High Efficiency Toilet Rebate

High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program Overview

“Due to an overwhelming level of response, funding for the Save Our Water High Efficiency Toilet Program has been expended. No further applications will be accepted at this time. For available water rebates, please visit the website of your local water agency. Thank you for your interest in efficiency and water conservation.

If you have already submitted an application, please expect some temporary delays in processing. Applications will be processed in a first-come, first served order, and you will receive an email notification when your application has been processed. Thank you for your patience!”

Replace Your Toilet And Receive Up To $100

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has a rebate program that provides rebates for replacing toilets at California single-family residences to support the State’s drought response.

The $6 million program budget is expected to support the replacement of 60,000 toilets throughout the state. Up to $100 will be rebated for purchase and installation of one qualified high-efficiency toilet (1.28 gallons per flush or less) per household that replaces a less-efficient toilet (using more than 1.6 gallons per flush).

How To Get Your Toilet Rebate

The rebate process is simple. Here is how the process works:

  1. Check the website to determine if funds are still available for the program.
  2. Identify a qualified US Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense certified high-efficiency toilet (1.28 gallons per flush or less).
  3. Purchase a toilet from the qualifying models list.
  4. Complete the on-line toilet rebate application.
  5. Receive your rebate approval notice.
  6. Receive your rebate check!

Terms, Conditions & Eligibility

  1. Funding is limited, and submitting a rebate application does not guarantee you will receive a rebate. Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is depleted. Residential consumers who purchase qualified residential toilets that are US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense certified during the rebate offer period are eligible until rebate program funds are exhausted, or The Department of Water Resources issues a public notice closing the rebate offer period, whichever occurs first.
  2. Rebate amounts are subject to change at any time.
  3. Renters may be eligible to participate with written consent of a property owner. Renter’s name must be on water bill.
  4. All rebated toilets are subject to on-site inspection.
  5. The Department of Water Resources is not responsible for any taxes, fees or tariffs that may be imposed as a result of toilets purchase.
  6. The Department of Water Resources makes no representation or warranty relating to toilets, including any hazardous substances that may be contained in the product.
  7. Applicant waives and releases the Department of Water Resources and its contractors or agents from any and all claims and causes of action arising out of the installation and use of devices pursuant to the Save Our Water Rebate Program.
  8. If installation cannot be verified, the applicant must reimburse the Save Our Water Program for rebates received and associated processing costs.
  9. A reduced water bill is not guaranteed.
  10. Please check the qualifying list of toilets. Only toilets listed on the qualifying list will be eligible for a rebate.
  11. Limit of one toilet rebate per address. The rebate may be used to replace a toilet flushing at more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) with an approved toilet that uses 1.28 gpf or less and is WaterSense certified.
  12. All homes prior to 1992 with an original toilet qualify for replacement. Property owners with a home built after 1992 must certify that they are replacing a toilet flushing at more than 1.6 gpf.
  13. Applicant must purchase the toilet before submitting the rebate application.
  14. Toilet removal and replacement must be completed within 90 days of application approval.
  15. Rebate checks will become void 90 days after being issued.
  16. The program is consistent with California bond law, including an anticipated useful life of 15 years for all activities funded under this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive rebates?

Single-family residences in California are eligible for rebates. Single-family residences are houses, townhomes, condominiums and mobile homes. One rebate is allowed per household.

How do I determine the flush volume of my existing toilet?

The flush volume of a toilet simply means how much water is released when it is flushed. You need to determine the toilet’s flush volume as explained below.

Manufacture Date of Old Toilet
Pre-1950’s to 1980
1980-1994
1994 to present
1994 to present
This Many Liters Per Flush
18.92 to 26.49
13.24
6.05 (does not qualify)
4.84 (does not qualify)
Equals This Many Gallons Per Flush
5 to 7
3.5
1.6
1.28

Here are two ways to determine an old toilet’s gallons per flush (gpf):

  1. A marking or label is typically located near the toilet seat hinge on the bowl that can provide you with that information. Please note that the markings and labels are often in liters as opposed to gallons. See the above table for a quick reference to help determine the toilet’s flush volume if it is listed in liters or has the manufacturing date labeled. If you cannot locate any markings or labels near the seat hinge, check the underside of the tank lid or the tank’s back inside wall for a date and information stamped in the porcelain.
  2. If you have access to the Internet, go to ‘How to Measure Toilet Flush Volume’ by Green Team Real Estate to view a short video with instructions for measuring the toilet’s gpf.

Then proceed with the following activity. You will need: Pencil and an empty 1-gallon milk jug.

  • Turn off the water supply behind the toilet by turning the valve clockwise until tight. Remove the tank lid from the toilet and set it aside. If there is a water saving device inserted in the toilet tank, remove it before proceeding.
  • Mark the water level inside both the toilet tank and toilet bowl with a pencil line.
  • Flush the toilet and wait until both the tank and bowl are full.
  • Measure TANK gallons: Fill an empty 1-gallon empty milk jug with water, and pour the water into the tank until you reach the pencil line. Refill the container as needed, and keep track of how much many jugs (or portions of jugs) of water it took to fill the tank to the pencil line. If the last jug in the refill process is less than full when the line is reached, make a reasonable estimate of how empty that jug is and record that amount. (For example, if the jug appears to be three-quarters full when the line is reached, one quarter of a jug was used in bringing the tank up to the pencil line. Record the number of gallons/jugs it took to reach the line, plus one-fourth of a gallon)
  • Measure BOWL gallons: Fill the toilet bowl until the water reaches the pencil line, and keep track of how many jugs (or portions of jugs) of water it took to fill the bowl. Follow the above advice about recording the amount of a partial jug that’s used in bringing the bowl up to the pencil line.
  • Add together the number of jugs and portions of jugs it took to fill the tank and the bowl together to determine your toilet’s gpf rate. One jug will equal one gallon.
  • Replace the water tank lid, and turn the water supply on by twisting the valve counter-clockwise.
  • Record the old toilet’s gpf rate.

