Waterwise: Conservation by the toilet flush – Visalia Times-Delta

Hector Uriarte wants locals to conserve water one toilet flush at a time.

Through a program from the Community Service and Development, Proteus Inc. is offering free replacement of water inefficient toilets.

Uriarte, energy division community development liaison, said homeowners or renters can have toilets with a 1.28-gallon or bigger tank replace with ones that are water efficient.

The swap, given the homeowners or renters qualify, is free.

People reduce water conservation and see a reduction in their water bill, Uriarte said.

The toilet replacement program is just one initiative Proteus, Inc. is offering, including weather-striping, door replacement, glass repair and heating and cooling.

Additional water-saving programs Proteus, Inc. offers include the installation of low-flow shower heads, replacement of high-energy consuming washers and fitting of faucet aerators.

Already in place for nearly a year, the toilet replacing program has meant 7,065 water inefficient toilets are no cost. The cost can add up to $250, with parts running up to $150.

We want people to conserve water, Uriarte said.

There are three ways to qualify for the program: income, reside in a disadvantaged community or live in a city with a water basin or drought stricken area. The program is offered in Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

It takes up to four weeks to complete the process, Uriarte said. Those interested are encouraged to call Proteus, Inc. and provide initial information.

Uriarte said state officials have already determined the locations where the program is in effect. County residents are likely to qualify.

After the initial step, an assessor responds to the address and ensures the toilet is one thats water inefficient, Uriarte said. Then, all the information is sent to state officials for final approval.

Once the paperwork is in proper order, an installation appointment is set and the replacement occurs.

On Wednesday, thats exactly what happened at Arsenia Espindolas Visalia home.

After completing the paperwork process, which started late last month, the water-saving toilet was installed. She said she waited on calling about the program. She had received a letter from Southern California Edison, telling her she had a good chance to qualify.

It took me longer to make the phone call than for them to have the installation done, Espindola said. They know what they are doing.

Espindola said she welcome the installation of the water-saving toilet.

Its a good program, she said. Residents need to conserve and save water.

During her home survey, the accessor took photos and told Espindola she could also qualify for a replacement refrigerator, washer, heater and the cooler.

Espindola said power bill get high during the hot summer months.

Uriarte said residents have until May 31 to apply for the toilet replacement program.

The sooner they can get in, the better it is, he said.

Information: 888-255-2142.

Waterwise is a news and notes column Reporter Luis Hernandez compiles. Send waterwise ideas and suggestions to the reporter on twitter @lfhernanvtd.

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Waterwise: Conservation by the toilet flush - Visalia Times-Delta