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Water Conservation
Across the country, there is a growing urgency to conserve water whenever possible. Some regions have experienced water shortages and increased water rates. Using water-saving faucets, showerheads, and toilets is the best way to conserve water and save on utility bills. The National Efficiency Standards, published by the EPA, outline current standards for water efficient products and WaterSense labeled product standards.
WaterSense Certified Products
Plumbing products that carry the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20% more efficient without sacrificing performance. The EPA created this national program to partner with water utilities, manufacturers, and retailers to encourage the use of water-efficient products and practices. WaterSense plumbing products meet the EPA's criteria for water efficiency and performance and help save billions of gallons of water each year in the United States.
Current Water Conservation Legislation
Many cities and states have laws requiring water efficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Oftentimes, rebates are available locally. The EPA has regional offices that provide environmental information and services. Below is a a summary of some recent legislation by states leading the way in water conservation.
California
In response to the state's historic drought, the California Energy Commission has approved new water conservation standards.
Bathroom Faucets
- As of September 1, 2015, bath faucets sold in California cannot exceed 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM)
- As of July 1, 2016, bath faucets sold in California cannot exceed 1.2 gallons per minute (GPM)
Showerheads
- Currently, showerheads sold in California cannot exceed 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM)
- As of July 1, 2016, showerheads sold in California cannot exceed 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM)
- By July 1, 2018, the standard for showerheads sold in California will be 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM)
Kitchen Faucets
- Currently, kitchen faucets sold in California cannot exceed 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM)
- As of January 1, 2016, kitchen faucets sold in California cannot exceed 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM)
Public Bathroom Faucets & Aerators
- As of January 1, 2016, public bathroom faucets and aerators cannot exceed 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM)
- As of July 1, 2016, public bathroom faucets and aerators cannot exceed 0.5 gallons per minute (GPM)
Toilets & Urinals
- As of January 1, 2016 toilets must not exceet 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF). Wall mounted urinals must not exceed 0.125 gallons per flush (GPF)**; other urinals 0.5 gallons per flush (GPF)**
By executive order, Californians must reduce water use by 25% by February 2016. The governor's mandatory order is in response to extreme drought conditions affecting the state.
Local water agencies are required to adjust their rate structures to reflect conservation pricing and discourage water waste—including but not limited to surcharges, fees, and penalties.
Rebates may be available. Please check with your local sales representative or email [email protected].
Save water to meet mandate requirements by purchasing CALGreen and WaterSense certified products available with free, next day delivery.*
Texas
Texas requires water saving standards for faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals sold in the state. As of January 1, 2014, Texas (HB 2667) mandates all toilets and urinals sold in Texas must meet new efficiency standards.
Toilets & Urinals
- Toilets cannot exceed 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF)
- Urinals cannot exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (GPF)
Georgia
Georgia's Water Stewardship Act (SB370) requires high efficiency plumbing fixtures for both residential and commercial installation as of July 2012. Faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals must be WaterSense certified and "any person who installs any toilet, faucet, urinal, or showerhead in violation of this code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."
Toilets & Urinals
- Toilets cannot exceed 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) WaterSense certified
- Urinals cannot exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (GPF) WaterSense certified
New York
New York City Green Code (No. 57) requires that new and replaced faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals meet efficiency standards and be WaterSense Certified.
Bathroom Faucets
- Bath faucets cannot exceed 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) @ 60 PSI WaterSense certified
Kitchen Faucets
- Kitchen faucets cannot exceed 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM) @ 60 PSI
Toilets & Urinals
- Toilets cannot exceed 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) WaterSense certified
- Urinals cannot exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (GPF) WaterSense certified
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**Except those designed for prisons or mental health facilities, these facilities have specially-designed toilets and urinals to address security and health issues.
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