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Residents of Raleigh and some surrounding areas can qualify for a $100 rebate on each new WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet they purchase and install - and save lots of water (and money) each year.
But what is a WaterSense toilet, and why is it important?
What is a WaterSense Toilet?
A WaterSense high-efficiency toilet uses a maximum of 1.28 gallons per flush, or 20% less than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.
WaterSense toilets are measured carefully for both performance and efficiency through independent laboratory testing - after all, it doesn't save water if you have to flush twice!
Look for the WaterSense label - this is different from a low-flow toilet.
 How much water can a WaterSense Toilet save?
A typical family of four is estimated to flush the toilet 6,250 times per year. Here's how much water can be saved, if current toilets are replaced with WaterSense high-efficiency toilets.
A pre-1980 model using 7 gallons per flush saves almost 42,000 gallons / year
A pre-1980 model using 5 gallons per flush saves almost 30,000 gallons / year
A post-1980 model using 3.5 gallons per flush saves over 16,000 gallons / year
A post 1990 model using 1.6 gallons per flush saves over 2,000 gallons / year
How much does a WaterSense toilet cost?
An American Standard WaterSense toilet sells at Lowe's for $129.00, with four star reviews. WaterSense toilets of similar costs can be found at a variety of local suppliers.
With the $100 rebate currently available, the cost of the toilet can be just $29 plus tax.
WaterSense toilets are now available at a wide variety of local Raleigh area suppliers: Home Depot, Ferguson Bath, Lighting and Kitchen Gallery, Carolina Decorative Plumbing and Streamline Plumbing & Electric.
 How does the Raleigh WaterSense Toilet rebate work?
In order to qualify for the WaterSense Toilet rebate in Raleigh, the following conditions must be met.
- 1. Be a residential or non-residential (commercial, industrial or institutional) customer of the following municipalities: Raleigh, Wendell, Garner, Rolesville, Knightdale, Zebulon, or Wake Forest
- 2. Be current in their bill and not owing past due fees.
- Record the measurements of their old toilet's tank; these must be included in the application.
- 3. Replace an old toilet, of 1.6 gallons or higher flush volume, with an EPA WaterSense labeled toilet. New toilet installations are not covered in this rebate nor are replacements for current WaterSense toilets.
- 4. Include the original receipt(s) for the toilet(s) dated on or after April 4, 2009.
- 5. Agree to a post-installation inspection to verify the toilet's eligibility.
Click here for full details of the WaterSense Toilet Rebate program.
Building New Homes - WaterSense Toilets
"I'm building a new home, do I qualify for a WaterSense toilet rebate?"
The rebates are only offered for replacement of existing, water-hungry toilet models.
But choosing WaterSense toilets for your new home is a wise decision. Ask your builder if they provide WaterSense as a standard. If they don't, consider spending a little extra to save many thousands of gallons of water over the life of your home. After all, the toilet itself should never need replacing, even if a few of the tank parts need minor maintenance over the years.
Learn more about living in a Green Built Home here:
Most Popular Green Features - Top Requests
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certifications - What's the Difference?
What is a Green Home?
Energy Wise Guaranteed 50-70% Lower Costs for Heating and Cooling - How Does it Work?
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