Rebates for Conserving Water
Saving Water Means Cash Incentives for Austin, Texas, Homeowners
Aug 5, 2009
Austin demographers predict the city's population will continue to rise, putting a strain on the demand for water. An increase in water demand means costly expansions of water treatment facilities, according to the City of Austin. So water campaigns throughout the city have begun urging its residents to do their part to conserve water to ensure a long-term water supply.
Austin offers rebates to homeowners who want energy efficient houses and lower water bills. Keeping an eye on a home's water consumption can help reduce the 12,000 gallons of water that the average Austin homeowner uses in the summer months. About 8,500 gallons are utilized in the winter months, according to city statistics.
Toilet Rebates for Austin, Texas, Homeowners
A toilet that dates back before 1980, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, uses as much as seven gallons of water per flush.
- A post-1980 model flushes as much as 3.5 gallons
- A post-1990 model flushes as much as 1.6 gallons
- A high-efficiency toilet flushes 1.28 gallons
Toilet rebates from $50 up to $200 USD are offered for models that have an EPA WaterSense label. After the toilet is purchased and installed, then homeowners should complete an application and include a copy of the receipt. Don't wait more than 30 days after the purchase or installation or the rebate will not be processed. Expect a check between six to eight weeks.
Clothes Washer Rebates for Austin, Texas, Homeowners
A conventional top-loading washing machine, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, can use up to 15 gallons of water per day in the average Austin household. Switching to a high-efficiency washing machine can save about five gallons of water per day and bring down climbing water bills.
Austin Water Utility customers can get a $150 rebate ($100 from the city and $50 from Texas Gas Service or Austin Energy). Look for the Energy Star label on the clothes washer, and ask an associate at the time of purchase for a rebate application. Homeowners can also download the rebate application on the city's conservation website.
Send a copy of the receipt along with the application and a check should arrive between six to eight weeks.
Tips to Avoid Rebate Delays
The City of Austin recommends rebate applicants to:
- Don't leave the phone number section blank. That will result in automatic disqualification.
- Remember to circle what type of water heater is in the home. A rebate cannot be issued without this information.
- There should only be one name in the application. It doesn't have to match the name on the bill.
- Jot down the serial number of the machine. It's usually located inside the door. Without a serial number, an inspection to the home will have to be scheduled.
- Don't substitute a credit card statement for a copy of the original store receipt. It will not be accepted.
- Don't fill out the For City Use Only Section, even though it asks for a customer signature.
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