City of Austin to Suspend Toilet Rebate Program

The Austin Water Utility has stopped taking rebate applications for high-efficiency toilets. The rebate program has been part of the utility's conservation effort to promote newer, more efficient appliances that use less water. According to the city, high-efficiency toilets use 63 percent less water than older models. The toilet rebate program has become so popular and the city has received so many applications that it can no longer afford to accept any additional applicants.

The change comes a month after the City Council approved an additional $3 million for the program, as well as $500,000 for promotional efforts. Those funds will cover the rush of applications the department has received in recent weeks, but nothing more, according to Austin Water Utility's conservation director Daryl Slusher. He also said that toilet rebate applications already submitted will be honored if they meet the city's other eligibility rules, but that additional applications will no longer be accepted. Previously, utility customers could get up to $200 in rebates for replacing their toilets.

For more information, visit the Austin Water Utility.