For over 20 years, the City of Charlottesville has offered rebates to people to replace their toilets with those that use less water in a bid to reduce consumption. The city has recently expanded the program.
“The rebate amount has been increased for up to $150 and eligibility has been expanded to cover old toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or more,” reads an announcement sent out on October 25
The release claims that there have been over 7,400 rebates issued and over 787 million gallons of water have not been used as a result. An audit by the WaterNow Alliance revealed that there have been fewer requests for the rebates.
“This program review identified that Charlottesville still has a stock of water-inefficient toilets, that the community is not sufficiently aware of the toilet rebate program, and that the program is not supportive of all community members,” the announcement continues.
The program is only open to Charlottesville residents and new toilets must carry the WaterSense label as endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These use 1.28 gpf or less. There’s an online tool that can be used to locate places where these are available.
For more information and to submit a request for a refund, follow this link.

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