Water district’s rebates are nearing conclusion for local consumers

By Stephanie Bertholdo Acorn Staff Writer

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is offering a $300 rebate on the purchase of high efficiency washing machines, but only a few of the original 500 available rebates remain.

Arlene Post, LVMWD public information officer, said that once the more valuable rebates are gone, the program will revert back to $100 rebates. The big rebates were made available by a Proposition 13 grant to "encourage conservation," Post said.

"Only certain washing machines qualify," Post added, noting that there are four different levels of high efficiency.

High efficiency washing machines can save up to 22 gallons of water per load, but money is also saved on detergent and other washing supplies, since less is used. High efficiency washing machines wring out clothes more thoroughly, which reduces drying time (less money spent on electric dryer operating time).

Only specific Energy Star washer models qualify, including "tier two or above," Post said, adding that reservations need to be made before collecting the $300.

Post also said that clothes get cleaner in high efficiency washing machines, and that since most of them have larger baskets, more laundry can be done at once. They’re "better for the environment," she said.

Saving water is crucial in Southern California, where 100 percent of potable water is imported from Northern California, more than 600 miles away. Washing clothes is one of the highest water uses at home, so a high efficiency clothes washer is a great way to save water, energy, soap and other washing supplies.

The washing machine rebate is just one program being offered through LVMWD. Another includes a $60 rebate on low flow toilets.

Visit energystar.gov online for details, or call (818) 251-2164 for information and a reservation.

LVMWD serves nearly 65,000 residents in the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Westlake Village, as well as unincorporated areas of western Los Angeles County.