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 | Dec 28, 2020
2021 Defense Authorization Act includes mass timber provision
Directs defense, agriculture secretaries to review potential for wood frame construction on defense building projects.
Codes and Standards | Dec 28, 2020
New York City proposal would require rainwater detention tanks for new development
Rule would apply to projects on lots sized 20,000 sf or larger.
Codes and Standards | Dec 17, 2020
Energy efficiency as a service gaining ground as financing approach for adopting innovations
Building owners can invest in new technology with no upfront cost.
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2020
Resources available to address Legionella threat
Buildings reopened after extended pandemic closure are at risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2020
New Specifications for Concrete Construction reference manual released
Scope expanded to include shotcrete, internal curing, mineral fillers, and recycled concrete aggregates.
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2020
Despite COVID-19 population flight, don’t write off big cities yet
Lure of urban life and jobs may draw people back after pandemic subsides.
Codes and Standards | Dec 10, 2020
Test method for vertical fenestration installation procedures updated
FGIA issues first update for document created in 2005.
Codes and Standards | Dec 10, 2020
Updated EPDs for Polyiso Roof and Wall Insulation; EPD for Polyiso High-Density Cover Boards published
Cover Boards EPD is an industry first.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2020
Newly formed Rainscreen Association aims to be recognized authority on rainscreen assemblies
Will address innovations in material performance and building designs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2020
Investors want building resiliency plans and risk mitigation practices
Owners should assess risk, insurance coverage, and ability to withstand disasters.
