Applicants who are already on the list will still be able to receive a new toilet. 
Get on the list to receive a free high-efficiency toilet installed and start saving water on the first flush. This is a value of up to $660 that includes installation!  These innovative toilets flush well with less water, only 1.28 gallons or less, by either using a dual-flush system (#1 and #2 button or lever), by using a pressure assist tank, or by improved drain angle and trap size design. Only high-efficiency toilets (HETs) are provided as part of the free toilet program. Click here for more information about the approved high efficiency toilet choices.

how do i get a free toilet?
Call 831-475-8500 or e-mail (click here) to schedule a water-wise house call. One of the District's water conservation specialists will check the flush size of your toilet, and the flow on your water fixtures. If your toilet or toilets flush more than 1.6 gallons per flush then you qualify to be on the free toilet list (toilets installed before 1993 flush more than 1.6 gallons per flush).  If your faucets need new aerators, the water conservation specialist will provide these free of charge.

can i choose the toilet i want?
Yes, you can choose the toilet you want from our approved toilet list. The toilets on this list meet the EPA watersense approval for flushing over 300 grams of matter or more. These toilets are also available locally in Santa Cruz County. For the list of approved high efficiency toilets click here. (Web page) or for the (PDF document). Please note that the pressure assist toilets are not recommended for residential use since they are generally louder than gravity toilets and most will overflow onto the floor if a leak develops. The only exception to this is the Zurn model which will drain in the tank if the pressure tank leaks.

is the toilet really free?
Yes, in most cases. This offer includes installation too! There is only a cost if you have special design specifications that make the toilet and installation costs exceed $660 for residential use or $1000 for commercial use. You are also responsible for any additional costs; such as, toilet upgrades, or making repairs related to sub-flooring and plumbing.

how long is the waiting list?
The only downside of the free toilet program is that you have to be on a waiting list. But hey, it's a free high-efficiency toilet! Some people have had to wait up to two years to get their toilet, but the average wait time is about one year. So get on the list today to plan ahead! Click here to email the list manager. If you can't wait for a toilet, you can get a $250 rebate on any high-efficiency toilet. Click here for rebate details.

is my water bill paying for this?
No, the costs are being paid by new applicants for water services. They are required to replace old toilets with new high-efficiency models to offset their expected water demand by reducing water use in existing buildings.

are there other things I can get for free to save water?
Yes, we have many free or highly discounted programs to help you save water. One of the newest credit programs makes replacing high water use grass with native plants and water-wise grasses essentially free. Click here for more info on water-wise plant credits. You can also replace grass with synthetic turf and receive a credit of $2 for every square foot with no limit! Click here for more info on synthetic turf credits. When you get your water-wise house call you can receive free aerators, hose nozzles, showerheads and free advice! Click here for a list of all our free water saving devices. Also, check out our rebate revolution on washing machines, sprinkler heads and cisterns to name a few. Click here for the rebate home page.

Click here for the approved fixture selection form. ("Fixture" as in high-efficiency toilets that have passed rigorous quality tests) If you are a toilet manufacturer and would like consideration to be on this list, e-mail us for our list qualifications.