Toilet Energy Rebates 2026: Get Money Back for WaterSense

Replacing an old 3.5 GPF or 1.6 GPF toilet with a WaterSense-certified model that flushes at 1.28 GPF or lower is one of the fastest-payback home upgrades available. The toilet itself costs less than it did five years ago, water rates have risen, and the rebate landscape has expanded considerably since 2023. If you navigate the programs correctly, you may offset 20 to 60 percent of the purchase price before a single flush.

This guide explains every rebate category, how to qualify, which toilet models are most likely to be covered, and exactly how to file claims. We draw on published EPA data, utility program databases, and publicly available state program documentation.

What is the EPA WaterSense toilet rebate program and who qualifies?

Since the WaterSense label was introduced in 2006, more than 4.5 billion gallons of water have been saved daily across the United States, according to EPA estimates. Utilities pass a portion of those savings back to customers because deferred infrastructure investment is worth more than the rebate cost. That economic logic is why rebate programs continue to grow even as toilet prices fall.

The certification process requires third-party laboratory verification. A toilet must clear at least 350 grams of solid waste per flush under the MaP (Maximum Performance) testing protocol and use no more than 1.28 GPF. Many WaterSense toilets perform well above 350 grams; the TOTO Drake II, for instance, achieves a MaP score of 1,000 grams at 1.28 GPF, which is the maximum measurable score.

How much money can I get back with a toilet rebate in 2026?

Here is a breakdown of what you can realistically expect by rebate category:

Note that most programs apply only to replacing existing toilets, not to new construction. You typically must show that the toilet being replaced used more than 1.6 GPF. If your home was built before 1994 and still has original plumbing, you likely qualify automatically, since pre-Energy Policy Act fixtures used 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush.

Which states have the best toilet rebate programs in 2026?

State-by-State Program Highlights

California: The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offers up to $200 per toilet for high-efficiency models and has a separate tiered rebate for ultra-low-flush (ULF) models at 0.8 GPF. EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) provides $100 per toilet with no household cap on the number of units. The California Energy Commission does not offer a separate toilet rebate, but several California utilities stack a state infrastructure credit that adds $25 per qualifying unit. You can search for your specific water agency's program at savemywater.org, the statewide conservation rebate portal.

Colorado: Denver Water's rebate stands at $75 per toilet in 2026, applicable to residential customers replacing toilets that flush at more than 1.6 GPF. Colorado Springs Utilities offers $50. The Colorado Water Conservation Board provides supplemental grants to utilities that run conservation programs, which means some smaller Front Range utilities offer rebates they would not otherwise fund independently.

Texas: San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has one of the longest-running toilet rebate programs in the United States, offering $100 per toilet for WaterSense models. Austin Water offers $100 for single-flush and $150 for dual-flush WaterSense toilets. Dallas Water Utilities provides $75 per unit. In 2025, the Texas Water Development Board expanded low-income fixture replacement grants, which can cover the full cost of a WaterSense toilet plus labor for qualifying households.

Arizona: Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service both include toilet rebates in their conservation bundles. The Tucson Water rebate is $75 per toilet for WaterSense models. Phoenix Water Services has run an intermittent rebate program that was active through early 2026; check the current program status directly with the city.

Washington: Tacoma Public Utilities offers $50 per toilet. Seattle Public Utilities offers $75 for dual-flush WaterSense models. For a full list of Washington programs, see our detailed Washington toilet rebate guide.

Other states with active programs: Georgia (Atlanta watershed programs), Nevada (Southern Nevada Water Authority at $100 per toilet), Florida (Tampa Bay Water), and Oregon (Portland Water Bureau). The EPA's WaterSense rebate finder at epa.gov/watersense/rebate-finder is the most current reference for national program availability.

Does replacing a toilet qualify for any federal tax credit in 2026?

This is one of the most common misconceptions about toilet rebates. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expanded home improvement tax credits significantly but did not extend them to plumbing fixtures. The 30 percent credit available for certain energy upgrades does not cover WaterSense toilets, regardless of how efficient they are.

What does exist at the federal level is the WaterSense program's network of partnering utilities, many of which receive EPA grants to fund their local rebate programs. So while the federal government does not issue a check directly to homeowners for toilet replacements, it subsidizes many of the utility programs that do. The practical effect is that federal money flows through state and local programs rather than arriving as a direct tax credit.

