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Water-Conserving Toilet Trends

From 2010 to 2016, the population of the Colorado Front Range grew by about 12%. As this trend continues, there will be increased stress on the region’s natural resources, especially water. Keep in mind that Colorado is the seventh driest state in the United States. Water conservation efforts, both by individuals and communities, are critical, and are projected to be more so in the near future.

The Benefits of Water Conservation

Conserving water has several important benefits to the region. For individual homeowners, there is the immediate benefit of a lower water bill. It also means reduced environmental impact. As homes and communities use less water, the energy used to pump water from local supplies and the Western Slope to Front Range cities can be employed more efficiently. Critical as the regional population continues to grow. And finally, for future Front Range generations, it means the ability to better safeguard our water supply for years to come.

Toilets and Water Use

The EPA estimates that toilets are responsible for almost 30% of the average home’s water consumption. If you have a very old toilet, it can use as much as 3 to 6 gallons of water with each flush. Though more efficient than those old water-wasters, models installed just 15 or so years ago are probably not performing anywhere near today’s code standards. That’s still a lot of water being flushed away. A lot of wasted valuable resources, and wasted money in water utility bills.

Water-Conserving Low-Flush Toilets

Because toilets can use so much water, great strides have been made in making them more efficient. The current federal standard for new toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush. In Colorado and several drier states, the standard is 1.28 gallons per flush in a standard single flush toilet. In our area, if you put a new toilet in your home, it must meet this local standard of water efficiency. Some models of low-flush toilets can do their job with as little as a single gallon of water.

Dual-Flush Toilets

A steadily growing trend in residential toilet technology is the dual-flush model. Dual-flush toilets are made to acknowledge that not all flushes are created equal. Something we’re all aware of, but typically give little thought to, is the reality that the removal of liquid waste does not require the same amount of water as for the solid version. Dual-flush toilets provide a choice of two buttons or levers, allowing you to choose between two water usage options. In some of the most popular models, liquid waste is disposed of with a light flush of 0.8 gallons of water. Solid waste receives a more powerful 1.0 or 1.28 gallon flush. That small difference will result in a significant reduction in water consumption, over time. A great upgrade plumbing investment to consider.

At Save Home Heat Company, we can supply you with a professional assessment of options you should consider for upgrading your home’s toilets with more water-efficient models. By upgrading these major household water consumers now, you can start saving and lighten your environmental impact immediately. We provide expert plumbing and drain services all over the Boulder and Denver area, and can also assist you with high quality heating, cooling, and electrical services. Contact Save Home Heat Company today.