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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

$60: City eyes credit for installing dual-flush toilets

By: Barttley Kives

Posted: 09/19/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

WCPotts Plumbing and Fixtures Randy Mandelik with dual flush toilet. (JOE BRYKSA / FREE PRESS ARCHIVES)

THE City of Winnipeg is poised to offer residents who install dual-flush toilets a $60 credit on their water bills.

Next week, the executive policy committee will consider a report that could result in the replacement of thousands of water-wasting toilets with more efficient models by 2013, according to a water-and-waste report published Friday. Pending EPC and council approval later this month, anyone who installs an approved dual-flush toilet -- that is, 4.8 litres per flush -- and recycles their old toilet at the Brady Road Landfill could receive a $60 water credit, provided the water bill is in their own name and is not in arrears. The toilets must be purchased after Oct. 16 and installed by Dec. 31. A maximum of two credits per account will be issued.

"The purpose of the program is to promote long-term water conservation by reducing both water consumption and waste-water flows into the city's three waste-water treatment plants," reads the report. "By educating and promoting residents to replace inefficient toilets, the city will increase water-use efficiency without negatively impacting the quality of life enjoyed by Winnipeggers."

The program is expected to cost $100,000 this year, plus $30,000 for advertising. The city might spend an additional $250,000 in 2010, 2011 and 2012 on the credits but expects to recoup this cash and more due to reduced sewage-treatment operating costs.

In the past winter, the provincial government offered $50 rebate incentives for Manitobans buying dual-flush toilets.

-- Bartley Kives

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 19, 2009 A3

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