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SFPUC adopts ultra high‑efficiency toilet rebate program to extend indoor water savings
Summary
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission approved a new rebate program to encourage replacement of older toilets with ultra‑high‑efficiency models, offering up to $200 per fixture and estimating about 3 million gallons saved annually if participation hits staff projections.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on March 26 approved a new ultra high‑efficiency toilet rebate program aimed at reducing indoor water use across the PUC retail service area.
Julie Ortiz, manager of the SFPUC water conservation section, told commissioners the program will offer two rebate levels: up to $100 for toilets with a maximum flush volume of 1.1 gallons per flush (gpf) and up to $200 for maximum‑rated 0.8 gpf models. Ortiz said the program will be administered in‑house and launch in July. "We are seeking your approval today to establish a new ultra high efficiency toilet rebate program to encourage customers to replace old toilets with new highly water efficient models," Ortiz said.
Ortiz estimated the program could replace about 1,500 toilets per year under typical participation, representing roughly 3,000,000 gallons of water saved annually and about 16,000,000 gallons over five years if sustained. She noted older toilets (pre‑1992) used 3.5 gpf or more and that many replacements have already occurred through prior programs; staff estimated fewer than 15% of city toilets remain at 3.5 gpf or greater.
Commissioners asked about remaining very old fixtures and why staff proposed a rebate rather than an extension of the direct‑install contractor model. Ortiz said the prior direct‑install contract ended and a rebate model provides more customer choice while lowering agency cost per replacement.
No members of the public provided comment on the item. President Stacy moved to approve the program; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call of four 'Aye' votes recorded by President Stacy, Vice President Arce, Commissioner Jamdar, and Commissioner Leverone.
The commission’s vote allows staff to implement the rebate rules and begin outreach and enrollment for the July launch. Additional program details, eligibility verification steps, and marketing plans will be posted on SF Water program webpages and included in customer‑facing materials.
