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Green and Clean: Sleek Water-Wise Bathroom Fixtures
By choosing ecofriendly faucets, showerheads and even toilets, you can save loads of water and money without sacrificing style
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon, where I design both new residences and remodels. With a focus on forward-thinking sustainable designs, my preferred palette includes natural materials, simplicity, and playful contrasts.
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon,... More »
Sure, we're called the "water planet," but remarkably little of the blue stuff — less than 1 percent — is available to us as potential drinking water. The rest is tied up in saltwater, ice caps and other less-accessible sources. That scarcity isn't obvious to most of us in the industrialized world, where water is cheap and easy to find, but there are a billion others who aren't as lucky. And our time of easy water may be waning too, with the U.S. Government Accountability Office predicting water shortages in 36 states by 2013.
Being water wise can cut your utility bills, reduce the need for costly investments in water treatment and delivery systems, and contribute to a more sustainable water future. The bathroom is the place to start since it's the water hog in your home, accounting for more than half of the indoor water you use. Check out these water-wise plumbing fixtures that don't compromise style or function.
Being water wise can cut your utility bills, reduce the need for costly investments in water treatment and delivery systems, and contribute to a more sustainable water future. The bathroom is the place to start since it's the water hog in your home, accounting for more than half of the indoor water you use. Check out these water-wise plumbing fixtures that don't compromise style or function.
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| To find water-wise fixtures, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense, a partnership program with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is an independent organization that reviews plumbing fixtures for water efficiency (among many other jobs). Their certification, or approval, is given to fixtures that are at least 20 percent more efficient without compromising performance. The average bathroom makeover with WaterSense fixtures saves 7,000 gallons of water annually. That's enough water to wash six months worth of laundry. Bathroom faucets. Getting a faucet with the WaterSense can reduce your sink's water flow by up to 30 percent. Doing so will save the average home 500 gallons of water annually. You can also add an aerator to bathroom taps. An aerator decreases water flow while maintaining or even increasing water pressure by mixing water with air. And regardless of how much water comes out of your tap, don't forget to turn off the faucet while shaving or brushing teeth. |
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by Kenny Grono
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| Dual-flush toilets. Toilets consume far more water than any other indoor fixture, accounting for 30 percent of most homes' indoor water use. Dual-flush toilets, increasingly common in homes, are an easy way to cut water use without compromising effectiveness. A dual-flush toilet differs from standard models with two flush options: one for liquid waste, which uses less than a gallon of water, and a second for solid waste. |
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| Composting toilets. Composting toilets, which use little or no water, are ready for the mainstream with smart systems that can look like conventional toilets (save for missing the water tank). Manufacturers like Clivus Multrum and Sun-Mar offer centralized systems that have remote tanks for the waste. The tanks can be sized so that minimal attention is required. |
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by MILK design
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| Bidets. The U.S. is known for a love of being uberclean, so it's surprising that we haven't embraced bidets, as they offer a cleanliness we can't get with toilet paper. Beyond cleanliness, bidets save water, because making toilet paper is an incredibly water-intensive process. And some bidet users increase their shower intervals, saving more water still. |
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Toilet: Bidet retrofit. Toto's Washlet and similar products allow conventional toilets to act as both toilet and bidet with the easy addition of a new seat. The seat has an integrated water nozzle that functions as a bidet.
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| Graywater reuse. It's a little crazy that we use potable drinking water to flush our toilets. Aqus is a simple system that routes used sink water (graywater) through a filter and disinfectant and into any nearby toilet tank for use in flushing. Being water smart couldn't be easier. |
| Urinals. Residential urinals can make your lavatory fun for boys while conserving water. Some manufacturers, including Kohler, offer waterless urinals for even greater water savings. |
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| Showerheads. You don't have to give up a luxe shower experience to save water. Feel virtuous when lathering up with a WaterSense-certified shower head. WaterSense understands that no one wants a wimpy shower spray, so all their approved fixtures tout a "satisfactory shower that is equal to or better than conventional showerheads on the market" while using just 2 gallons of water per minute. Showers typically use less water than baths, as long as they're kept brief. A timer can help you keep an eye on how long you've been lathering up. |
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| Bathtubs. There's nothing like a long, luxurious bath. That luxury takes a lot of water — roughly 50 to 70 gallons per bath. Being water wise doesn't have to mean giving up your long soak. When remodeling or building, look for smaller tubs with a capacity of less than 60 gallons. Also, when you're just looking for a quick clean, you'd be more water smart to jump in the shower, where you'll use about half the water. More: Design an Easy-Clean Bathroom 2012 Faucets and Fixtures: See What's New for the Bath |
Ideabook published on June 25, 2012.
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@Bette: Terrific! I think this is very similar to the Japanese approach to bathing.
@letat: Thanks for your input, and I understand you respecting your contractor's recommendation. Maybe it was issue with early models? Or maybe Canadian standards/models vary from those in the US? In the States, the 'solids' flush is 1.6 gallon per minute, which matches conventional toilet building code requirements, so it stands to reason that they'd work as well as any current code-compliant model. We too work with the top/high-end residential builders here in Portland and have not heard of similar issues or concerns, nor have our clients that have dual-flush toilets shared any problems. In fact, I'm glad to report that some of our clients were sufficiently satisfied with the initial dual-flush toilets to install additional ones in subsequent remodels.
"By choosing ecofriendly faucets, showerheads and even toilets, you can save loads of water and money without sacrificing style"
..........I would be 100% sold with the added comment.......
without sacrificing style, function or value.
Thanks for your observations always.