The District's toilet retrofit rebate program is intended to encourage Peninsula residents to voluntarily replace older water-inefficient toilets with new ultra-low flush toilets. Replacing old toilets with new ones reduces the amount of water needed to flush a toilet and helps the community reach its water-saving goal.
Reducing the amount of water used in a home also reduces your water bill, saving money. New Cal-Am water rates effective January 1, 1997 will reward customers who use little water.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
All residences (including apartments and condominiums) served by a water company that receives its water supply from the Monterey Peninsula Water Resources System qualify for a rebate if there has never been a requirement to retrofit. Most homes served by Cal-Am Water Company or Seaside Municipal Water Company qualify. The only exceptions are homes in Hidden Hills, Bay Ridge and Laguna Seca that are served by Cal-Am.
(2) Who does NOT qualify for a rebate?
Properties that have been required to replace old toilets with ultra-low flush toilets do not qualify for a rebate. Usually, retrofitting is required when a property changes ownership or when a bathroom is added. Some properties were required to retrofit as a condition of a water rationing variance or agreed to install ultra-low flush toilets as a condition of a water permit.
(3) How much money will I get if I replace my old toilet(s) and what exactly does the rebate cover?
The rebate is limited to $100 or the actual costs, whichever is less. The rebate covers the cost of the toilet, seat, wax seal, supply line, angle stop, plumbing permit and installation by a licenced plumber or contractor. In most cases, you will not need to purchase all of the covered parts.
(4) Can I install the toilet(s) myself?
Yes.
(5) Can I hire a plumber to install my new toilet(s)?
Yes. The rebate will cover the cost of installation if the total cost to replace a toilet does not exceed $100.
(6) Do I need a permit to install a new toilet?
Plumbing permits are required in some cities and in the unincorporated areas of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. Please check with the local building department for their requirements. In some areas, the plumbing permit fees will be waived for rebate program participants.
(7) Does anyone check the toilet(s) after installation?
The District may arrange to inspect the installation of the ultra-low flush toilet(s) prior to issuing a rebate.
(8) Can I receive a rebate for a toilet that was installed last year?
No. Only properties where the toilets were replaced after December 12, 1996 can receive a rebate. The property must meet the eligibility criteria at the time the rebate is processed. Rebate applications should be processed by the District within several days.
(9) Is there a time limit to get a rebate?
Funds for the rebate program are limited but may be increased from time to time. Rebates are available on a first come, first served basis until the rebate account is depleted. Applications received after the funds are expended will be held in the order received pending future funding.
(10) What if the money for rebates runs out?
If the rebate fund is depleted, unprocessed complete applications will be maintained in the order received. When new funding is available, the applications will be processed.
(11) How long does it take to get a rebate?
The District will verify that the property is eligible for a rebate and will mail a check to the applicant within 30 days.
(12) Will I lose my water credits if I apply for a rebate?
Yes. Choosing to accept this rebate will result in the loss of retrofit credits which might otherwise be able to offset new water fixtures (i.e., sinks, toilets, tubs, etc.). There are specific areas with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District that allow residential retrofit credits for remodeling and/or the addition of water fixtures. The loss of such credits could preclude future remodeling and/or additions of water fixtures. The loss of water credits could also affect the property's value if the property is sold before new water supplies are available.
(13) Can I get a rebate if I sell my house?
No. There is a requirement to replace all older toilets with ultra-low flush toilets when a property is sold. The rebate program is available for residents who voluntarily replace their toilets.
(14) Where can I get an application?
Applications are available at most plumbing supply stores, at the local planning/building departments, and at the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Post Office Box 85, Monterey, California 93942.