If your household qualifies for the Weatherization Assistance Program (income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level), a WAP energy auditor may recommend and fund toilet replacement as part of a broader water-energy efficiency package. In climates where water heating is a significant energy cost, reducing hot water toilet-flushing events can qualify the toilet as an energy conservation measure under program guidelines.

How do I apply for a toilet rebate step by step?

Here is the complete step-by-step process to maximize your rebate:

Step 1 - Find your program. Go to epa.gov/watersense/rebate-finder. Enter your ZIP code to see all active programs in your service area. Note the rebate amounts, claim windows, and whether the program requires pre-approval before purchase (rare but not unheard of in California).

Step 2 - Confirm eligible models. Most programs accept any EPA WaterSense-certified toilet. The WaterSense product search at epa.gov/watersense/product-search lets you filter by toilet type and confirm certification. Specific programs may restrict eligibility to certain model categories; for example, some California programs require dual-flush or HET (high-efficiency toilet) designation.

Step 3 - Purchase the toilet. Keep your itemized purchase receipt. If you buy from a big-box retailer, request an itemized receipt that clearly shows the model number and price. Online receipts from Home Depot, Lowe's, or Amazon print cleanly for rebate documentation. Keep the packaging or photograph the WaterSense label on the box; some programs require a photo of the label itself.

Step 4 - Remove and dispose of the old toilet properly. Some programs require proof of old toilet disposal to prevent people from flipping rebates on uncollected toilets. Options include taking a photo with the toilet removed and visibly no longer functional, or using a utility-sponsored pick-up event if one is offered. Denver Water, for example, has run free bulk toilet disposal events in coordination with local construction haulers.

Step 5 - Complete the rebate application. Most programs offer an online portal. You will need: your utility account number, your address, the toilet brand and model number, the GPF rating, and the purchase date and price. Attach scans of your receipt and the WaterSense label photo. Some utilities also ask for the plumber's license number if professional installation was used.

Step 6 - Track your claim. Most programs issue a confirmation number. Processing times vary from 4 weeks (SAWS) to 12 weeks (some California regional districts). Rebates are typically issued as a credit on your next water bill or as a mailed check. If you have not received anything after 12 weeks, contact the program directly with your claim number.

If you are upgrading multiple bathrooms, submit a separate rebate line item for each toilet rather than lumping them into one claim, as some programs process per-unit approvals and rejecting one does not automatically reject others.

Documentation Checklist

Which WaterSense toilets are most commonly approved for rebates?

Any EPA WaterSense-certified toilet qualifies for programs using the WaterSense standard as the eligibility criterion. That said, certain models appear frequently in utility rebate program guides because they combine strong rebate eligibility with high MaP scores and proven reliability. These are the models most commonly approved in rebate programs across the country in 2026.

For a comprehensive comparison of high-performance WaterSense options, see our best flushing toilets guide, which evaluates MaP scores, GPF ratings, and owner satisfaction together.

