Q. Why is the City offering the New Throne for Your Home Program?

A.  This is one of the initiatives identified in the Water Conservation Five-Year Strategic Plan that was approved in 2005. It is estimated that 95% of either single-family or multifamily residential units in Dallas were built prior to 1995. We expect that many of those are still using the older high-water use toilets and that replacing them will reduce water usage and save the homeowner money through reduced water and wastewater fees.

Q. What is the City’s goal for this program?

A.  Water conservation is a major component of the City’s long-range water supply plan.  Our goal is to save 3.5 billion gallons over the lifetime of the 20,000 toilets replaced in the next five years through this program.

Q. Isn’t it true that low flow toilets don’t work very well and you have to flush twice which eliminates any water savings?

A. When the plumbing code was changed in 1992 requiring use of 1.6 gallons per flush toilets, the industry was not prepared to meet the demand, consequently the models that came out in the early 1990’s were not properly designed nor very efficient.  However, since that time the design and engineering of the low flow toilets have been improved and they are now much more efficient.  The toilets that have been approved for this program meet a minimum performance standard.

Q. Why do we need this now that it appears the drought is over?

A.  Water conservation practices are designed to help deal with three major water challenges: drought situations, infrastructure capacity and long-term water supply.  While drought conditions are cyclical by nature, the projected doubling of the population in this region by the year 2060 will have a major impact on both capacity and supply. The more water we conserve, the longer our current supply will last.

Q.  How much money and water will customers save?

A.  In addition to the value of the voucher ($90) that the customer will receive, a family of three can save over 10,600 gallons per year.  This could mean a savings of over $50 per year in water and wastewater fees over the life of the toilet.  More importantly, the City expects that the 4,000 toilets budgeted this first year alone will account for an estimated 23 million gallons of water saved per year.

Q.  After the 4,000 toilets issued this year are gone, will you maintain a waiting list?

A.  A waiting list will be maintained up to the number budgeted for the following year (4,000).

Q. What should customers do with their old toilets?

A.  Customers can either dispose of them through the City’s monthly bulk trash pick up or they may take them to one of three disposal locations set up for this program and dispose of them free of charge (Note: Multifamily customers may be required to pay a disposal fee):

      Southeast—McCommas Bluff Landfill—5100 Youngblood Road—75241
      Northwest—Bachman Transfer Station—9500 Harry Hines Boulevard—75220
      Northeast—Fair Oaks Transfer Station—7677 Fair Oaks Avenue—75231

Q.  Who qualifies for the program?

A.  Customers of Dallas Water Utilities whose home was built prior to 1992 and have existing high flow toilets. Customers must submit an application and agree to an installation verification check by City staff.

Q.  Can multifamily residents apply?

A.  Multi-family complex managers and owners can apply by submitting a multi-family application. Please contact the Water Conservation Division for requirements and limitations.

Q.  Can I e-mail my application to you?

A.  No. We must have an original signed application for the program files.

Q.  How long will it take after I submit my application to receive my voucher?

A.  Depending on the number of applications being processed, you should receive your voucher within 10 business days if you meet all qualifications.

Q.  How much more water do the older toilets use?

A.  Typical pre-1985 toilets use between 5 to 7 GPF and toilets produced between 1985 and 1991 use 3.5 GPF.  The low flow toilet uses 1.6 GPF or less while the high efficiency toilet uses 1.3 GPF or less.

Q.  Who honors the vouchers?

A.  Currently only participating retailers throughout the city will accept the vouchers.  Customers will receive a list of participating locations and approved toilets when they receive their voucher. A voucher must be presented to the retailer (customer service desk) in order to receive credit towards your purchase

Q.  Do I need to bring an I.D. when I redeem my voucher?

A.  Yes, a photo I.D. will be required and recorded by the retailer.

Q.  What is the warranty on the toilet?

A.  All toilets are warranted although the warranty term may vary by model. Defects will be the responsibility of the manufacturer and/or the retailer.  The City assumes no responsibility for defects.

Q.  Will the voucher cover the entire cost of the toilet?

A.  No, the voucher will have a value of up to $90 and can only be used towards purchase price of the toilet (tank and bowl) and not for Texas sales tax or other material.  Approved toilet prices can range from $120 and up.  Toilets that are available at participating retailers for less than $90 did not meet the minimum performance standards and are not approved for this program.

Q.  I just installed a low flow toilet.  How can I get a rebate or credit for my purchase?

A.  The program was initially designed as a voucher program as a way of reducing the initial monetary burden and eliminating the necessity of requesting a subsequent rebate. We have incorporated a rebate option for those individuals that purchased a low-flow toilet after July 1, 2007 and who were unaware of the existence of the voucher program. The rebate will be in the form of a credit to your water bill and will be for $90 for one toilet or $180 for two toilets. If you are interested in this option, complete this application and return it with a copy of your receipt and water bill to the indicated address.

Q.  Who pays for installation?

A.  Customers are responsible for the installation. 

Q.  Are homebuilders eligible?

A.  No, only homes built prior to 1992 are eligible.