California, one of the most liberal states in the country, and Texas, one of the most conservative, don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye on many issues. However, when it comes to water, they do.
A coalition led by the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) recently helped Texas join California in requiring that all toilets installed in new residential and commercial facilities be high-efficiency toilets (HETs).
These toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) of water. This is about 20 percent less than the federally mandated GPF and a significant reduction from toilets manufactured years ago that used as much as 3.5 GPF or more.
The only exception in Texas is that facilities can install toilets that are WaterSense-certified. However, at this time, toilets that earn the right to have the WaterSense label posted on them must also use only 1.28 GPF.
It appears that the key reason this unlikely couple was formed is that both have chronic water issues. There are times, such as in California today, when there is so much rain and snow that there is more water than can be stored. However, just four years ago, the state was suffering from one of its more serious droughts. This same “up-and-down” water scenario plays out in Texas as well.
Along with PMI, other organizations working to limit the amount of water required to flush toilets include the National Wildlife Federation and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. Their goal is to “harmonize” water efficiency throughout the country.
Because Texas and California are the two most populous states in the country, and two of the fastest growing as well, it is unlikely that toilet manufacturers will produce two sets of toilets, one for Texas and California and one for the rest of the country. Instead, they will likely manufacture one set, all using 1.28 GPF. They believe this will harmonize toilet manufacturing, without the need for federal mandates.
Over the years, restroom water-using products have progressed tremendously, using far less water than imagined twenty years ago. It is likely this will continue. Waterless urinals are already commonplace around the country and the world. We can expect toilets that use less water, and possibly no water at all, in years to come.
For more information on ways to reduce water consumption and the features and benefits of waterless urinals, contact a Waterless Co representative.
