Ultra High Efficiency Toilet (UHET) Replacement Program

Indoor Water Use

Bathroom Toilets

According to recent studies presented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Environmental, Public, and Consumer Benefits” and other notable related organizations, the average indoor potable water consumption in households can be decreased by more than 30% or more when water efficient toilets, showers, faucets, dish washers, and washing machines are used. Practicing efficient, non-excessive, use of water resources is crucial to the environment and saves each household money. Moreover, water conservation practices can offset demand and ease water restrictions during times of drought. Potable water production decreases while a household’s water bill savings rise.

Graph of Toilet Water Consumption

Depending on its flush rate, a toilet can account for more than 16% to 24% of a household’s total indoor water consumption. A high-efficiency toilet can reduce the toilet water consumption by over 50%. This can add up to a total savings of 15,000 to 20,000 gallons per year in a household of four. 

Toilets play a big role in indoor water consumption, but it is also important to remember that fixing leaks, water efficient showers, dishwashers and laundry washing machines are also part of conserving water. By following State of Hawaii and Maui County Code (MCC) laws and guidelines, DWS is committed to promoting water conservation awareness to the community and helping DWS customers save money.

Plumbing Code

Maui County Ordinance Number 2108, a Bill for an Ordinance Amending MCC 16.20.675 Section 1050.

Pertaining to the Plumbing Code took effect on December 31, 1992. This ordinance establishes a maximum rate of water flow or discharges for plumbing fixtures and devices in order to promote water conservation. These devices include:

  • Faucets (kitchen and bathroom)
  • Hose bibs
  • Showerheads
  • Urinals
  • Toilets

The fixtures mentioned above are distributed to DWS customers at no cost to help conserve water in their household. The maximum flow for toilets under the Plumbing Code is 1.6 gallons per flush, however, there are even more efficient toilets available today. The Toilet Replacement Program was established to further commit additional savings for water consumption in a household. 

UHET Toilet

Under the DWS UHET Toilet Replacement Program, the public may choose to replace older qualifying toilets with new, Dual Flush UHET toilets. The toilet has a dual flush with high-performance gravity 0.92/1.28 gallon per flush (gpf). The toilet bowl is ADA height compliant for residential installations. It is a Standard size being 16 ½ inches rim Height and 31-1/2” in total Height by 15 inches in Width and 29-3/4” inches in Depth. Please measure to ensure that these dimensions work in your bathroom.

Restrictions Apply

Restrictions apply, please read the Program Rules and Guidelines to see if you qualify. The toilet replacements are currently only available to single-family homes, condominium units, apartments, and townhomes that are DWS customers.

Qualifying for a UHET Replacement

The Toilet Replacement Program is available to qualifying DWS customers that have an older toilet with a flush rate higher than 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). 

Read the full Program Rules and Guidelines (PDF) to find out if you qualify for a UHET replacement. Additional Questions and Answers are provided at the end of the Program Rules and Guidelines document.

Property Owner’s Approval Form

When a tenant is applying for the Toilet Replacement Program, the Property Owner's Approval Form is required to process the application. The form needs to be completed by the property owner and signed in order for the tenant applying to submit and receive the new UHET replacement toilet.

Application

Submit an application. Selected participants will be notified via email within 2-4 weeks of submitting their online application.