Griffin has raised the rebate from $50 to $75 for residents who install new low flow toilets.

Since the city initiated the toilet rebate program in 2009, only 35 residents have utilized the program. Since the city is required by the State Water Plan to show measurable progress, it opted to change the plan by raising the rebate and opening it up to commercial businesses.

There is also an $8 credit for installing new low flow shower heads (2.5 gallons per mite or less). There is a cap of 250 units each for the program, but a waiting list can be created if there over 250 units are applied for in a year.

City Commissioners voted 7-0 to make the change at the Jan. 24 meeting. The estimated cost to the city if all 250 refunds for toilets are utilized in a year is $18,750 in revenue lost, plus another $2,000 if all 250 refunds for shower heads are utilized.

The rebate will appear as a credit on the water bill, and city staff will inspect for compliance upon receipt of the request for credit. Applicants must be customers of the city of Griffin water system, must own the property or be the owner’s agent at the installation address and the installation address must meet city code requirements to qualify for the rebate.

The conversions can be from high-flow toilets (3 gallons or more per flush) to low-flow or high efficiency toilet (1.6 gallons per flush) or from low-flow to high efficiency toilets. The application forms are on the city Website at www.cityofgriffin.com. Forms must be returned to City of Griffin Public Works and Utilities Department, P.O. Box T, Griffin, GA 30223.

For to ensure funds are available for the rebate, call 770-229-6603 before replacing toilet(s).