The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program has released a draft specification for water-efficient flushometer-valve toilets. After the specification is finalized, EPA anticipates that each WaterSense labeled flushometer-valve toilet model will have the potential to save more than 5,400 gallons of water per year. That translates into more than $1,000 savings over the lifetime of the toilet.
Flushometer-valve toilets are typically found in commercial, institutional, or industrial restrooms. These types of toilets have two main components—the toilet bowl and the flushometer valve.
Like all WaterSense labeled products, flushometer-valve toilets will be independently certified. EPA's draft specification sets the maximum flush volume for WaterSense labeled flushometer-valve models at 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), which is 20% less water than the federal standard.
EPA estimates that about 28%, or 7.6 million, of the 27 million flushometer-valve toilets currently installed across the country flush at volumes higher than the federal standard of 1.6 gpf—some as much as 3 to 7 gpf. If all old, inefficient commercial flushometer-valve toilets were replaced with WaterSense labeled models, it would save more than 41 billion gallons of water per year nationwide, EPA estimates.
(http://www.epa.gov/watersense/products/flushometer-valve-toilets.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
Guides to wood construction in high wind areas updated
The guides establish prescriptive, wind-resistive structural requirements for wood-frame buildings of different sizes and shapes.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
New document addresses school safety and security
In an effort to balance security and fire safety features within codes, standards and planning, NFPA hosted a two-day workshop, “School Safety, Codes and Security”, last December. The findings are now available in an NFPA report.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
Two myths regarding NFPA 101 Life Safety Code debunked
NFPA life safety engineer Ron Coté settles the debate over second egress doors and exit signs.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
How to prevent corrosion in sprinkler system piping
The technical committees responsible for NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, have been looking at ways to eliminate or reduce corrosion in sprinkler systems for several revision cycles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
Steel Framing Alliance updates ‘Thermal Design and Code Compliance for Cold-Formed Steel Walls’ design guide
Includes results of new tests and addresses IECC and ASHRAE compliance paths.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
Helena, Mont., may charge commercial developers a fee to fund public art
The fee would apply to new construction or alteration of nonresidential buildings of at least 20,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
DBIA releases new document on choosing a project delivery method
Provides owners and others with factors to consider when choosing the best method of delivery for their project.
High-rise Construction | Jun 5, 2015
Japanese policymakers discuss mandate for toilets in elevators
This quirky-sounding building code is a safety measure for the earthquake-prone nation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2015
OSHA publishes guide to restroom access for transgender workers
The guide advises employers to allow employees to use restrooms that correspond to their gender identity.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2015
Guide helps Building Teams maximize team integration
The guide includes forms to support a two- to four-hour workshop to help an owner select the most appropriate delivery strategy.
