Let's be honest, when you get comfortable, you begin to enjoy "the go."
But are Coquitlam homeowners willing to give up the throne they've appreciated over the years to earn some money and save valuable drinking water for the community?
The city is hoping so as it's bringing back an incentive that was piloted in 2021 for residents to receive a rebate for replacing older toilets with newer qualifying sanitary hardware.
Local property owners could earn a rebate of $100 for one and $200 for two.
The old toilet must have a 13-litre bowl and the replacement must be either a new single- (4.8L) or dual-flush model (6L).
They must also be Canadian certified per BC Building code regulations, the city said in a news release today (Aug. 31)
According to environment manager Caresse Selk, the average Coquitlam resident uses 250 litres of water at home every day — equaling 63 four-litre milk jugs — and replacing older toilets can help conserve more drinking water.
"In this region, that’s the same treated drinking water that comes from our mountain reservoirs to your household taps," she said, noting the initiative, part of the city's Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) and 2021 enhanced water conservation strategy, will also reduce pressure on the sewer systems.
"The water savings from switching toilets is significant. Old-style toilets can use at least seven to eight litres more per flush than newer toilet models that come in 4.8L single-flush models and 4.1 to 6L dual flush models. That represents a water use reduction of approximately 30 per cent per flush."
She said 15 per cent of Coquitlam's water use is wasted each year due to leaking service lines, faucets and other forms of plumbing.
To receive the rebate, you must complete the following criteria:
- Take a picture of the old toilet still installed
- Take a picture of the old toilet removed with the tank cracked
- The city explained this is done to take the old toilet out of circulation
- Homeowners can either crack the tank themselves once the toilet has been removed, or have it done by a plumber
- Take a picture of the new toilet installed
- Complete and submit the Toilet Rebate Application Form with 90 days of purchasing the new toilet
- Must include the above pictures and the purchase receipt for new toilet
- Dispose of the old toilet at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre (955 United Blvd.)
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the toilet rebate's page on the City of Coquitlam's website.
