Media Corner

For Immediate Release
August 13, 2006

1,000 Local Residents Will Flush Less, Save More

Whittier, CA - Central Basin Municipal Water District partnered with Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and Rio Hondo College to distribute 1,000 high-efficiency toilets (HETs)—the largest giveaway of its kind in the region.

Before sunrise, hundreds of eager participants began lining up at Rio Hondo College's Whittier campus to improve their chances of receiving a free, water-saving toilet. The HETs, which use only 1.3 gallons per flush or less, compared to older models that use 5-7 gallons per flush, were offered on a first-come, first-served basis to residents living within either District.

"The turnout was truly amazing, the largest we have seen in years," said Central Basin Director Ed Vasquez, who attended the event. "Within three hours, 1,000 toilets had been distributed! Through this distribution alone, we will save more than 9 million gallons of water annually."

Although upgrading bathrooms and reducing water bills were strong incentives for residents, many of Saturday’s participants recognized the larger goal behind the HET distribution program—to help drought-proof the region by increasing conservation and improving water supply reliability.

"Sure these toilets cost a lot in stores, but what really appealed to us was the opportunity to contribute to a good cause and support our water district in conserving water," said one resident from the City of South Gate. "Just look around, all of these people will be getting rid of their old, water-guzzling toilets thanks to this program. This is a great thing."

To make the event a success, the Rio Hondo College Foundation recruited more than 60 volunteers, students from the Rio Hondo College men’s soccer team, the Associated Student Body and the El Monte High School football team. For their support with the operation and marketing of the program, the Rio Hondo College Foundation will earn funding that will go towards student scholarships and athletic programs, ultimately benefiting the very students who volunteered.

In 1995, Central Basin began working with community-based organizations to distribute low-flow toilets while helping them earn funding. Participating organizations receive money for each old "water-wasting" toilet that is returned for recycling. Since the program’s inception, the District has distributed more than 40,000 low-flow toilets, conserving more than 350 million gallons of water annually for the region.