Common Misconceptions About Water Conservation

Myth #1: Showerheads

Switching to a high-efficiency showerhead will reduce water pressure and diminish the quality of my shower experience.

Truth:

There was a time when installing a high-efficiency showerhead may have meant sacrificing water pressure. However, today's high-efficiency showerheads are designed to maintain water pressure, with small tubules that carry water to each individual nozzle. In older designs, the showerhead had to fill with water before producing a stream, which uses a significant amount of the available water pressure. ADVICE: Look for a WaterSense-certified showerhead. All WaterSense showerheads must pass a rigorous force test as well as a test for even distribution the spray pattern.

Myth #2: Toilets

High-efficiency toilets don't deal with waste as effectively as older toilets and often require a second flush.

Truth:

Modern high-efficiency toilets use innovative technology that dramatically increases the force of the flush action over the old toilets of the 1980s and earlier. In fact, recent tests by independent organizations show that more waste can be flushed with the new 4.0L to 4.8L toilets than can be by the old design 13L to 20L toilets! The net result is high-efficiency toilets that can manage up to two pounds of waste while using as little water as 3.0 litres per flush. And even if you did have to flush twice, you'd still be using less water than a 10+ year old toilet, which can use as much as 20 litres per flush. ADVICE: Look for a WaterSense-certified toilet, which is tested to completely flush no less than 350g (12 ounces) in a single flush. Over 1,300 different toilet models have so far been qualified to WaterSense. To find one that meets your needs, go to www.map-testing.com.

Myth #3: WaterSense

7.2 GPM, 9.5 LPF –All these acronyms and numbers are confusing and make it difficult to easily identify efficient plumbing products.

Truth:

All major plumbing product manufacturers participate in the WaterSense program, an EPA initiative created to make it easier for consumers to identify high-performance, water-efficient plumbing fixtures at a glance. WaterSense currently certifies the best showerheads, toilets and faucets for the home. Similar to the EnergyStar program for home appliances and electronics, when a product meets WaterSense requirements, it features the WaterSense logo. ADVICE: Always look for this logo on plumbing products…

Misconception #4: Stylish Fixtures

High-efficiency plumbing fixtures just aren't stylish.

Truth:

Many thousands of showerheads faucets, and toilets have been certified to WaterSense requirements and from this vast selection, one can always find the fixture style they prefer. In fact, some major manufacturers no longer manufacture and sell the non-WaterSense product, because their focus is exclusively on performance, efficiency and style. ADVICE: Visit your local plumbing showroom to learn more.