INDOORS

Indoor water use accounts for about half of residential water consumption. There are many easy and practical ways to reduce water use in the home. The following programs and tips will help you reduce those potential water wasting areas:

Rebate Programs

High-Efficiency Toilets

Beginning July 1 ,2010 and in collaboration with Zone 7 water agency, the City of Pleasanton is offering rebates on new, qualifying High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs), including dual-flush toilets. HETs use 1.28 gallons of water or less per flush.  As of March 1,2010, the rebate program was expanded to include commercial and multi-family residential customers!!!  Rebates of up to $100 per toilet are offered for replacing a 3.5 gallon per flush toilet or a faulty toilet with an approved high-efficiency toilet!

E-REBATES NOW AVAILABLE!

Zone 7 has implemented a new electronic application form! When completed, hit the "submit" button in the upper right-hand corner of the application.

How do I obtain the rebate? Follow these steps to receive a rebate for your new High-Efficiency Toilet.

1. The applicant must be a water customer of the City of Pleasanton. 
2. The applicant must replace a faulty toilet or a toilet that uses 3.5 gallons per flush or higher with a qualifying HET model. The list of qualifying HETs can be found on the Zone 7 website.
3. Your old or faulty toilet(s) must be recycled.  See rebate form for locations.
4. Begin on-line application process by clicking here website.  Submitting your application on-line will result in a faster approval process benefiting you, the customer.  If you mail in the application, the approval process will take 8 to 12 weeks to complete. 
5. Your rebate will be credited to your next water bill once your application has been approved.

Please contact City of Pleasanton, Utility Billing with additional questions on the high-efficiency toilet rebate program at 925-931-5425 or email at tcacciatore@ci.pleasanton.ca.us.

Water Efficient Washing Machines

Zone 7 and Pacific Gas & Electric Company are offering $175 in rebate if you purchase a qualifying Tier 3 high-efficient clothes washer. Installing a new high-efficiency washing machine can save you water, energy, and detergent costs! This offer ends December 31, 2010.  Note – Silver Ion technology does NOT qualify for water rebate.

Program details, application form, and a current list of qualifying models can be found by visiting http://www.waterenergysavings.com/ or calling the Electric & Gas Industries Association at 1-800-587-3442. Information is also available from Zone 7 at 925-454-5000

Top Ten Indoor Water Saving Habits

1. Replace inefficient dishwashers, cloths washers, and toilets with new high-efficiency models.
2. Only wash your clothes and dishes when you have a full load.
3. When you are washing dishes, turn the water off between rinses.
4. If you are waiting for the tap to warm up, catch the excess water and put it aside for later use.
5. In the bathroom, install low-flow showerheads and put aerators in your sink faucets.
6. Take shorter showers and turn your shower off while soaping up – challenge yourself and family members to reduce their shower time!
7. Don’t leave the faucet running while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
8. Check and fix leaky toilets and faucets – Just 1 small leak can waste 5,000 gallons a year!
9. If you take a bath, use less water than you normally would to fill the tub.
10. Don’t use the toilet as a trash can – Only flush when necessary.

OUTDOOR WATERING & LANSCAPING

On average, nearly 50% of your water consumption occurs outside of the house. Inefficient outdoor watering can actually double the cost of your water bill! There are many ways of making your garden water efficient…and keep more $$$ in your pocket too!

Top 10 Outdoor Water Saving Changes

Get the most ‘bang for your buck’! (And the greatest savings for your effort!)

1. Change your lawn watering to every 3 days - or once per week. Check out our lawn care instructions to learn how.
2. Don’t mow lower than 2 ½ - 3 ½ inches to help promote lawn root growth – reducing your lawn’s need for frequent watering.
3. Shut off the sprinklers when it’s going to rain and during the cold winter months – water only when your plants need it!
4. Water in the mornings, before 10am, to reduce evaporation.
5. Periodically adjust your sprinklers to insure they’re watering your garden, not pavement.
6. Update parts of your irrigation system with a drip system – this will put water only where it’s needed.
7. Use mulch, like bark or wood chips, around your plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool.
8. Xeriscape – landscape your yard with drought-tolerant plants and reduce your lawn area. Learn more about drought-tolerant gardening by clicking here.
9. Make sure your landscaper is familiar with your water conservation approach, and tends to your yard accordingly.
10. Never leave the hose running when you’re washing the car.

Commercial Customers l Commercial Irrigation Customers