From staff reports

DURHAM -- City residents interested in learning how to save water will get that chance beginning Saturday at upcoming water efficiency clinics.

The Department of Water Management is sponsoring a series of water efficiency clinics during the month of October in partnership with local home improvement stores. Customers can receive practical water savings devices for their homes, valuable tips on developing water efficient behaviors, and information on the on-going toilet rebate program for Durham homeowners.

The clinics are scheduled at the following locations:

- Saturday -- Lowe's Home Improvement, 4402 Fayetteville Road.

- Oct. 24 -- The Home Depot, 3701 Mount Moriah Road.

- Oct. 31 -- Lowe's Home Improvement, 117 William Penn Plaza.

Water Management employees will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at those events.

"We are excited about partnering with our local home improvement stores to offer these opportunities to expand our existing water efficiency outreach program," said Al Nelson, conservation specialist with the Water Management department. "Customers who take advantage of our toilet rebate program and other offers will potentially save hundreds of dollars per year."

The toilet rebates are valued at $100 and are available to qualified water customers who replace their high water using toilets with EPA WaterSense rated high efficiency toilet models. Any toilet purchased must be a high efficiency toilet and must be on the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense list. Any toilet that meets the criteria and was purchased after Jan. 1, 2008, is eligible for the rebate. Rebates will be applied as credits to customers' water bills.

For more information about the clinics or additional conservation tips, city residents should call (919) 560-4381 or e-mail savewater@durhamnc.gov.