underwriter’s Laboratories. Information on ULF toilets is available from consumer reports and other sources. As with any purchase, the customer should shop for price and quality.

Because water conservation is the main reason for this incentive program, the old toilet fixture tank and toilet must be turned over to El Paso Water Utilities staff so it is not used again – canceling the intent of the program.

As with any toilet, it is important to be sure that the float valve, water lever, and flushing mechanism are properly adjusted in order not to waste water and to ensure efficient flushing.

For information on the Rebate Program, ULF toilets, or how to install a toilet and to set up and appointment for verification of installation, call the El Paso Water Utilities, Water Conservation Department, 594-5508.