October 20, 1999

To: Works Committee

From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

Subject: Expanding the 1999 Ultra Low Flush (ULF) Toilet Incentive Program

All Wards

Purpose:

To expand the existing 1999 Ultra Low Flush Toilet Incentive Program, which provides for the replacement of 10,000 high consumption toilets within the multi-residential sector, by an additional 8,500 toilets.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The 1999 Water and Wastewater Capital Works Program - Water Efficiency Budget: WS021-T20342 (Implementation Programs) has funds in the amount of $510,000.00 for the expansion of the multi-residential Ultra Low Flush Toilet (ULFT99) Replacement Program to provide a $60.00 incentive for the replacement of each high consumption toilet.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. The existing multi-residential Ultra Low Flush Toilet Replacement Program be expanded to include an additional 8,500 toilet replacements in which a $60.00 incentive will be provided for each 13 to 20 litre per flush floor outlet toilet replaced.

2. The appropriate City officials be granted the authority necessary to give effect thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

Toronto Council at its meeting of July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1999 approved the 1999 multi-residential Ultra Low Flush Toilet Incentive Program by adoption of Clause No. 14 of Report No. 2 of the Works Committee. The program is a quick start initiative in support of the development of the City's Water Efficiency Plan and is directed at replacing 10,000 high-consumption (13 to 20 litre) toilets. The program provides a $60.00 incentive for the replacement of each floor outlet toilet to building owners who register for, and comply with, the recommended program. The program requires building owners to use one of six performance contractors who were pre-qualified by the City to undertake the toilet replacements.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification

In developing the City's Water Efficiency Plan, toilet replacements for the multi-residential sector have been identified as one of the most effective water conservation measures to be implemented. The ULF toilets provide a 50 to 70 percent reduction in water consumption. The multi-residential sector offers several advantages for the implementation of this type of program: water consumption in this sector is high because of the high percentage of young family occupancy generally using one toilet and many units can be replaced expeditiously, at one time, through one property owner.

There are approximately 450,000 multi-residential units in the City. Approximately 10 percent of these have been retrofitted with ULF toilets to date. The original objective of the program was to replace 10,000 units in 1999 with expansion of the program in the year 2000, once the Water Efficiency Plan was developed, subject to program funding approval. However, the response from building owners has far exceeded original expectations. Applications for the replacement of 37,000 units have been received and continue to be received on a weekly basis.

This demand justifies an expansion of the 1999 program. A much larger implementation program is planned for the year 2000 once the Water Efficiency Plan is developed.

Conclusions:

The response from multi-residential building owners to the 1999 Ultra Low Flush Toilet Incentive Program, a quick start initiative in support of the development of the City's Water Efficiency Plan, has far exceeded original expectations.

The program will be evaluated at the end of the year and an expanded program is proposed for implementation in the year 2000 through the Water Efficiency Plan. Interested stakeholders will be consulted in the development of the new program.

There is sufficient funding of $510,000 in the 1999 Water and Wastewater Capital Works Program - Water Efficiency Budget to expand the program by an additional 8,500 units.

Contact:

Michael D'Andrea, P.Eng

Manager, Infrastructure Asset Management

Quality Control and System Planning

Telephone: (416) 397-4631

Fax: (416) 392-2974

e-mail: michael_d'andrea@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca

Michael A. Price, P.Eng., FICE Barry H. Gutteridge

General Manager, Commissioner,

Water and Wastewater Services Works and Emergency Services