Frequently Asked Questions - Homepage
Toilet Rebate Program
Q: Why is Medford Water Commission (MWC) offering toilet rebates?A: Nearly a third of household water used indoors is flushed down the toilet. MWC is offering this program as an incentive to replace older, inefficient toilets with new models that perform well while using far less water. Using water more efficiently saves money, both for the homeowner and our water system.
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Q: Who qualifies for the program?A: The rebate program applies to single family residential homeowners who receive water service from the Medford Water Commission, and who replace their old high flow toilets with WaterSense® labeled models purchased after November 1, 2009. Customers must receive a water bill directly from MWC to qualify.
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Q: Can I receive a rebate if I rent my home?A: Single family residences qualify whether they are occupied by the owner or a renter. However, the rebate application must be signed and submitted by the property owner.
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Q: How will I know if a toilet qualifies before I buy it?A: The packaging for qualifying toilets is typically labeled with the WaterSense logo. Plumbers and store personnel should also be able to direct you to these models. To assure that the model you’ve selected qualifies, you can also check the current list of certified models.
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Q: Why do the lists have tanks and bowls listed separately?A: Most toilets are sold in two pieces. Be sure to get a tank and bowl that are listed together on the toilet lists. Toilet components must match the numbers on the WaterSense list exactly. No mixing and matching of tanks and bowls from the list is allowed as toilets have been tested in specific combinations for performance and efficiency.
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Q: I want to make sure that I buy a toilet that performs well. Is there a way to find out more about models I am considering?A: While all toilets certified under WaterSense must meet performance standards, more detailed information from independent testing is also available, known as MaP testing.
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Q: Who pays for installation?A: Customers are responsible for the installation of the toilet. For information on how to install a toilet yourself, there are several Web sites that give step by step instructions: Lowes.com, Hammerzone.com, DoItYourself.com
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Q: Is there anything else I need to buy with the toilet?A: Installing a new wax ring is advised, and additional bolts may be needed for some installations. Work with your retailer or plumber to ensure you have all the equipment needed for a working toilet.
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Q: I live in Medford, but pump my water from a well. Am I eligible?A: No, rebates are available only for residences that receive water service from Medford Water Commission.
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Q: How long is this rebate program going to be underway?A: There currently is no scheduled end date for this program. The program will be assessed periodically both as to funding availability and customer interest. We will post any changes on this web site and attempt to keep local vendors informed of any changes.
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Q: How do I get an application?A: You can download and print an application from this Web page or by calling 541-774-2435 to receive an application by mail. In addition, many retailers throughout the valley have copies of the rebate application form.
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Q: The application asks for the gallons per flush of my old toilet. How do I know what the old toilet size is?A: There are various ways to determine the capacity of your toilet, which is measured in gallons per flush (gpf).
- Newer toilets have a stamp near the hinge of the toilet seat showing the flush volume.
- If there is not a stamp on your toilet, you can estimate the capacity of your toilet based on when the toilet was installed, which is often when the house was built.
- If you believe the toilet was installed before 1980, a good usage estimate is 5 gpf.
- If your home was built from 1980 –1993, 3.5 gpf is a reasonable estimate.
- For a more accurate estimate, locate your water meter and have another family member flush the toilet while you watch the register move. It is best to do this a couple times, separated by a minute or two. Make sure you aren’t using water in other ways when doing this test.
- If you are interested in having a more precise measurement, call us before removing the old toilet, and we can provide additional tips.
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Q: Can I receive a rebate for more than one toilet? If so, can I apply for each rebate separately?A: You can receive up to two (2) toilet rebates per residence, which can be processed individually or at the same time.
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Q: Are WaterSense toilets available locally?A: With hundreds of qualifying models retailers will not stock every approved model. However, local vendors have been informed about the program and should have several approved models in stock.
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Q: Can I purchase my toilet through a plumber or online?A: You may purchase your toilet at a store, online or through a plumber. Whichever you choose, just make sure you have the required documentation as described in the application.
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Q: How long will it take after I submit my application to receive my rebate?A: You should generally receive your rebate within 4 to 6 weeks of your application.
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Q: How much is the rebate?A: A $100 rebate (less $5 recycling voucher) will be issued for the replacement of a toilet flushing 3 gallons per flush or more, or $50 (less $5 voucher) for the replacement of a toilet flushing 1.6 gallons. A $50 rebate will also be given in new construction for the installation of a qualifying 1.28 gallon toilet in lieu of a 1.6 gallon model.
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Q: The application states that an installation inspection by MWC is required. What does this mean?A: The inspection verifies that qualifying WaterSense labeled toilets have been installed. The toilet being replaced also needs to be viewed in order to confirm the amount of the rebate to be issued.
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Q: Are rebates available for commercial or multi-family residential properties?A: The current rebate program only applies to single family residences. However, this program may be expanded at a later date. Feel free to call us at 774-2435 if you are interested in pursuing a project that doesn’t yet qualify. Your input is important as we design new programs.
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Q: How much water will I save by changing my toilet?A: The amount of water savings depends on what type of toilet you are replacing, the number of persons in the household, and how often you use the fixture. (A water savings calculator)
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Q: What are WaterSense labeled toilets?A: WaterSense is a federal EPA program that certifies and promotes the purchase of water efficient products; much like EnergyStar has done for energy efficient products. You may go to the WaterSense Website for more information on this program. WaterSense labeled toilets are high efficiency toilets (HETs) that use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush on average. This is 20% less than the current plumbing standard and 65% - 75% less than older models. To receive WaterSense certification, toilets must also pass rigorous performance testing by independent laboratories.
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Q: How long do I have to apply for my rebate?A: Please apply for your rebate within one month of the date on the toilet purchase receipt.
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Q: Can I e-mail my application to you?A: No. We are requesting an original signed application and receipt.
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Q: What should customers do with their old toilets?A: Toilets being replaced must be properly disposed of. They may not be re-sold or given away. In conjunction with the rebate program, MWC will provide a voucher for recycling old toilets at the Rogue Disposal and Recycling transfer station. Rogue Disposal will validate the voucher and direct you to the designated recycle container. All metal and plastic parts should be removed from the toilet before disposing the porcelain toilet in the container. Rogue Disposal will notify MWC when vouchers have been received Participants should also retain their copy of the validated voucher until the rebate check is received.
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