What is a high-efficiency toilet?

A high-efficiency toilet is one that uses 1.28 gpf or less. Rebate-eligible toilets are US Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense certified. You can find a list of eligible toilets here: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/product_search.html?Category=2

I made a qualified purchase more than a year ago, but have not submitted my rebate application. Can I still receive a rebate?

No. Only toilets purchased on or after August 12, 2015 and before Program funds have been exhausted are eligible.

How may I determine the status of a rebate I have submitted?

Rebate status can be seen in the online application dashboard portal. You may also inquire about your status via telephone, fax or email. Contact information is available in the black banner at the bottom of this page.

What are the call center hours?

The rebate call center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT. If you are attempting to reach us on weekends or after hours, you may leave a message, and you’ll be contacted within approximately 24 hours from when business reopens.

I am not receiving emails from the Program. What can I do?

If you are having difficulty receiving or viewing emails from the rebate Program, you may try the following:

  • Check your junk or quarantine folders for Program emails. If found, please mark “not junk” for future communications to be routed to your inbox.
  • Add our Program email address to your address book, or add to your “allowed” list. The Rebate Program email address is [email protected].
  • Contact your email service provider and ask it to allow emails from our email address or organization. Your email provider may be able to assist you in adjusting your email settings.

How much is my rebate?

Rebate amounts offered through our Program are up to $100 or the actual cost of the toilet if it is less than $100 (minus tax).

Can the rebate check be less than the estimated rebate amount provided to me online?

Yes. If the actual cost of the toilet (excluding installation) is less than the rebate amount being offered, your rebate may cap at the purchase cost. For example, if the rebate offered is $100 for a new high-efficiency toilet but your purchase cost before installation is $85, you may receive a rebate for $85 only.

Is there a limit on how many rebates I can receive?

Applicants will be eligible for one rebate per toilet and one toilet per household.

I have already claimed a rebate in the past for a toilet. Can I apply again through the SaveOurWater Rebate Program?

Yes. If you purchase a new high-efficiency toilet on or after August 12th, 2015 and follow all other terms and conditions listed, you are eligible for a rebate. Reminder: You must be replacing a toilet that flushes at more than 1.6 gpf with a high-efficiency toilet that flushes at 1.28 gpf or less and is WaterSense certified.

Why do you need a copy of my water bill?

A copy of your water bill (or energy bill for applicants with domestic wells) is used to determine eligibility. We verify your name, account number, service address and the type of service listed. We must see active water service (or energy service for domestic wells) to approve your rebate. This bill will not be used for any other purpose other than verification of address and owner.

My water bill is paid through my monthly HOA dues. How can I apply for a rebate?

Contact your HOA management and request a proof of service letter to show the following items:

  • Water Service Address.
  • Water Service Supplier, Water Agency, and Account Number.
  • Name of Homeowner.

If it is not possible for you to obtain this directly from your Homeowner’s association, you may send an electric bill along with the master water bill. Please note that homes without direct water service may be subject to additional review to determine eligibility.

I am renting or leasing and my name does not appear on the water bill? Can I apply for a rebate?

If you are renting or leasing a qualified single-family home, you must have written authorization from the property owner or authorized property manager to apply for a rebate. If you are a property owner or manager and the account is in the tenant’s name, you may apply for the rebate with proof of ownership or written authorization by the account holder. In all other cases, the rebate application must be in the account holder’s name only.

If you receive bills infrequently, your most recent water bill will be acceptable. If you do not have a bill or have not yet received your first bill, request a copy of your water bill from your local water agency.

If you receive bills infrequently, your most recent water bill will be acceptable. If you do not have a bill, or have not yet received your first bill, request a copy of your water bill from your local water agency.

The model for the toilet I purchased is not on your qualified products list. Can I still get a rebate?

No. Only toilets that meet the stated eligibility criteria qualify for a rebate. Many toilets have similar model numbers, but only the exact models on the list will qualify. There may be instances where new products are not yet on our list. These models may qualify, but there could be delays in processing until the product list has been updated to include the new model. We recommend that applicants visit the qualifying toilets list to confirm eligibility prior to applying for a rebate.

Do toilets purchased through a third-party website such as eBay or Amazon qualify for rebates?

Toilets purchased through Amazon or eBay may qualify if it can be confirmed that the toilet being sold is new. If you purchased a new toilet through one of these websites, you must include the paid invoice with the condition clearly stated. If the condition indicates the product is anything other than new, the product will be considered ineligible for a rebate.

Are multi-family residences eligible for rebates?

No, this program is intended for single-family residences only.

Can I receive a rebate if I purchase qualified toilets through a contractor?

Yes. If a contractor purchases the toilet for you, it must provide you with a paid receipt or invoice for the purchase that you will submit with your application for a rebate.

Are contractors or third parties eligible for rebates?

Contractors and other third parties are not eligible for a rebate.

A contractor contacted me regarding a free toilet or service through the Rebate Program. Is this legitimate?

This Program is not affiliated with, does not endorse any contractor and does not offer a Contractor Direct Rebate Option. Selecting a contractor must be done by the customer, and the program does not express any preference toward a contractor nor guarantee any contractor’s work. Please see the program terms and conditions for disclaimers regarding contractors and installation.