Water-Saving Measures Using Much More Efficient Toilets
Toilets used, on average, in the late 1970s into the 1980s, 3.5 to 7 gallons with every flush. Toilets of that era had powerful flushing rather than water efficiency in mind. Some states only showed a growing concern for drought; efficiency regarding the use of water was much less of an issue. These high-flow toilets contributed to high water usage within homes, as toilets were among the largest water-consuming fixtures. However, due to the sudden onset of water scarcity issues in the late 1980s, especially in arid states, a growing awareness emerged of the need for water-saving measures with much more efficient toilets.
Landmark Steps Taken by the United States
In 1992, the Energy Policy Act was one of those landmark steps taken by the United States to conserve water. President George H. W. Bush signed it. The legislation meant setting a national standard whereby all new toilets were required to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. This was a significant decrease from the old standard, which usually allowed from two to four times that amount in purging water. It did the job of easing demand for water supplies, thereby reducing utility costs and conserving natural resources. The law went into effect in 1994, thus making that year the watershed moment for efficient toilets, technology, and the standard base for manufacturers immediately thereafter.
The New Water Efficient Toilets Performed Poorly
In the early days of 1.6-gallon-per-flush toilets, when the technology first became a standard in the mid-1990s, consumers had a lot of these problems brought about by the new water-saving models. Though the 1992 Energy Policy Act required this water usage reduction, early attempts at making efficient toilets resulted in poorly performing toilets. As a result, many 1.6 GPF toilets did not possess the flushing power to move solid waste in one flush. Therefore, it created problems where people flushed twice, ironically failing to achieve some of the savings on water.
Indeed, over time, toilet manufacturers made heavy investments in the redesigning and refining of low-flow technology. In fact, modern 1.6 GPF toilets perform as well, if not better than pre-low-flow, high-flow toilets. Advances in the mechanism of flushing, such as pressure-assisted and gravity-fed designs, wider trap ways, and optimized bowl shapes, have now enabled these toilets to efficiently clear waste with just a single flush without compromising water efficiency.
New, Innovative Flushing Technologies
Most brands, such as TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard, introduce new, innovative flushing technologies like the Tornado Flush system, AquaPiston, and the VorMax system that maximize dispensing power at minimum water consumption. Thanks to progress like this, today’s 1.6 GPF toilets can provide the same performance as their water-guzzling predecessors. Indeed, water efficient toilets along with the latest design and technology equals strong performance.
The New Efficient Toilets Removed the Myth of Poor Performance
After this, several toilet makers went one step further and began producing ultra-low-flow toilets with advanced technology. The water efficient toilets reduced water consumption significantly. Brands like TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard began producing models using only 1.28 gallons per flush. Additionally, some makers designed toilets that go downward as low as 1.1, 1.0, and even 0.8 gallons per flush. These companies continue to design dual-flush and pressure-assisted toilets that bypass these governmental guidelines. The technology focuses on powerful flushes with minimal water. Besides the help given to consumers to reduce water consumption, water efficient toilets removed the myth that low water means low-performance. These levels have become popular options among water-conscious consumers and sustainable building projects.
Lower-Flow Fixtures Will Help Meet Long-Term Conservation Goals
Water conservation remains a matter of utmost concern, especially in naturally arid states like California, Arizona, and Nevada, whose water supplies are limited and highly valued. California has aggressively pursued water conservation through low-flow efficient toilets. It has continued to promote even lower-flow fixtures because of the concern for long-term water availability to meet agricultural and residential water use.
Other states experiencing similar demands on their water supply have followed suit, forming their legislation and offering incentives. The incentives encourage residents to install low-flow efficient toilets, replacing those that use high volumes of water. With climate change contributing to increasing drought conditions worldwide, water efficiency in appliances is needed to meet conservation goals and protect water supplies for future generations.
Smart Toilets Take Center Stage
Smart toilets create an interesting combination of comfort, hygiene, and water conservation all together in modern bathrooms. Brands such as TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard continue to demonstrate their prowess in intelligent toilet technology by equipping their models with dual-flush options, automatic flushing, and sensors that regulate water use depending on users’ needs.
Some offer dual-flush functions: the user can select a low-water flush for liquid waste and a higher water flush for solid waste to optimize water usage. The Neorest model from TOTO uses an efficient 0.8 or 1.0 gallons per flush. At the same time, Kohler’s intelligent toilets integrate motion sensors that automatically initiate a minimal flush, reducing the chances of double flushing or other kinds of unnecessary water waste. These eco-friendly features make smart toilets the perfect choice for nature-conscious homebuyers looking to reduce both water consumption and utility bills.
Rebates When Water Efficient Toilets are Purchased
Beyond dual-flush options and sensor technology, many smart toilets also have leak detection and alert systems to avoid waste caused by undetected leaks. A person can monitor leaks through their smartphone applications that help the homeowner act quickly to prevent water waste, particularly in areas prone to drought. Some will have self-cleaning systems, like the American Standard ActiClean, which maintains their performance and reduces the need for multiple flushes. California and other water-conserving states offer rebates when you purchase water efficient toilets.
MVP Plumbers Stands to be Your Trusted Partner
Finally, investment in water-efficient toilets is one of the simplest yet effective ways homeowners and businesses can contribute to California’s efforts for water conservation. Most new low-flow toilets meet or even surpass performance standards that prove sustainability. From saving money with water bills to helping protect California’s limited water supplies.
Water efficient toilets are necessary to create a sustainable future for the state. Should you replace your fixtures with more eco-friendly ones in the future, then look to MVP Plumbers of Murrieta, CA, for expert advice and professional installation. With a focus on quality and sustainability, MVP Plumbers stands prepared to be your trusted partner in reaching comfort and conservation for your home.
MVP Plumbers is located in the Inland Empire and covers Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, and other surrounding cities. If you have questions or comments about this article, send us an email at [email protected].
