More Product Guide
Since the 1980s, consumers have had access to water-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads. By January 2023, 15 states and Washington, DC, had enacted plumbing efficiency standards that were stricter than the federal requirements.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency provides a state-by-state scorecard summarizing efforts across the nation:
- California is the only state requiring water utilities to plan for climate change.
- 18 states allocate revenues to fund water efficiency and conservation initiatives.
- 16 states provide funding for water reuse programs.
- 13 states have rate structures that promote water efficiency.
- 19 states require coordination between local land use and water planning agencies.
More advanced water conservation measures are available individually, from super-low-flow toilets to recirculating showers. Let’s explore some of the latest water-conservation fixtures on the market today.
Low-flow bathroom faucets
In the U.S., conventional kitchen and bathroom faucets must use no more than 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). Faucets that meet WaterSense’s energy efficiency standards must use no more than 1.5 gpm, a 32% decrease in flow rate over the federal requirement. These faucets save even more.
Grohe’s Essence ($280) ducks just under the WaterSense limit, with only 1.2 gpm of flow while you’re wetting the razor or toothbrush. The single-hole, single-handle faucet also has a ceramic disc for drip-free and leak-proof performance—no more dripping spigot to drive you insane at night—most of the available ultra-low-flow faucets clock in at 1.2 gpm.
Kohler’s Honesty (K-24857-4-CP; $570) widespread WaterSense-certified bathroom sink faucet uses only 0.5 gpm with a flow rate of 60 psi, matching the water pressure of a conventional 2.2 gpm faucet. The Kohler Parallel single-handle faucet has a 0.5 gpm flow rate for under $350. American Standard offers the Colony 4-inch center-set single-handle faucet for $180 and 0.5 gpm.
Chinese companies, such as Meijie Faucet, offer extensive lines of residential and commercial…
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3 Comments
Has anyone verified if "low-flow" actually equals "less water used"? Anecdotally, whenever I use a dribble faucet, it takes longer to get clean. What's the point of cutting the flow rate in half if it takes three times longer to wash?
The only application for low flow that makes any sense is in a shower. The fact they've become ubiquitous in other applications, like kitchen and bathroom faucets, is infuriating. I've even seen bath tub faucets with low flow restriction. I have a utility sink whose only purpose is to fill a bucket, and it takes 3 times as long as it needs to. Same amount of water.
Think how much for informative articles like this would be is the writer took the time and care to describe - not just the do's but also the don'ts. Like what telemark12 and Trevor describe. Don't we all know someone who bought a low-flow toilet that "don't flush" or is crazy noisy? Lest not to appear to be the curmudgeon, I recommend everyone consult a consumer reports publication - to get the true dope on good vs lousy new products. Don't rush to the big box center and get the discount cheap product unless you're sure it can do the job. Many are built lousy; just a few are of great value.
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