Commercial Toilet

Rebate Information

Commercial customers can apply for toilet rebates for both Ultra-High-Efficiency Toilets (UHET) and High-Efficiency Toilets (HET) that are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense approved: up to $175 per toilet. The rebate amount cannot exceed the combined cost of the toilet (i.e., tank and bowl) and toilet seat. Parts, sales tax, and installation labor are not included.

A typical office-type business will often save about 40% of their indoor water use by replacing an old toilet with an ultra-high-efficiency toilet (UHET) that uses 1.0 gallon per flush (gpf) or less. The water savings will vary depending upon the frequency of toilet use at your business and the size of the replaced toilet. You can also save a significant amount (e.g., 20%) of water over time by replacing 1.6 gpf toilets with high-efficiency toilets (1.28 gpf) HETs or UHETs.

HET Qualifying Toilets

High-Efficiency Toilets (HET), which use an average of 1.28 gpf, include two different toilet design types: (1) gravity flush designs; and (2) pressure-assist designs that are most commonly used by businesses and institutions with more frequent toilet use (e.g., larger offices, restaurants and hotels, schools, hospitals, etc.) and multi-level office and apartment buildings. We offer rebates for both gravity flush type and pressure-assist, which include flushometer-type HETs.

Additionally, HETs may have single or dual flushing options. Dual-flush HETs have one push-button or lever option for liquid waste that uses 0.8 gpf, and one button or lever for solid waste that uses 1.6 gpf (which averages to 1.28 gpf). Both single and dual flush HET options qualify for the rebate if you're replacing an older toilet that uses at least 1.6 gpf.

The toilet must be WaterSense-approved. There are many HETs that are available at a wide variety of price points and styles. Again, we require WaterSense-approved models due to the rigorous performance and efficiency testing. Visit the EPA website for a list of WaterSense approved toilets - note that you can search for approved toilets by single of dual flush options, and by gravity or pressure-assist type.

UHET Qualifying Toilets

UHET Qualifying Toilets use 1.0 gallons per flush or less. There are currently several WaterSense-approved UHET models available to consumers that we are aware of. Here are a few that are on the market and available locally:

Although we do not endorse specific companies or water-conserving products, we provide the names of the local businesses where the UHETs are available as a service to our customers. (If you are a local business that supplies UHET toilets that are WaterSense approved, please email the Conservation Department to be added to the list.) Additionally, you may be able to purchase UHETs through your local plumber, or online through Niagara Conservation or other suppliers.

Look for the WaterSense logo to ensure you're purchasing a toilet that qualifies for a rebate. EPA WaterSense-approved toilets are tested for flush capacity and other quality checks. We recommend that high traffic commercial customers consider the HETs (1.28 gpf) versus UHETs (that use 1.0 gpf or less) if the site has experienced plumbing/sewage back-up issues in the past and if only small volumes of wastewater at the site come from other sources such as hand washing sinks or small office kitchens.

Toilet Rebate Eligibility

Complete rebate eligibility requirements are listed on the Toilet Rebate Application (PDF). However, we still want you to be aware of the following:

  • Rebate-eligible parts include the toilet tank, bowl, and seat only.
  • Toilets must be installed and rebate applications must be postmarked within 90 days of the purchase date.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all rebate program participants receiving $600 or more per calendar year in rebates to be issued an IRS Form 1099 unless exemptions apply. If you have received rebates from Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) totaling $600 or more in the current calendar year, you must submit a completed IRS W-9 Form (PDF) with your rebate application to receive a rebate. The Social Security or Tax ID number requested in the rebate application process is in compliance with exemptions to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, 42 UCS 405 (c)(2)(c). Social Security numbers provided as part of the application process are held in confidence under terms of the Privacy Act and are not divulged or otherwise conveyed to individuals or organizations outside the SqCWD Rebate Program.
  • Only EPA WaterSense-approved HETs and UHETs are eligible for rebates.
  • The maximum number of toilet rebates is limited to the number of qualifying toilets in the business.
  • Old toilets cannot be reused. Participants agree to recycle their old toilet(s). Customers may recycle their old toilets at the Buena Vista Landfill in Watsonville for a small fee. Toilet seats and all hardware must be removed prior to drop-off.