In an effort to encourage residents to cut back on water usage and save money, the Town of Purcellville is offering rebates to citizens who purchase high-efficiency toilets and/or washing machines.

On Tuesday, the town council adopted the new water conservation incentive plan, the first of its kind in Virginia.

In a press release, Purcellville Mayor Bob Lazaro called the plan “an important part of helping the Town responsibly address our water resource needs now and for the future.”

Last year, Purcellville enacted mandatory water restrictions in which residents were not allowed to water lawns, wash cars or use power washers. In March, the restrictions were eased and made voluntary. But some wider uses of water were still restricted.

Instructions for the town’s rebate program can be found online, but basically, buyers of qualifying washing machines are eligible for up to $150 back, and buyers of high-efficiency toilets are eligible for a rebate of up to $100. These rebates require proof of purchase, said Alex Vanegas, assistant director of public works, and the program is retroactive to purchases made after July 1, 2008.

In addition to this consumer incentive, Purcellville administrators have made some changes internally to further reduce the town’s water bill.

Improved faucets and shower heads have been installed at all Purcellville public facilities, including Town Hall, and officials are hoping for a 15 to 20 percent reduction in water usage.

The town also hopes to offer up free low-flow shower heads to residents starting early next year.

“They’ll either be free, or at cost,” Vanegas said, “depending on our budget, of course.”