To conserve water, some California residents are given free, high-efficiency toilets

As part of a continuing program to help drought-proof the region by increasing water conservation and improving water supply reliability, the Central Basin Municipal Water District in Whittier, Calif., partnered recently with the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and Rio Hondo College in an unusual giveaway.

On Aug. 13, the team handed out 1,000 high-efficiency toilets to residents who lined up on the college campus for the free commodes, which use just 1.3 gallons of water per flush compared with older toilets that typically use 5 to 7 gallons.

&quotThe turnout was truly amazing, the largest we have seen in years,&quot said Central Basin Director Ed Vasquez. &quotWithin three hours, 1,000 toilets had been distributed. Through this distribution alone, we will save more than 9 million gallons of water annually.&quot