TOTO Drake II (CST454CEFG): One of the most widely installed WaterSense toilets in the United States. Flushes at 1.28 GPF with a MaP score of 1,000 grams. The E-Max flush system uses a 3-inch flush valve and a wide water surface area that minimizes streak marks. Approved by every major rebate program that accepts the WaterSense standard. Available in elongated and round configurations. The Aquia IV is TOTO's flagship dual-flush offering at 0.8/1.28 GPF, which qualifies for high-efficiency bonus tiers in California programs.
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Kohler Cimarron (K-6418): Flushes at 1.28 GPF with a MaP score of 1,000 grams. Kohler's AquaPiston flush canister delivers a 360-degree water flow pattern, reducing clogs on high-use installations. Elongated, comfort-height design is suitable for ADA accessibility compliance when paired with a grab bar. Widely stocked at Home Depot and Lowe's, making post-purchase receipt documentation straightforward.
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American Standard Champion 4 (2034314.020): Uses 1.28 GPF and achieves a 1,000-gram MaP score. The Champion 4 features a 4-inch piston action accelerator flush valve, the largest flush valve in the residential market, and a fully glazed 2-3/8-inch trapway that American Standard claims is the widest available. This model is frequently specified in landlord and rental property rebate applications because its clog resistance reduces maintenance call-outs. See our full American Standard Champion 4 review for more detail.
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Kohler Highline (K-3999): An entry-level WaterSense toilet at 1.28 GPF with a MaP score of 800 grams. It is the most widely installed toilet model in new residential construction in the United States, which makes it a common rebate choice because contractors can purchase in bulk. Its modest MaP score means it performs adequately for average household use but may not match the Drake II or Champion 4 on demanding applications.
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Woodbridge T-0001: A one-piece elongated toilet at 1.28 GPF. WaterSense certified and MaP tested at 800 grams. The skirted trapway design with a concealed base is popular for bathroom renovation projects where aesthetics are a priority alongside water efficiency. The dual-flush variant (T-0001 DF) at 0.8/1.28 GPF qualifies for high-efficiency tier bonuses in California programs.
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American Standard Cadet 3 (2383.516): Flushes at 1.28 GPF with a MaP score of 1,000 grams. The FloWise technology uses a pressure-assisted valve mechanism that delivers consistent flush power without the noise associated with traditional pressure-assist tanks. Compact dimensions make it suitable for smaller bathrooms. It is one of the most commonly submitted models in East Coast utility rebate applications, particularly in states like Florida and Georgia. Read our American Standard Cadet 3 review for the full breakdown.
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Gerber Viper (21-302): A round-bowl single-flush toilet at 1.28 GPF with a MaP score of 1,000 grams. Gerber is often overlooked in consumer guides but is a plumber favorite for its reliable flush valve and simple parts availability. The Viper qualifies for all WaterSense-based rebate programs and is frequently specified in low-income fixture replacement programs due to its lower retail price point relative to TOTO or Kohler equivalents.
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Swiss Madison Ivy (SM-1T254): A wall-hung toilet with a concealed in-wall tank carrier system that flushes at 1.0/1.6 GPF (dual-flush). The dual-flush configuration qualifies for high-efficiency bonus tiers in California programs when the low-flush setting is at or below 1.0 GPF. Wall-hung installation creates a completely skirted look and simplifies floor cleaning, which is why this model appears in luxury bathroom remodel rebate submissions. The wall carrier system requires professional installation, which some programs allow as an added eligible cost.
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How much water and money does a WaterSense toilet actually save?

The EPA estimates that a WaterSense toilet saves an average of 13,000 gallons per year compared to a standard 3.5 GPF toilet installed before 1994. Compared to a more recent 1.6 GPF toilet, the savings are approximately 4,000 gallons per year for a household of four flushing five times per person per day.

At the national average water rate of $0.010 per gallon (including sewer charges, which typically equal or exceed the water charge), 13,000 gallons saved per year translates to approximately $130 in annual utility cost reduction. At the 4,000-gallon-per-year savings compared to a 1.6 GPF toilet, the annual savings are approximately $40 to $80 depending on your local water and sewer rates. California and Arizona water rates can be two to three times the national average in certain tiered pricing structures, making the savings higher in those markets.

For the full toilet water savings calculation based on your household size and local rates, see our interactive calculator guide.

The payback period on a rebate-assisted toilet upgrade is typically 18 to 36 months for a 1.6 GPF to 1.28 GPF replacement, and 4 to 8 years for a 1.28 GPF to 1.28 GPF same-efficiency replacement (where rebates still apply if upgrading model quality). The shorter payback makes a strong case for acting while rebate programs are funded. See also: replacing an old toilet: total savings analysis.

Are there additional rebates for dual-flush or ultra-high-efficiency toilets?

Yes. Several programs offer tiered rebates that reward lower-flush-rate models. The TOTO Aquia IV, for instance, is a dual-flush toilet using 0.8 GPF on liquid waste and 1.28 GPF on solid waste. In California's Metropolitan Water District service area, this model can qualify for a base WaterSense rebate plus an HET (high-efficiency toilet) bonus, resulting in a combined rebate of up to $275 depending on the specific member agency.

Ultra-high-efficiency toilets (UHET) that use no more than 1.1 GPF per single flush or 0.8/1.28 GPF in dual-flush configuration may qualify for supplemental program tiers in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas. The rebate database at epa.gov/watersense/rebate-finder flags which programs offer these enhanced tiers.

The Niagara Stealth at 0.8 GPF single-flush also qualifies for UHET tiers where they exist. However, the Stealth's MaP score is lower than the Drake II or Champion 4, which should factor into your purchasing decision alongside the enhanced rebate amount.