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Albany has joined the group of Oregon cities that offer rebates to homeowners who replace older model toilets with high-efficiency models.

The Albany program started July 1, said public information officer Marilyn Smith. It has $5,000 to spend in its first year, Smith said.

“The program is part of the city’s ongoing efforts in water conservation,” she said. “For some years, those were focused on handing out indoor and outdoor conservation kits, with mixed success.”

Albany allows two $50 rebates per household.

Customers should see reduced water bills, Smith said, noting that 58.5% of city homes were built before 1980, when high-volume flush toilets still were used.

City staff estimates that a family of four can save up to 20,000 gallons, of $110 per year, with more efficient toilets. If half of Albany homeowners replaced one toilet in their homes, it would save approximately 95,254,506 gallons per year, according to the estimate.