Why Low-Flow Fixtures Matter
Modern EPA WaterSense® certified fixtures include:
- Toilets using ≤ 1.28 gpf (gallons per flush)
- Showerheads ≤ 1.8 gpm (gallons per minute)
- Faucets ≤ 1.2 gpm
These fixtures can reduce water use by 20–40% while still performing well.
In Los Angeles, toilets alone account for about 30% of indoor water use, so upgrading to premium high-efficiency toilets (≤ 1.1 gpf) yields substantial savings.
Three Rebate Programs
1. LADWP (City of Los Angeles) Rebates & Free Items
If you receive water service from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), each address is eligible for a Premium High-Efficiency Toilet (≤ 1.1 gpf) rebate of up to $250.
Other eligible items include:
- High-efficiency clothes washers
- Rotating sprinkler nozzles
- Turf replacement
- Weather-based irrigation controllers
You may also qualify for free conservation items such as:
- Bathroom faucet aerators (1.0 or 0.5 gpm)
- Kitchen aerators (1.3 gpm)
- Showerheads (1.5 gpm)
- Toilet leak-dye tablets
These can be picked up at a customer center or ordered online at www.ladwp.com.
Note: LADWP increased their rebates in 2022:
- Toilet rebates rose from $150 to $250
- Washer rebates from $400 to $500
- Business toilet rebates to $300
2. SoCal Water$mart via Metropolitan Water District (County-Wide)
Many water agencies within Los Angeles County participate in SoCal Water$mart, managed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD):
- Businesses or multi-family dwellings (5+ units): $300 rebates per upgraded toilet (from ≥1.6 gpf to ≤1.1 gpf). Fixtures must be WaterSense certified and listed on the program’s qualifying products list.
- Premium High-Efficiency Toilets (≤ 1.1 gpf): $40 rebate per toilet (residential). See socalwatersmart.com.
- Rebates vary by city. Some municipalities (e.g., South Pasadena) offer supplemental funding, raising rebates up to $300 per toilet.
Note: SoCal Water$mart applications are available online, and some participating cities provide additional funding beyond the base MWD rebate.
3. Statewide “Water Saver California” Program
This program offers free installation of WaterSense-rated toilets, showerheads, aerators, and known-leak repairs, paid for by the state and delivered at no cost to qualifying homeowners.
The program is not LADWP-run, so check availability with your local water district. For more info, visit www.webprod.ladwp.com.
Why It Is Worth Applying
- You will significantly reduce water usage and utility bills. Toilet use alone accounts for ~30% of indoor residential water use.
- Rebates often cover nearly the full cost of a qualifying new toilet.
- Free fixture add-ons (showerheads and aerators) can further cut daily water usage.
These programs are generally available for water customers served by LADWP (i.e., within Los Angeles city limits). If you live in unincorporated LA County or are served by another water provider, check with your local Waterworks District or California American Water via SoCal Water$mart or Water Saver California at www.socalwatersmart.com.
Be sure to save all receipts, photos, and correspondence, since applications sometimes require follow-up and documentation review.
SoCal Plumbers can suggest licensed and insured plumbing technicians across Southern California. To find out more, visit https://socalplumbers.com.