Water Conservation

Frequently Asked Questions about the High-Efficiency Toilet Rebate

• What is a High Efficiency Toilet (HET)?
• How much water will I be saving?
• I have several old toilets in my house, so how many qualify for the rebate?
• Do commercial / businesses qualify for the program?
• My house was built after 1996, do I qualify?
• When are the inspections?
• Do I have to keep the old toilet?

What is a High Efficiency Toilet (HET)?

All new manufactured toilets are required by federal law to use 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) or less. The plumbing industry has introduced many new technologies and toilet fixture models that reduce effective flush volumes well below the mandated 1.6 GPF maximum. An HET is defined as a toilet that uses just 1.28 GPF or less. Only those toilets labeled as EPA WaterSense-certified for a rebate from Miami-Dade County.

The WaterSense label is only applied to HETs that have been independently tested to meet strict criteria for both performance and water efficiency. Manufacturers of HETs must complete the third-party certification process to earn the right to bear the WaterSense label.

How much water will I be saving?

The saving will vary depending on the toilet being replaced. Toilets prior to 1992 use from 3.5 to 6 GPF.

I have several old toilets in my house, so how many qualify for the rebate?

The rebate is for one toilet per household.

Do commercial / businesses qualify for the program?

At this time, the program is available for residential properties only.

My house was built after 1996, do I qualify?

Those homes built after 1996 already have a 1.6 GPF toilet as required by national plumbing standards.  This project targets those homes built prior to 1996 with older water-wasting toilets of greater than 3.5 GPF.

When are the inspections?

The Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department reserves the right to inspect a toilet. If you are selected for an inspection, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Do I have to keep the old toilet?

No. You may properly dispose of the toilet.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Thu Aug 11, 2011 10:08:49 AM