Media Corner

For Immediate Release
April 25, 2004

New High-Efficiency Washing Machine Rebates Available

CARSON, CA. - Central Basin Municipal Water District takes another step towards its continuing goal of conserving California's water with the debut May 1 of its new High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate Program. Beginning May 1st, customers will find rebate forms at their local retailers offering a $100 rebate on a new high-efficiency washer machine.

An estimated 78 million households own washing machines with 7.5 million washers sold in the United States each year.

"However, less than 12 percent of washers sold in the United States are water-efficient. Out of 6.5 million residential washing machines sold in the United States, 5.7 million washers sold were standard-efficiency washers," said Robert Apodaca, President of the Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors. "Beginning May 1st, Central Basin will offer a $100 rebate to customers who purchase high-efficiency washer machines who also live in our service area. This new rebate should encourage consumers to purchase the water saving, water-efficient model."

The typical high-efficiency clothes washer saves 18 gallons of water per load which is equivalent to a 45 percent water savings. The new high-efficiency model saves time, water, and money.

The average price range for a standard clothes washer is between $450 and $550 while the purchase price of a water-efficient washing machine begins at $550. With the $100 Central Basin rebate, consumers can purchase a basic high- efficiency model for the same price as the standard washer. The rebate also applies to higher-priced, high-efficiency models. In addition to the rebate savings, customers will see an immediate reduction on their water and electricity bills.

The Central Basin High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate forms will be available on May 1, 2003. For more information on eligibility and participating stores, please call (877) 732-2830.