Like most people, you probably never thought about the fact that the toilets in your house account for almost 30 percent of your home water consumption. If you are still using a toilet from 1993 or earlier, you can greatly reduce your water use by switching to a 1.28 gpf WaterSense, high-efficiency one. And, property owners who are customers of Waukesha Water Utility, may be able to receive up to a $100 rebate.
High-efficiency toilets are designed to remove waste by water velocity, not by excess water volume so you can reduce water use to about 1.28 gallons per flush compared to as much as 5 to 7 gallons per flush. If you consider that individuals flush an average of 5 times per day, a family of four could reduce water use by thousands of gallons each year!
Another leading water use, accounting for an average 17 percent of overall use, is the shower. By replacing a showerhead from 1992 or earlier to a WaterSense, high-efficiency showerhead, you can reduce water use by gallons and also may qualify for a rebate up to $25, if you live in the city of Waukesha. Residential customers can save approximately 2,900 gallons of water and 300 kwh of electricity each year.
Waukesha Water Utility’s cash incentive rebates only apply to WaterSense-labeled products because they are certified to use at least 20 percent less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models. When purchasing new toilets and showerheads, be sure to look for the WaterSense label as shown.
To see if you qualify for the rebates, go to http://waukesha-water.com/downloads/Toilet-and-Showerhead-Rebate-Form.pdf. Rebates are available on first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
Water is a limited, crucial resource and we all can take steps to limit our use.