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GREEN LIVING

Save Water, Save Money with Smart Plumbing Fixtures

by Rosa Colucci

separatorJanuary 27, 2025

 

Water is one of our most valuable resources and conservation of this valuable resource is easier than ever thanks to a confluence of beauty and technology that can save you as much as 30 percent of your homes overall water usage.

In 1992, the EPA set a federal standard of 2.2 GPM (gallons per minute) for faucets and 2.5 GPM for shower heads. Specifically, most bathroom faucets have designed flow rates of 1.5 GPM, and kitchen faucets between 1.5 and 2.2 GPM.

Many states have enacted stricter requirements that set the flow rate at 1.75 GPM and those regulations are expected to apply to more states. In the typical home, showering alone accounts for 17-20 percent of all water usage. There is also considerable expense involved in heating and treating the wastewater showering.

In response, manufacturers have looked at the new standards as an opportunity for innovation, expanding technologies and product lines to deliver more target performance in their product lines resulting in a luxury experience for less cost.

One of the easiest ways to cut back on use is to just switch out the shower head itself. This is a DIY project and takes ten minutes. It is also the least expensive way to make a water-saving change in your home

Look for the “Watersense” Label on the box and consider replacing a typical shower head with a hand shower stem unit that can serve a dual function. Many of these models are also equipped with a button to suppress the flow of water (think of your garden hose) so you can stop the water while shampooing, etc. and then go for the big rinse.

 

Newer units mix aeration with water to deliver the ultimate experience without sacrificing performance.

For kitchen and bath faucets, you may not be in the position to switch out entire fixtures, but you can get in on the savings simply changing the aerator insert for a few dollars. These fantastic little units can be purchased at any hardware store or online by searching “low flow aerators.”

The next savings line is the toilet. Much has been made about how low-flow toilets just don’t work and you end up flushing twice. Not anymore, new models have dual flush cycles, a greatly improved water trap (That is the “S” curve you see on the bottom) system and mechanisms that swirl the water to create powerful vacuum to remove waste. If you have one of the ancient 5 gallon models in your house, it is well-worth the few hundred dollars to switch since newer models can use as little as 1.2 gallons per flush.

Before you buy, check out the online reviews products you are interested in. Millions of consumers post photos and critiques that are very, very helpful.

Remember, any investment in water conservation is also a win for the planet.

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Rosa Colucci
Rosa Colucci
Rosa Colucci is a Features Writer, Color Educator and Consultant who loves animals, the environment and a good bakery.