Rebate Programs
Tucson Water is releasing a stream of new conservation programs this fall that will save you water, money, and improve business.
Tucson Water has begun implementing new water-saving programs as recommended by the Community Conservation Task Force, and approved by Tucson's Mayor and Council. These programs are designed to assist customers to take advantage of new, water-saving technologies.
High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebates
Tucson Water's toilet rebate programs are available for replacement of pre-1991 toilets for High Efficiency (HET) models that use 1.3 gallons or less per flush.
Tucson Water is offering customers rebates of one-half the price of a new HET toilet, up to $120 per unit for residential ($200 maximum per household) and $100 for multifamily and commercial customers. Only fixtures purchased after July 7, 2008 qualify for a rebate. To ensure that the new toilets both save water and are effective at flushing, only HET models certified by the EPA WaterSense program will be eligible for rebates.
Information on Maximum Performance (MaP) testing of popular toilet models can be found at The Alliance for Water Efficiency website.
High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Replacements for Low Income Customers
Tucson Water, the City's Community Services department, and the Pima Council on Aging and Pima County are partnering with Plumbers' Union Local 469 to offer a program to replace pre-1991 toilets with HET models for qualifying low-income residential and multi-family customers. The program is designed to allow those customers who could not otherwise afford to take part in the rebate programs to reduce their household water use. During the first year of the program, no applications are being accepted. Eligible customers will be contacted by mail.
Irrigation System Upgrade Rebates for Commercial and Multifamily properties
Many properties suffer from irrigation systems that are inefficient, either because of age or poor design. These problems lead either to over-watering to keep the entire landscape healthy or dry/brown patches of turf where irrigation is poor. In many cases, these properties waste water and may be visited by the utility's water waste enforcement officers (the Water Cops). Tucson Water now offers a program to assist property managers in upgrading their irrigation system through rebates for water use audits, weather-based timers, efficient spray heads and irrigation sub-meters. Rebates of one-third the cost of these improvements, up to $5,000 per property, are available for eligible customers.
Arizona RinseSmart Program
Tucson Water is partnering with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and Southwest Gas to install free pre-rinse nozzles for restaurant and commercial kitchens. These fixtures, which are used to clean food off of dishes and cutlery prior to placing them in the dishwasher, are often one of the largest water uses in the kitchen. These high-efficiency pre-rinse valves have proven effective in saving water, energy and money.
The WaterSmart Business Program
In Autumn of 2008, Tucson Water introduced the new WaterSmart Business Program. Participants evaluate their water uses (conduct a self-audit); develop a Water Management Plan; and create a Water Budget. A WaterSmart Business will be recognized for incorporating conservation best practices at the Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels depending on the level of water saving devices and practices used. Businesses will receive public recognition, signs, plaques, advertising logos, discounts, networking opportunities, variances from future water restrictions, and more!
The program will offer educational and training opportunities to interested businesses. For further information, call Tucson Water's Public Information Office at 520-791-4331.
