Water Efficiency
Install Low-flow Water Fixtures
What Is It?
Low-flow water fixtures are sink faucets, shower heads, and toilets that use less water per minute than older, traditional models. Low-flow water fixtures conserve water by using a high-pressure technique to produce a strong or equal flow of water with less water than other less-efficient fixtures. The EPA’s WaterSense logo is an easy way to identify water-efficient products.
Benefits
Replacing older water fixtures with low-flowing ones is a relatively low-cost and quick way for your workplace to conserve water and save money. In particular, WaterSense products are 20% more water efficient than average products and provide measurable water savings results (EPA).
By reducing a facility’s draw on public, treated water supplies, tenants and building managers reduce the energy used by water utilities’ to pump, treat, and dispose of water. This “drops to watts” connection is surprisingly strong. In fact, U.S. water-related energy use represents about 13% of the nation’s electricity consumption and generates approximately 290 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. So for every million gallons of water saved, approximately 1.95 metric tons of CO2 emissions are avoided.
NEWS
- “Plumbing Association Advocates for WaterSense,” BuilderOnline.com, April 21, 2017
Resources
- EPA: WaterSense
- Massachusetts Water Resources Authority: Water Conservation and Efficiency
