Posted on 02/12/2009, 9:38 am, by mySteinbach

Saturday, Feb. 21, is the ideal time to purchase a dual-flush toilet and take advantage of a $50 instant rebate, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick announced.
 
“We know Manitobans have a strong desire to conserve water,” Melnick said.  “That’s why we want to remind everyone that purchasing a dual-flush toilet during the sale on Feb. 21 is the perfect way to make a huge difference.”
 
The instant rebate sale is offered under the WaterSmart program which is designed to help Manitobans save at least 80 million litres of water annually and help households collectively cut their water bills by $2 million.
 
“It’s clear that all Manitobans want do their bit to leave a legacy of abundant, clean water to the next generation,” Melnick said.  “The WaterSmart program rewards Manitobans who reduce their water consumption.” 
 
The WaterSmart program, which is supported by an education campaign on the benefits of conserving water through efficient use, includes:

• Expanding Manitoba’s Power Smart loan program to include high-efficiency toilets as part of other renovations that reduce utility costs. The Manitoba government has provided funding to Manitoba Hydro to offset additional administration costs.

• Doubling the federal government’s $50 ecoENERGY rebate for dual-flush, high-efficiency toilets by providing an additional $50.

• Providing instant $50 rebates for dual-flush toilets at selected retailers following the successful model used in the cities of Toronto and Calgary.

• Expanding Manitoba’s province-wide, low-income, energy-efficiency program to include water efficiency.

• Launching consultations on how to restrict the sale of inefficient fixtures such as 13-litre toilets.
 
More information on how to be WaterSmart is available online.