Water Conservation Rebate Program

The Town of Reading, Department of Public Works has a Water Conservation Rebate Program. Residents who purchase and install any of the items listed below since July 1, 2003, are eligible to receive a rebate. The program offers rebates for purchasing and installing ultra low-flush toilets, high-efficiency clothes washers, moisture sensors for irrigation systems, and rain barrels. The following items and rebate amounts are offered by the program:

  • Ultra Low-Flush Toilet -Toilets are a major water user in the home. A family of four can save, on average, over 14,000 gallons of water per year by replacing a typical 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF) toilet with a new 1.6 GPF water saver toilet. If you purchase and install a new 1.6 GPF toilet, you are eligible for a rebate of up to $120.
  • High-Efficiency (HE) Clothes Washer - purchasing a high-efficiency clothes washer can reduce water and energy use resulting in significant savings. Conventional washers use 40 or more gallons per a load of laundry. HE clothes washers use about 25 gallons per load. Town residents or property owners who purchase a new HE washer to replace an older model are eligible to receive a one-time only rebate of $200.
  • Moisture Sensors - Residents with irrigation systems can obtain a rebate for purchasing and installing a moisture sensor. These sensors work to shut down the system in the event of rain and prevent unnecessary lawn watering. Residents purchasing and installing a moisture sensor are eligible for a rebate of up to $25.
  • Rain barrels - when connected to gutter downspouts, collect roof runoff for use in gardens and other outdoor watering needs. Residents purchasing and installing a Great American Rain Barrel via the DPW are eligible to receive an automatic rebate of $25

Please review the rebate program guidelines before you purchase your fixture, and prior to submitting documentation for rebates. If you have additional questions or would like further clarification, please call the Department of Public Works at 781-942-9077.