what are high efficiency toilets?
Also known as HETs, High-efficiency toilets use on average 1.28 gallons or less per flush (gpf). Compare this to a typical toilet available in stores today which  uses 1.6 gpf. They look like a regular toilet. Click here to see some photos from our free toilet program list.

There are three main types of HETs:  

Type 1 – Dual flush toilets flush 0.8 gpf for liquids and 1.6 gpf for solids. (On average these toilets use 1.28 gpf.) These types are generally gravity-fed and typically used for residential use.

Type 2 - Pressure assist toilets flush about 1.1 gpf and are generally installed at commercial sites.  They have a louder flush sound then gravity fed due to the pressure force.

Type 3 - straight flush HETs There are also some high efficiency toilets that are just a straight gravity flush of 1.28 gpf such as the Toto Eco Drake. This type is not as common as the other two types.

do they work?
Yes. Independent studies show that HETs perform very well.  They flush, on average, better than the average 1.6 gpf toilet.  These toilets have been used in Australia and Europe for many years. Read the latest HET performance information. Click here to download the document. (.PDF format) Please note: the "Waste Removal Performance" number indicates the maximum number of grams of matter that could be flushed. You can use this as an indicator of flush performance.

The Environmental Protection Agency also tests and approves High Efficiency Toilets and marks them with a "WaterSense" label. 

The Soquel Creek Water District maintains a list of HETs that are high performers, locally available and under a certain price limit. Click here to see the list of toilets that are offered through the free toilet program.

do they save water?
Toilets are the main source of water use in a home (accounting for about 30%), thus installing HETs can save a significant amount of water.  HETs save at least 20 percent more water than the typical toilet available today.   They save about 70% more water than older pre-1992 toilets.

how much do they cost?
The prices start around $300 and average about $400.

are they available locally?
Yes, many stores carry them now, and they are becoming much more commonplace. Kohler, Gerber, Caroma, Toto, Zurn and Vortens are some of the manufacturers that currently have HETs available locally.  Please see table of local vendors below.

what incentives are available
Rebates: The District offers a $250 rebate on each high efficiency toilet that replace pre-1992 toilets. You must turn in a rebate form with your original purchase receipt within 90 days of purchase. You will see a credit on your next water bill if there was a month allowed for processing time. Click here to download the rebate application (.PDF format).  Or give us a call and we’ll mail you an application. 

Free toilet program: If you can wait for a new toilet, new customers can provide you with new high efficiency toilets including installation up to a $660 value through the Water Demand Offset program. There is a waiting list, but the savings are better for you.  Click here to read more about this free toilet program. 

Note: The rebate and free toilet program are only for replacing pre-1992 toilets. If you’re not sure how old your toilets are, call us for a free water survey (475-8500 ext. 146 or e-mail roys@soquelcreekwater.org).

local retailers that sell HETs
The following list is not intended to be inclusive of all local retailers selling these types of toilets, nor is this list an endorsement of any one retailer. Retailers may represent more manufacturers than shown. (If you are a local retailer selling high efficiency or dual flush toilets and would like to be on this list, please contact the Conservation Manager at 831-475-8501 ext. 144 or e-mail rond@soquelcreekwater.org)