Boulder Colorado is a city challenging itself to be ‘greener’ Read more in article from WSJ.

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Info below from the city website  www.durhamnc.gov

Durham’s Toilet Rebate Program Now Available

Residents Now Eligible for $100 Rebate to Replace Water-Wasting Toilets with High-Efficiency Models

Durham, N.C. – Durham residents interested in saving water – and money – now have another opportunity thanks to the City of Durham’s New Toilet Rebate Program.

The program, sponsored by the City’s Department of Water Management, offers rebates valued at $100 when qualified water customers replace their existing toilets with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense-labeled, high-efficiency toilet models.

According to Vicki Westbrook, deputy director of the City’s Department of Water Management, if Durham residents replace just 3,000 toilets, the community can save nearly 21 million gallons of water per year, which makes choosing a WaterSense toilet an option worth considering.  “Toilet flushing makes up about 30-to-40 percent of all water used in homes. Older, inefficient toilets can use between 3.5 and 7 gallons per flush and are responsible for most of the water wasted in our homes. Recent advancements have allowed toilets to use 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush, while still providing equal or superior performance,” Westbrook said.  “The WaterSense label certifies that the toilets meet rigorous testing for both performance and efficiency. Only high-efficiency toilets that complete a third-party certification process can earn the WaterSense label, which is why we’re requiring this as part of our rebate program.”

According to Westbrook, to be eligible for the City’s rebate, any toilet purchased must be a high-efficiency toilet, which uses an average of 1.28 gallons per flush, and must be on the EPA’s WaterSense list.   At this time, only single-family residential customers may apply for the rebate.  Any toilet which meets the criteria and is purchased after January 1, 2008, will be eligible for the rebate, with a limit of one per household.  Rebates will be applied as credits to customers’ water bills.  To apply for the rebate, residential customers will need to submit all of the following information:
• the original dated sales receipt for the toilet;
• a copy of the most recent water bill; and
• a completed Rebate Application Form.

Rebates will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with one toilet rebate allowed per single family residential customer.  Approximately 3,000 rebates will be available during the first phase of the program.  The rebate form, a link to approved toilets, and more details are available at www.DurhamSavesWater.org or by calling the Rebate Center at 866-522-3806.

I observe a lot of homes each and every year for estimates and doing actual home improvement projects. One thing I notice is how few homeowners take advantage of a small investment that saves both energy and money. I am talking about insulating your hot water heater by installing a hot water heater insulation blanket. Many hot water heaters are located in unconditioned spaces (attics, garages, basements, crawlspaces) and only have a existing insulation R-value of 3. Installing an insulation blanket around your hot water heater will help keep you in hot water! These blankets are available at most home stores for ~ $20. The task of installing it takes perhaps 15-20 minutes and can be done by many home Do It Yourselfers. Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ directions when installing.

Some estimates I have read state that a hot water heater can lose 15-40 percent of its heat energy through it’s walls while in standby mode for most households (Saturn Resource Management). An insulation blanket will help to slow that heat loss and according to the US Department of Energy will save you 4%-9% on the cost to heat your hot water. You may also want to consider adding foam pipe insulation to insulate the hot water line exiting the hot water. Again, use caution especially with gas water heaters and follow manufacturers’ directions when installing.

Another way to save on your hot water bill is to turn down the water heaters thermostat. Both gas and electric hot water heater tanks have an adjustable thermostat on the front of it. Even turning down the thermostat to it’s lower setting when you go away for an extended period of time will save. Just remember to turn it up when you return!

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As I visit homes in my area, I am seeing more and more rain water collection systems (ie rain barrels) each year. The rain barrel is a great water conservation method and it is wonderful to see this conservation effort being undertaken by many homeowners. If you live in a cold to moderate climate  where the temperature gets below freezing, you will want to weatherize your barrel to prevent damaging it in the winter months. Remember, when water freezes, it also expands and may damage the various components of your rain barrel. To prevent damage to the components, rain barrels should be winterized before freezing weather occurs.

Winterizing your rain barrel is simple:

• Drain all water from the barrel and hoses
  
• Move barrel into a garage or storage shed. If you do not have the storage space, turn the barrel upside down to prevent water from entering. Be sure to cover the spigot opening to prevent water from collecting there as well.
• Reconnect gutter downspout or add temporary flexible gutter downspout to ensure water is diverted away from your house.

Winterizing your rain barrel will ensure many years of use and many gallons of water saved.

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