Toilet Rebate Program

Save your money and save precious drinking water at the same time! Install a low-flush toilet and receive a $100 utility rebate!

The City of Richmond’s Toilet Rebate Program provides a utility tax rebate to homeowners who install a low-flush toilet.

Single and multi-family homeowners are eligible to apply for a lifetime maximum of two rebates per household. Industrial, commercial and other non-residential properties are not eligible at this time.

The purpose of the Toilet Rebate Program is to encourage homeowners to replace high-volume toilets with low-flush toilets in order to conserve water and to reduce costs. Homeowners will see a reduction in their utility bill while contributing to a sustainable water conservation initiative.

Rebate Application Form

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• Are you Eligible?
• How to Qualify
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Get Started
• Contact Information

Are You Eligible?

All residential (single- and multi-family) property owners in the city of Richmond are eligible to participate in the program.

How to Qualify

• The Toilet Rebate Program applies to installations in single or multi-family homes constructed prior to October 3, 2011.
• Industrial, commercial and other non-residential properties are not eligible at this time.
• There is a lifetime maximum of two rebates (maximum $200) per single or multi-family dwelling.
• The program is funded to a maximum of $100,000 for 2023 and submission of an application does not guarantee a rebate. Each application will be evaluated and processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, while rebate quantities last.
• Toilets must be new, 4.8 litres or less (or 4.1 litres/6 litres dual flush) and CSA, CUPC, WaterSense or Warnock Hersey certified.
• Toilets may be installed by the resident or by a licensed plumber.
• Rebate application must be made within 90 days of toilet purchase.
• This offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my toilet qualifies for the rebate program?

Replacement of high volume toilets 6 litres or greater are eligible for the rebate program. The toilet's flush volume is printed on the inside or rear of the tank.

Why should I replace my large volume toilet?

• Toilets account for one quarter of the water used in the average home.
• Toilets send more than 25% of the water used inside your home into our regional sanitary sewer systems requiring treatment.
• Switching to a low-flush toilet could save more than 70 litres of water per day per person and, when combined with a water meter, will result in cost savings.
• As of October 3, 2011, the BC Plumbing Code requires ultra-low-flush toilets with maximum flush volume of 4.8 litres or 4.1 litres/6 litres dual flush.

Can I receive a rebate for a toilet that I replaced several years ago?

An application must be made within 90 days of purchase of the new toilet.

Do low-flush toilets really work?

Low-flush toilets have been engineered to perform as well as (or even better than) large volume units, and are standard in most developed countries.

Does anyone check the toilet installation?

The City of Richmond reserves the right to arrange an inspection of your newly installed low-flush toilet.

Can I keep my old toilet?

No. One of the purposes of the rebate program is to promote water conservation. The program requires the disposal of the higher flushing toilet from homes to ensure these toilets are no longer in circulation.

How do I dispose of my old replaced toilet?

Old toilets can be disposed of at the following locations for a disposal fee:

Garbage disposal vouchers for the City of Vancouver Landfill can be purchased from the Extra Garbage Disposal Options page.

Is there a time limit to the rebate?

Yes, you must submit your application form, with all supporting documents within 90 days of purchase of the new toilet. Rebates are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on remaining funding available.

How are low-flush toilets different from regular toilets?

Low-flush toilets have smaller tanks and are marked to indicate that they have been tested for low water consumption.

All low-flow toilets are marked on the tank with “LC’, “4.8LPF”, “LC/4.8 LPF”. Look for CSA, CUPC, WaterSense or Warnock Hersey trademarks:

Why is water conservation important?

One reason is to delay further expansions to our drinking water supply system so that our resources can be spent on improving our existing system and water quality. Your annual utility bill reflects the water use of properties in the city of Richmond, and these costs continue to rise as the demand increases. Despite BC’s prevalent rainfall, there is a finite amount of drinking water available, especially during the summer season.

Saving water also helps the environment. The more water we use, the more that is drained from our watersheds, which also serve as habitat to fish and wildlife. As well, heating water requires energy, so the less water that must be heated the less energy we use.

What is a low-flush toilet?

Low-flush toilets have maximum flush volume of 4.8 litres or 4.1 litres/6 litres dual flush.

Are low-flush toilets difficult to install?

No. Installing a low-flush toilet is the same as installing older models with no special tools or connection required.

Where do I get more information about the Toilet Rebate Program?

Phone 604-276-4179 or email savewater@richmond.ca.

Where can I find information on low-flush toilet performance?

There are many sources with information on low-flush toilet performance. Consumers can talk to a local plumber or home renovation outlet. There are independent test results of low consumption toilets available at: www.cmhc.ca (direct link: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/inpr/su/waho/waho_016.cfm) http://www.cwwa.ca/freepub_e.asp#MAP - references the MAP study authored and published by Veritec & Koehler

Get Started

1. Take photographs of the old toilet in place that clearly show the flow rating printed on the toilet (for each new fixture).
2. Purchase and install a new CSA/CUPC/WaterSense/Warnock Hersey certified low-flush toilet.
3. Take photographs of the newly-installed toilet in place that clearly show the flow rating printed on the toilet (for each new fixture).
4. Submit your completed application form, including photos and sales receipt copy to:

   savewater@richmond.ca or

via main:

Attention: Engineering Planning

Richmond City Hall 6911 No. 3 Rd

Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1

A rebate credit will be applied to your utility bill once eligibility has been established. For multi-family dwellings with a common meter, the toilet rebate will be credited to your property tax bill.

Contact Information

City of Richmond's Engineering and Public Works Division at 604-276-4179 or savewater@richmond.ca