DeKalb homeowners conserving, taking advantage of rebates for low-flow toilets

Last year, the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) Toilet Retrofit Rebate Program sent rebate checks totaling $183,563 to homeowners who replaced older toilets with new efficient WaterSense-approved models.

In 2016 alone, more than 1,200 homeowners took advantage of the program, which has paid a total of $2.6 million in rebates since it began in 2008.

“Water conservation is a big deal because DeKalb is one of 52 counties that remain under a Level 2 Drought in Georgia,” said DWM Director Scott Towler. “Not only do low-flow toilets save water, which is a high priority for all of us in Georgia, but a family of four would also save $100 or so every year on its water and sewer bills.”

Homes built before 1993 may have toilets that use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush (GPF). The DeKalb toilet rebate program offers homeowners a rebate of up to $100 for replacing their current toilets with 1.28 GPF WaterSense-approved devices.

To qualify for the rebate program:

• The house must have been constructed before 1993 and served by an individual water meter.
• The homeowner must complete and sign the rebate application.
• The homeowner must submit the original purchase receipt of the toilet, or low-flow certification form if installed by a licensed plumber, within 60 days of purchase.

Applications and additional information about the Toilet Retrofit Rebate Program, updated outdoor water conservation tips and other information about DWM can be found at www.dekalbwatershed.com.