If you own a property in Contra Costa county, which includes Antioch, Bay Point, Clyde, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martine, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole and Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Port Costa, you may hear about water-efficiency programs and rebates held by water agency in collaboration with PG&E. There are five types of rebates: 1. Washer machine rebates program 2. Toilet High-Efficiency rebate 3. Landscape water-efficiency program 4. Sprinkler Timer rebates 5. Free Water Conservation Devices Most programs are preset to the end of a year (2014), so if you didn't make any home improvements this year, and you still have time to save some money, or pick up free devices that will help you reduce your water bill and to conserve water. All programs work on the basis, first-come, first-serve. 1. Washer machine rebates program If you purchase the Energy Star Most Efficient (ESME) washing machine (for clothes) between January, 1 2014 and December, 31 2014, submit your rebate application to receive $200 back not later than six months after the date of purchase. Here is the full list of approved models: PG&E list for quaifying clothes washers You will need a proof of purchase (don't forget to make copies). The limit of rebates from one water agency is once per five years, which is reasonable in respect to the average 5-years life-span of highly computerized washers nowadays. There is also a $50 rebate that applies to all Tier 3 on the consortium for Energy Efficiency list: Clotheswasher Aplication Phone number to call: 1-800-933-9555 (PG&E's energy line) 2. Toilet High-Efficiency Rebate That's a tougher program to get the rebate for up to $125. First, your existing toilet must be installed before 1994 and use three and a half gallons per flush or more. If you are not sure, look inside the tank or at the neck of the toilet bowl. Often, manufacturers put there the indexes of the water usage. Before 1992, the standard number was less than 1.6 GPF (Gallons per flush). If your toilet was purchased after 1992, you are more likely have 3.5-7 GPF. Secondly, there is no application online to file. You must visit the District Center: 1331 Concord Ave, Concord, CA (M-F from 8-5). Call them first (925) 688-8320. Another requirement, of course, is that your new toilet must be labeled new US EPA WaterSense HET. When you submit the rebate application along with the sales receipt, CCWD will schedule a post-installation inspection, and the rebate check for up to $125 will be mailed to you in 4-6 weeks. 3. Landscape water-efficiency program "Lose a Lawn - Get a Garden" If you like to get an idea how to redesign your existing lawn, you can get 2-hours FREE professional landscape design assistance. You must pay $150 fee at the time of service and will be reimbursed when your lawns transformation is completed. You can get $1.00 per square foot, and up to $1,000 maximum for residential properties, and up to $10,000 for commercial accounts. This program applies only to front yards (visible to public). If you lawn didn't have in-ground sprinklers system installed prior to the lawn removal, you can't participate in this program. It sounds unfair for homeowners who love to water their front-yard lawns by hand, but that's a deal. You must also replace your lawn with water-efficient plants from the list: Water Efficiency Plants If you plan to install artificial grass, your contractor must be licensed. Without it, your rebate application will not be approved. The artificial grass must permeable for air and water. 50% of the area must be covered with living plants. Call us today to find a licensed contractor in Contra Costa county: 1-877-796-8873. You can find out more: http://www.ccwater.com/L2G-cgi/FAQs.asp 6. Smart Sprinkler Timer rebates This program is good only from commercial, multi-family, and municipal customers. To apply, you must have well-maintained irrigation system in place and have above 150% of average water consumption in your area. To start, you must submit your application to CCWD along with the original sales receipt for existing equipment. Your property will be inspected twice - once before and after the installation. http://www.ccwater.com/smart_timer/commercial.asp 5. Free Water Conservation Devices There are six devices you can pick up for free at CCWD Water conservation office, 1331 Concord Ave, Concord, CA. Limit yourself in taking long showers. You can have a Four Minute Shower Timer free. Earth 2-Flow Soak & Soap massage showerhead has 9-jet turbo-massage spray with on/off toggle switch. 2-flow kitchen aerator with swivel, 1.5 gallons-per-minute bathroom faucet aerator, 6-pattern hose nozzle and even Dye Tablets to check if your toilet leaks. http://www.ccwater.com/conserve/devices.asp