EcoSuperior Environmental Programs

 How to Get a Toilet Rebate

• Is It Time To Change?
• Are You Eligible? 
• 4 Steps To Participate And Start Saving
• Choosing Your New Toilet(s)
• Participating Plumbers 
• Water Conservation Tips

Is It Time To Change?

Consider replacing your older toilet with the 6-litre ULF (ultra low flow) toilet or other low-volume units which use less than half the water of older models. Dual-flush technology takes water efficiency a step further by using 6 litres of water to flush solid waste but only 3 litres to flush liquid waste.

Are You Eligible?

This water conservation program is a replacement program and the rebates apply only to existing bathrooms where the existing old model toilet is being replaced with a 6L ULF toilet or a dual- flush model. Installing a new toilet when you add a new bathroom does not qualify for a rebate.

• You may apply to participate in this incentive if your home is on the City of Thunder Bay water supply and you have a water account in good standing.
• Detached and semi-detached homes, condominiums, townhouses and co-operative housing are eligible to participate, provided all requirements are met.
• A toilet replacement incentive specific to organizations, larger multi-unit and commercial buildings is also available. Owners/property managers must contact EcoSuperior for details and to access the program.
  Program participation and approval is contingent upon completion of a Water Saver Visit to your home or a commercial building by EcoSuperior’s conservation advisor.

Residential rebates of $125 are applied in the form of a credit to your City water bill with a maximum of two (2) toilets per household.

NOTE: Rebates for commercial/multi-units and organizations differ from the residential program. The number of installations is subject to review by EcoSuperior. Please contact us prior to any replacements.

4 Steps To Participate & Start Saving:

1. Prior to any installation(s), contact EcoSuperior to confirm your eligibility and book your Water Saver Visit by a water conservation advisor. Call 624-2140. This appointment is free but it is a required element to participate in the program and receive a rebate. The water conservation advisor will measure water flows from your toilet (shower & sink upon request) and bring you the rebate application form, water conservation information and a free water conservation devices as required (low-flow showerhead, faucet aerator, leak detection tablets, shower timer, etc). This is a good opportunity to address any questions you may have about your upcoming installation.
2. Once you have purchased your CSA-certified 6-liter or dual-flush toilet, have it installed by one of our approved plumbers (see list below). You may purchase the toilet from any source, but it must meet the CAN/CSA-B45 standard and be installed by a licensed plumber participationg in the program.
3. Hand over your old toilet to the installing plumber, who will take it to the John Street Landfill site to be crushed for use as road base.
4. Complete your portion of the Rebate Application form and have your plumber complete and sign the installer's section. Then, bring/mail your completed application form, together with your receipts itemizing purchase and installation to EcoSuperior, 212 E. Miles St. (between May & Simpson). Your rebate will be processed as a credit on your City of Thunder Bay water account.

Choosing Your New Toilet

Consult your plumber for assistance in choosing the most suitable and efficient model for your residence. Six liter toilets vary in price, from $130-$450 or more, depending on brand name and features. Costs for installation also vary - obtain a quote from a participating plumber. The ability to flush well without clogging is important. When comparing toilets, note that larger traps are less likely to clog. Toilets with larger bowl water surface areas genergally require fewer cleanings. If your new toilet has a smaller base than your old one, you may need to replace the flooring around the toilet. Useful websites for toilet information are Canadian Water and Wastewater Association and for MAP testing Veritec Consulting Inc. You can also view a demonstration on how toilet testing is done by visiting CBC Spark .

The toilet rebate helps offset the cost of installation. Self installations are not eligible under the program. Rebate applications must be received within the same year as the toilet replacement. The number of rebates is limited and awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Participating Plumbers

More Ways To Conserve Water

• Use your dishwasher and washing machine only for full loads. Using a dishwasher actually saves water and energy over hand washing dishes, assuming you use the dishwasher once for every 3 to 4 times you would wash dishes by hand.
• Check for leaks in toilets and faucets. Even a slow drip can cost you $100 annually in wasted water.
• Using a low flow shower head cuts shower water by 60% compared to standard shower fixtures.
• A short shower takes less than half the amount of water used for a full bath.
• Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Use a timer for your lawn sprinkler and try a rain barrel for watering container gardens and flowerbeds. Consider a low-maintenance landscape that reduces water requirements.

Page last updated on Friday, May 07, 2010