For Immediate Release – June 11, 2009

AUSTIN - The Austin Water Utility is providing homeowners an opportunity to save money and reduce water use through a toilet giveaway event on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the HEB, 6900 Brodie Lane. Replacing old 3.5-gallon per flush toilets (GPF) with efficient 1.6 GPF models can save $3,000 over the life of the toilet. Newer high-efficiency toilets save even more water, using about 20 percent less than a 1.6 GPF toilet.

At the event, homeowners will receive a voucher enabling them to pick up the free toilets from an approved store. The toilets are standard white, round-bowl models and come with everything needed for installation, such as wax rings, bolts and a seat. If participants need assistance with installation, they can visit the water conservation website, www.waterwiseaustin.org, to learn about a cash rebate that offsets the cost of hiring a plumber.

Participants can replace up to three toilets per home for existing toilets installed before 1996. Homeowners can apply online for vouchers at www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/sftoilet.htm if they're unable to attend an event.

Old toilets can be disposed of in one of three ways: during the homeowner's curbside bulk collection (occurs twice a year), by dropping it off at an Austin-area landfill (www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/landfill.htm) or by allowing a plumber to install the new toilet and dispose of the old one.

Media Contact:
Kevin Buchman
Email to: Kevin.Buchman@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0151; pgr.(512) 802-8959