When it comes to the sustainability of local water resources, conservation is an important piece of the puzzle.
This is something the Nye County Water District knows well. As the government agency responsible for protecting and conserving waterways throughout Nye County, the water district is committed to promoting water conservation, and its most recent step in that direction has resulted in the brand new restroom rebate program.
The toilet discount program launched this week was a project spearheaded by Nye County Water District Governing Board Chairwoman Helene Williams.
“This is part of a conservation program, step one of probably many,” Williams explained during the November 2023 board meeting. “It replaces inefficient toilets with water-sensing models. Let’s save water together… Every drop counts.”
Williams took the lead in creating the program and provided a detailed overview of the conditions and eligibility requirements.
“The application is really very thorough,” she noted, “so we have the proof in the pudding.”
To issue a refund, both a receipt for the purchase of a new water-efficient toilet and confirmation of the installation, such as before-and-after photos or a plumber's invoice, are required. The rebate covers up to $50 per 1.28 gallon flush toilet or up to $100 per 1.1 gallon flush toilet. Dual flush toilets are not eligible.
The program also includes a discount for a toilet component that regularly leaks, the flapper. Replacement discount for a flapper kit is up to $20. To help residents determine if their damper is broken, the Water Department is providing free leak detection tablets to the public at the office.
“A leaky toilet flapper can waste hundreds of gallons per day, and a new, more efficient toilet can reduce bathroom water use by up to half,” the water district’s website says.
The toilet and flapper rebate program is open to all residential and commercial property owners in Nye County. Only a one-time refund will be granted per property. Taxes and installation fees are not included in the discount amount, nor are the parts and materials required for installation.
The water district has set aside $10,000 for toilet rebates and set aside another $1,000 for flap kit rebates. The program is to be increased annually to these amounts. As we move forward, the water district will be able to track the data and estimate the number of gallons of water the program will save over time.
Rebate applications can be found online at NyeCountyWaterDistrict.net by clicking on “Rebate Programs.” The application is available as an editable PDF at the “Toilet Rebate Form 1001” link.
For more information, contact the water district at 775-727-3487.
Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com