Plumbing fixtures and water conservation.

Choosing between water comfort and water efficiency is finally a thing of the past. There are now plenty of plumbing fixtures that combine water conservation and high performance making water efficiency a fit even for the most demanding. But how do we know we are choosing something that really makes an impact?
An easy way to have peace of mind when we buy a new fixture, is to look for the WaterSense label on the packaging. WaterSense labeled products meet EPA's specifications for water efficiency and performance, and are backed by independent, third-party certification. Rebates are also a good indication that the fixture reflects higher water saving and performance standards.

Faucets. When looking for a faucet that will perform satisfactorily and will also save water there a few specifications to consider.

·Gallons per minute (GPM) is a very important characteristic of a faucet. I would recommend somewhere around 1~1.2 GPM, as it is a good compromise between low flow and good pressure.

·Pick a single-handle faucet rather than a double. The water temperature is easier to regulate and you end up wasting less water. They are also easier to install yourself as you just have one piece to fit instead of three.

·Choose metal made faucets as last longer and can be recycled at the end of their life. Brass and stainless steel are two of the best materials for a faucet you can find. Avoid plastic faucets if you can, because even though they are the cheapest option they need to be replaced frequently because the lack durability.

Showerheads. Water pressure and even distribution of water are important to a most relaxing shower. You can make sure to make a good choice by looking for a proper combination of a few key specifications.

·A good output for a showerhead is 2 gallons per minute which is a great compromise and still performs great.

·Choose a showerhead combined with a hand-held with a shutoff button on the handle. It helps make a more efficient use of the your shower time

·Keep the spouts free of clogs so that the fixture will last longer. The little silicone spouts tend to clog over time due to calcium and other deposits over time.

Toilets. There are a variety of option to make your toilet more water efficient and some very clever solution come from oversees reinventing the water tank concept entirely.

·Pick a dual flush toilet and with a bigger flush of no more than 1.3 gallons of water. Sometimes we really don’t need much water and it makes a huge difference to have the ability to use a smaller flush.

·You can buy an add-on for your dual flush toilet that allows you to wash your hands in a small sink and the water used will end up in the water tank for future flushes.. Like this one for example.

·Pick a toilet with a sleek design instead of a lot of crevices. It will save time, cleaning products, and water because they are infinitely easier to clean and also accumulate less dirt around them.

There are plenty of affordable options that can really make a difference. Most brands have a WaterSense options among their products which helps making better and more sustainable choices. Incorporating sustainable design is slowly getting in everyone’s reach, which will make it easier for all of us to make an difference.