Source: http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/wm/toilet_rebates.cfm
Program Overview
The City of Durham Department of Water Management has expanded the WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program to increase program participation and water savings and to better serve the Durham community. Any toilet purchased must be a High Efficiency Toilet (HETs use an average of 1.28 gallons per flush) and MUST be on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)WaterSense list. Any toilet which meets the criteria and was purchased after January 1, 2008, will be eligible for the rebate. Rebates will be applied as credits to customers’ water bills.
Residential Customers
Each single-family residential customer can receive a rebate credit for the replacement of all existing 1.6 gallons (or more) per flush toilets in their residence with a WaterSense HET model. The amount of the rebate will continue to be $100 per toilet. To apply for the rebate/credit, submit all of the following:
- The original dated sales receipt(s)
- A copy of your most recent water bill
- A completed Single Family Residential Customer application
Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Customers
Multifamily customers, commercial customers, industrial customers, and institutional customers are eligible for rebates upon the replacement of a 1.6 gpf (or more) toilet with a WaterSense HET model. Each account holder is eligible for up to 75 rebates of $100 each. A separate application is required for each account. Each customer has the option to appeal for additional rebates. Staff will evaluate the needs of the program, including program equity and availability of funds, when determining the outcome of the request. The rebate(s) will still be provided as a billing credit and will ONLY be applied to the account serving the location where the toilets are located/installed. For example, when a water bill is in the tenant’s name at a rental property, the tenant will receive the credit; when a water bill is in a landlord’s name, the landlord will receive the credit. To apply for the rebate/credit, submit all of the following:
- The original dated sales receipt(s)
- A copy of your most recent water bill for each account
- A completed Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Customer application
All materials should be mailed to:
Department of Water Management
Durham HET Rebate Program
1600 Mist Lake Dr.
Durham, NC 27704
Do NOT mail your bill with your rebate materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet?
WaterSense is the Environmental Protection Agency’s labeling program for water efficiency products. WaterSense labeled toilets use an average of only 1.28 gallons of water per flush and have passed rigorous testing standards.
- Do I have to buy the toilet at a particular store?
No. As long as the toilet is an HET on the EPA’s WaterSense list, a customer can buy it from any retailer, even online, but we do need the original invoice(s) or sales receipt(s) sent in with the application. The Department of Water Management advises customers to keep a copy of the sales invoice(s) or receipt(s) for their records.
- Are all of the toilets on the EPA WaterSense list available at all retailers?
That is unlikely. The Department of Water Management has informed local retailers about the program and encouraged them to carry a stock of HET models. No retailer will have every toilet, but approved toilets are available locally. Many plumbing supply stores can special order toilets as well.
- Is there anything else I need to buy with the toilet?
This will depend on the toilet purchased, as some toilets come in complete kits. It may be possible that a new wax ring or additional bolts may be needed when purchasing the toilet. Check with your retailer or plumber to ensure you have all the equipment needed to have a working toilet.
- Do I have to hire someone to install the toilet?
No. Individual customers may choose to install a toilet. If you purchase a toilet through a plumber, be sure the model number of the toilet is listed on the receipt.
- How will I receive the rebate?
Once all required information is received by staff, the rebate will be applied as a credit to your water and sewer account.
- When will I receive my credit?
The first week of each month Customer Billing Services receives a list of rebates that have been processed and approved from the prior month which are applied as a credit to customers’ water bills. Please allow up to 120 days for your credit to appear on your water bill.
- Will the City be checking to see that my toilet has been installed?
As part of the rebate process, customers must agree to allow a post-installation inspection.
- How long will the toilet rebate program last?
The program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will function as long as allocated funds permit.
- Where can I get more information on HET models?
Here are some helpful links: - Where can I get more information on Durham’s HET Rebate Program?
For information, call (919) 560-4381 or e-mail toiletrebate@durhamnc.gov.
Filed under: Toilet Rebate Programs in the US | Tagged: Durham NC Toilet rebate, HET, watersense | Leave a comment »
Revised Draft Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification – Public comment period until July 7
Source http://www.epa.gov/watersense/specs/homes.htm
Update
EPA will conduct a public meeting on June 10, 2009 from 8 am – 5 pm (Eastern Time) at the Holiday Inn Capitol – Washington, DC . To register for the meeting, please fill out and submit the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Public Meeting Registration Form by June 3, 2009.
EPA will hold an additional public Webinar on June 22, 2009 from 1 pm – 4 pm (Eastern Time) for those unable to attend the Washington, DC meeting. To register for the Webinar, please fill out and submit the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Public Meeting Registration Form by June 17, 2009.
Revised Specification Information
EPA released a draft specification for water-efficient single-family new homes on May 22, 2008. Based on substantial feedback and significant revisions, EPA released a revised draft specification on May 8, 2009.
This specification establishes the criteria for water-efficient new homes under EPA’s WaterSense program. When finalized, it will be applicable to newly constructed single-family homes and townhomes, three stories or less in size.
In addition, to meet the Landscape Design Criteria (Section 4.1.1), the builder may choose to comply by completing a water budget. EPA has developed a tool to guide these calculations. The first version of the tool, released on November 20, 2008, was based on methodology developed by the irrigation industry as described in Irrigation Association’s Landscape Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management (2005). This second version incorporates additional research and recommendations suggested by stakeholders as part of the public comment process.
The third-party verification of WaterSense labeled new homes is intended to confirm that the builder has met the criteria of EPA’s specification for water-efficient single-family new homes. The inspection and irrigation audit guidelines explains how inspectors verify that the criteria have been met and must be followed in conjunction with the specification. These guidelines have been revised to incorporate revisions to the specification criteria and methods by which they will be tested.
Inspection Guidelines and Inspection Checklist (PDF) (21 pp, 208K, About PDF)
EPA is interested in obtaining input from all interested parties on the revised draft specification materials. The public comment period is open for 60 days and ends on July 7, 2009. Please send any comments or suggestions regarding the revised draft specification materials to <watersense-newhomes@erg.com>. All comments become a part of the public record.
In order to facilitate the consistency and utility of comments received, please submit your comments using the Template for Public Comment Submission (MS Word) (1 pp, 50K). You may either download and save this document template and directly insert your comments, or attach your comments in your own document, provided that you clearly reference the text/section in question, your recommended changes, and why you think these changes are needed.
Additionally, WaterSense will be conducting a public comment meeting in June 2009. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
For more information about the water-efficient single family new home specification process, including the first draft, public comments, and EPA’s response to the public comments of the specification and water budget tool, please see the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification Background Materials page.
Filed under: EPA, green building, LEED, water conservation, watersense | Tagged: EPA, irrigation, LinkedIn, New Home Specification, Public comment, Water-efficient single family new home, watersense | Leave a comment »