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1 Frequently Asked Questions City of Auburn WaterSense® Toilet Rebate Program Updated September 22, 2010 How much is the rebate and what is the limit? The Auburn Water Utility is offering
a $100 rebate or the pre-tax purchase price of a WaterSense® toilet, whichever is lower, for up to two toilets per account (i.e. a maximum of $200 per account). Who qualifies for the
rebate? Any classification of Auburn water account (except irrigation) is eligible to apply for the rebate. Are multifamily or mobile home residents eligible for a rebate? Yes, as long
as they are billed for water directly by the City. Which toilets qualify for the rebate? Any toilet that is WaterSense® labeled qualifies for the rebate. A list of WaterSense® labeled
toilets can be found at http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/product_search.html What are WaterSense® labeled toilets? WaterSense® labeled toilets are a type of toilet called an HET (high efficiency
toilet). HETs use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush on average, or 20% less than the current plumbing standard. All toilets with the WaterSense® label have been rigorously tested by
independent laboratories and must reliably flush a minimum of 350 grams of solid waste. Who makes WaterSense® labeled toilets and where are they sold? All major toilet manufacturers
produce WaterSense® labeled models and all hardware and bathroom specialty stores carry at least a few models.
2 What documentation must be provided with an application? A copy of the receipt for the purchase of the new toilet and a copy of the customer’s water bill must be submitted with the
application. If the receipt does not clearly show the toilet model purchased, other documentation must be provided, such as a copy of the owner’s manual, packaging, or store specification
sheet that shows the toilet is a WaterSense® labeled model. In addition, a completed copy of the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 must be submitted in order
to process the rebate. How soon must an application for the rebate be submitted? Applications must be submitted within 90 calendar days after purchasing the toilet. How long does it
take to receive a rebate? It usually takes about 6 weeks, depending on when in the monthly payment cycle a rebate application is received. How much savings on a utility bill can be expected
if old toilets are replaced? The reduction on a utility bill will vary depending on the flush volume of the old toilet(s) and the size of the household. A three person household replacing
a 3.5 gallon per flush toilet with a 1.28 gallon per flush toilet could see a savings of around $30.00 per year (based on an estimate of 5 flushes per person and SFR rates). Am I required
to have a plumber install the toilet in order to receive a rebate? No, but you are encouraged to consider using the services of a licensed, bonded professional plumber. Does the City
of Auburn guarantee or warrantee any toilets rebated under this program? No. The City of Auburn encourages customers to install high-efficiency fixtures, but it is the customer’s responsibility
to determine which toilet model is best for their household and to mitigate any problems that may arise from the installation of the new fixture.
3 What happens to the old toilets? Various options for old toilet disposal are available: In Auburn The King County Fall Residential Recycling Event Spring Clean-up Bulky Item Collection
In South King County Stoneway Concrete, 510 Monster Road SW, Renton. Call (425) 226-1000 for hours. Fees may apply. Renton Concrete Recyclers, 500 Monster Road, Renton SW. Call (206)
772-2278 for hours. Fees may apply. Allied Waste – Black River Facility, 501 Monster Road SW, Renton. Call (425) 235-0269 for hours. Fees may apply. Check King County’s “What Do I Do
With” website for other regional options Check for requirements, typically all metal and plastic must be removed prior to recycling. Why must I submit a Department of the Treasury Internal
Revenue Service Form W-9? It is the City’s policy to obtain a completed W-9 for rebates issued. This information is stored in a secure database and is not shared with any other organization.
What if I have additional questions about the Program? You may send an e-mail to cthorn@auburnwa.gov or call (253) 804-5065 if you have additional questions.