February 19, 2007—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a final specification for the latest generation of water-saving, high-efficiency toilets. Those that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush and meet performance standards for quality will qualify for EPA’s WaterSense label to help consumers make informed buying decisions about water-efficient products.
According to EPA, the new toilets are the product of extensive research in fluid dynamics conducted over the last six years. While the exterior differs little from traditional toilets, interior redesign and new mechanical approaches significantly improve flow and reduce water usage, says EPA.
During the development of its WaterSense program, EPA analysis determined that toilets represented a significant target for its water-efficiency activities. It is estimated that high-efficiency toilets can reduce water bills by about 10 percent.
WaterSense-labeled toilets are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Only high-efficiency toilets that complete the third-party certification process can earn the WaterSense label, explains EPA.
For more information, visit EPA’s WaterSense or Final Specification for High-Efficiency Toilets Web page.
