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 ant to save? Most residents of San Diego County are
eligible for a $75 discount by presenting a voucher when purchasing
a high-efficiency front-loading clothes washer. The residential
high-efficiency washer is the latest product on a growing list
of items eligible for cooperative water-agency-funded discounts.
 High-efficiency
clothes washers use 40 percent less water than standard top-loading
models in most area homes. Lower water use is not the only efficiency,
though. Spin cycles extract 35 percent more water and that means
reduced drying time. And less time in the dryer means less use
of electricity!
Front-loading
washers are a bit more expensive, initially - the voucher helps
there but over time, they are extremely economical. Not only
do you save precious time and water, but front-loaders save wear
and tear on your precious garments.
"I'm
extremely pleased with mine," said Vickie Driver, a conservation
coordinator and water resources specialist with the San Diego
County Water Authority. "I've put nasty gardening clothes
in it and they've come out really nice. It cleans well and delicately.
"It also
saves even more water and energy than I had expected."
Participating
retailers treat the vouchers like coupons. This guarantees customers
an immediate discount when a qualifying washer is purchased.
While some
portions of San Diego are under a rebate system, it would be
wise to contact your local water agency to be sure which system
covers your neighborhood. If you are under the voucher system,
be sure to have the required voucher in hand when you shop.
"Too
often people will buy a front-loading washer and then call us
to get a voucher," said Lynn Young, support services manager
at Helix Water District, which cosponsors vouchers for La Mesa,
El Cajon, Lemon Grove and parts of Spring Valley. "We feel
terrible, but there's nothing we can do. They need to get the
voucher first."
Customers
interested in a $75 voucher should call toll free 1-800-986-4538
for more information and to request a voucher. 
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