Los Osos Water Conservation Rebate Program - For Plumber Installation

To date, Public Works has spent 1.6 million dollars on the water conservation program. The goal of reducing indoor water usage to 50 gallons per day per person has been achieved (current indoor water usage is now 40 gallons per person).

We continue to find ways to achieve a sustainable groundwater basin. Public Works coordinates groundwater sustainable efforts with the Los Osos Basin Management Committee.

Public Works continues to issue rebates for conserving water for customers in the sewer service area by issuing rebates for water efficient toilets, showerheads, washing machines, hot water recirculation systems, complete gray water systems and laundry only gray water systems.

Please refer to your water purveyor or State for other water saving rebate.

If you wish to apply for a rebate for homeowner installed fixtures and retrofits please see the Homeowner Installation Rebate service.

What is the process?

Contract a Licensed Plumber

Contract with a licensed plumber.

Install new fixtures

Plumber verifies eligibility, completes retrofit, certifies rebate form, and may submit the rebate form on behalf of resident. The plumber can also certify* your home as water-saver compliant after completing the retrofits.

*Note: Either a plumber or the County can certify your home as water-saver compliant. If a plumber only retrofits your toilets, it is encouraged the plumber completes a plumber inspection form to certify your other fixtures are water-saver compliant.

Submit your rebate

Submit the certified rebate application, receipts and invoice.

Receive your refund

Property owners typically receive rebate checks in approximately 10 business days.

Who is eligible?

Most residents of Los Osos are eligible for rebates. Please verify eligibility on the conservation rebate boundary map.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Public Works Main Office

Monday - Friday 8-5

976 Osos Street Room 206
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5252

Fax: (805) 781-1229

FAQS

Are there rebates for outdoor conservation?

No. Contact your local water purveyor for more information.

Are these water-saver fixtures mandatory for connection to the sewer?

Yes. All properties must be water-saver compliant in order to hook up to the sewer. You will not be able to obtain a building permit for your on-lot sewer lateral connection without certification that your house is water-saver compliant.

The new wastewater plant is scheduled to be operational in March 2016. Once you receive your Connection Notification, you will have 6 months to switch your sewer lateral from the septic tank to the new sewer. Connection Notifications will be mailed as early was March 2016.

Can I get a rebate for a clothes washer or dishwasher?

Yes, anyone can upgrade to a Tier 3, Water Factor 4 clothes washer and receive a $450 rebate. The dishwasher rebate is not available at this time.

Can I get a rebate for fixtures I installed before the program began?

No. Rebates are only offered for fixtures purchased after June 20, 2017.

Can I get a rebate for installation if I install it myself?

No. The installation rebate is only offered for work done by licensed plumbers or contractors.

Can I receive a certificate that says my property is water-saver compliant?

Yes. After a pre-inspection or verification you may request a Water Saver Certificate if your fixtures are water-saver compliant.

Do you have a list of plumbers that would do this retrofit work?

Yes. You can find a list of plumbers by clicking here. Also, any licensed plumber is qualified to do the work.

Does a county inspector have to come out to do the pre and post inspections?

If you know you need new fixtures you may contract with a licensed plumber, then send in the rebate form and plumber inspection form when the work is done.

The plumber’s itemized invoice/work order and Plumber inspection form can substitute for County inspections.

Pre and post inspections preformed by the County are required if you do the work yourself.

How long do I have to retrofit to water-saver fixtures?

Your home must be retrofitted before it can hook up to the sewer. You will not be able to get a building permit for your on-lot construction work without being certified as water-saver compliant. The rebates were recently extended by the Board of Supervisors on June 20, 2017, and will be available until funds run out.

Is there a cost associated with the water survey inspections?

No. Call our hotline at (805) 788-6633 to schedule an inspection if you are unsure what needs to be retrofitted or are planning on doing the work yourself.

Is there a different rebate option for commercial properties?

No, the rebate is the same as residential sites for toilets and showerheads.

Pre and post inspections from the County are required.

Is there a list of eligible toilets (and other fixtures)?

Any toilet or showerheads with an EPA water sense label qualifies for our rebate including dual flush models that equal 1.28gpf or less. Showerheads need to be less than 1.5gpm. Click here a list of toilets and aerators.

What are the rebate amounts available?

Measures Required for Connection to the Wastewater System
Fixture or Appliance	Existing Fixture Flow Rate	New Fixture Flow Rate Eligible for Rebate	Rebates
Toilets Residential & Commercial	Greater than 1.6 gpf	1.28 gpf or less	$160
Showerheads Residential & Commercial	Greater than 2.0 gpm	1.5 gpm or less	$30
Faucet Aerators Residential	Greater than 1.5 gpm	1.5 gpm or less	$0
Faucet Aerators Commercial	Greater than 0.5 gpm	0.5 gpm	$0
Urinals Commercial	Greater than 1.0 gpf	0.5 gpf or less	$0
Pre‐rinse Spray Valves Commercial	Greater than 1.15 gpm	1.15 gpm or less	N/A
Optional Measures Eligible for Rebates (Requires Connection to the Wastewater System and Compliance with Above Measures)
Toilets Residential & Commercial	Equal to 1.6 gpf	~~1.0~~ 1.28 gpf or less	$160
Washers Residential & Commercial	Less than Tier 3, Water Factor 4	Tier 3, Water Factor 4 or Less	~~$150~~ $450 (1)
Hot Water Recirc System Residential & Commercial	N/A	N/A	$350
Showerheads Residential & Commercial	1.5 gpm or more	Less than 1.5 gpm	$30
Complete Gray Water System	N/A	N/A	$500
Laundry only Gray Water System	N/A	N/A	$50
Recycled Water Irrigation Commercial & Institutional	N/A	N/A	negotiated
~~Alternative Measures~~	~~1.28 gpf toilet~~ ~~1.5 gpm showerhead~~ ~~1.5 gpm faucet aerators~~	~~Needs prior approval~~	~~$300~~

gpf = gallons per flush gpm = gallons per minute

NOTES: (1) Rebate not retroactive to prior rebated or prior purchased appliances

What do I need to do in order to be water-saver compliant?

In order to be water-saver compliant you must have 1.6gpf toilets or less, 2.0gpm showerheads or less, and 1.5gpm aerators or less. If you have 1.6gpf toilets, you do not need to retrofit, but if your toilets use more than 1.6gpf you must retrofit to 1.28gpf. And if your showerheads flow more than 2.0gpm you must retrofit to 1.5gpm.

If your fixtures already meet the water-saver criteria, you must have a plumber or County staff certify your fixtures. The County is offering free verification. Call the hotline (805) 788-6633 to schedule your free verification inspection.

Where can I dispose of the used toilet?

You can contact your waste disposal service and get it picked up from your house for a fee. The County no longer has a drop-off bin.

Where can I get the fixtures provided by the County?

The County has not started this part of the program yet. Local home improvement stores and plumbers have many options for water-saver fixtures that are priced for less than the County rebate amount.

Who receives the rebate check?

Property owners only. Renters may receive rebate checks if approved by the property owner. If you are a property management firm, please contact the County for more information.