With California still battling drought conditions from the past year, it’s important that you consider water efficiency and conservation moving forward. One of the best places to start being more water-efficient is in your home or business! New standards for water fixtures limit the amount of water able to be used per appliance, so make sure to talk to a plumber in Modesto, CA to ensure your appliances are up to code.
What is water efficiency?
Water efficiency involves using water resources smartly and creating new technologies that allow us to conserve water and act more sustainably. Using water-efficient technologies helps us save water for the future and in case of emergencies like severe droughts. Water efficiency can also help you save money and use less energy daily.
Water efficiency standards
California recently enacted new water efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures to limit how much water is used per flush or per minute. These standards are estimated to help save 105 billion gallons per year over time, and are even more stringent than the EPA’s standards. These apply to any fixtures installed professionally or sold now. They also mandate that family homes (and commercial buildings in the future) replace fixtures with ones that meet these standards. Contact a plumber in Modesto, CA to have them install plumbing fixtures that meet these standards:
Toilets should not use more than 1.28 gallons per flush. Urinals should not use more than 0.125 gallons per flush. Home faucets should not exceed a flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute, and public faucets should not exceed a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute. Kitchen faucets should not exceed a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute; however, they are all allowed the capability to increase to a 2.2 gallon per minute flow rate for a short time to fill pots and pans.
How you can conserve more water
In addition to installing plumbing fixtures that meet these standards, you can install other water-efficient appliances. Low-flush or dual-flush toilets help further reduce water usage by using less water to clear liquid waste versus solid waste. There are also a number of water-efficient showerheads and faucets that limit water usage without sacrificing water pressure. Fixing plumbing leaks is another way to conserve water—a leaky faucet alone can waste up to 20 gallons a day.
A number of actions can also help you conserve water in addition to upgrading your plumbing fixtures. Take shorter showers and only run the washing machine or dishwasher when they are full in order to cut back on your daily usage.
Water conservation starts with you
By upgrading just a few appliances and plumbing fixtures in your home or business, you can save money and help the environment by using less water. In the event of a major drought, water efficiency and conservation are crucial. Contact a plumber in Modesto, CA to make sure your plumbing fixtures meet water efficiency standards.
Want to learn more about water conservation and efficiency? Contact a plumber at Alvarado Pumping Septic Service today!