High School Band to Give Away 1,050 Water-Saving Toilets

Residents living in several Simi Valley neighborhoods will get the chance to flush away higher water bills for free today.

Simi Valley High School’s marching band and pageantry corps will give away 1,050 water-saving toilets to Southern California Water Co. customers who live in the section of the city bounded by Kuehner Drive, Erringer Road, Royal Avenue and Alamo Street.

The new toilets use less than 2 gallons of water per flush. Older models can consume as much as 7 gallons each time they are used.

Although hours of the giveaway at Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St., are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., organizers suggest that would-be recipients arrive early because supplies are limited.

A maximum of two toilets will be given per home, and individuals must bring a recent water bill and identification confirming their address.

Owners of multifamily, commercial or industrial buildings can take as many toilets as they need upon approval.

The catch?

Recipients of the free toilets will have two weeks to install them and then must bring their old water guzzlers back to Simi Valley High on Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who fail to bring back their old toilets may be charged $100 for each one they received.

Participants are also cautioned to make sure their existing toilets measure 11 3/8 inches from the wall to the mounting bolts to ensure a proper fit.

Band members will deliver and pick up toilets for $5 per trip.

The toilet giveaway is part of a fund-raising effort by Simi Valley High’s Marching Pioneers, who will receive $15 from the Southern California Water Co. for each one they distribute to local residents.

Money raised during the toilet giveaway will be used to purchase musical instruments, cover transportation costs to parades and fund other band and pageantry corps activities.