| Experts are sounding the alarm that potable | | | | - They range in price from $3 to more than $80. |
| water will soon become as precious a commodity | | | | - You get what you pay for; low-priced models |
| as oil. While world population continues to grow | | | | will need to be replaced in a couple of years, as |
| ever faster, freshwater resources remain | | | | water pressure erodes the drop holes. |
| constant - only 1% of the world's water is fit for | | | | - Aerating-type low-flow units mix water with air, |
| human use. In the U.S., 36 states anticipate local, | | | | creating a misty spray that can permeate the |
| regional or statewide water shortages by 2013. If | | | | entire bathroom-not good in humid climates where |
| we all started using water more efficiently, we | | | | added moisture can lead to mold, mildew and |
| can help preserve water supplies for future | | | | other problems. |
| generations and save money on our water and | | | | - Early model aerating units are commonly viewed |
| sewage bills. | | | | as not providing enough water for a good shower. |
| According to the Environmental Protection | | | | - Laminar-type units form individual streams of |
| Agency, homes use more than half of publicly | | | | water, and receive high marks for providing |
| supplied water in the United States. An average | | | | adequate water flow while minimizing waste. |
| American family of four can consume nearly 400 | | | | - Opt for a high quality laminar unit with large size |
| gallons of water per day and spends up to $500 | | | | droplet holes. |
| per year on water and sewage bills. The biggest | | | | - CAUTION: Installing low-flow shower heads can |
| uses of water in a home are: | | | | increase back pressure in water supply lines. This |
| Toilets (27% of total water usage) | | | | can cause a leak in the pipe, and can cause the |
| - The average person flushes the toilet about five | | | | bathtub faucet to leak large amounts of water |
| times per day. Low-flow toilets (less than 1.3 | | | | while your low-flow shower head is running. Make |
| gallons per flush) and dual-flush toilets can save | | | | sure that the diverter valve (the valve that shuts |
| more than 2.000 gallons per year. | | | | off flow to the bathtub faucet when the shower |
| - Note that early model and 'builder grade' 1.6 | | | | is running) is in good working condition. |
| gallons per flush (gpf) low-flow toilets have a | | | | Faucets (16% of total water usage) |
| reputation for not flushing completely and/or | | | | - The average person uses faucets for about 8 |
| require you to keep a plunger handy. | | | | minutes each day. |
| - Choose models that score high on key | | | | - Sink faucet aerators conserve water by |
| measurement criteria such as plug resistance, | | | | reducing the rate of water flow. |
| completeness of flush (at least 500 grams based | | | | - Use sink faucet aerators on fixtures located |
| on MaP testing), noise levels, how well the bowl | | | | closest to the water heater. The further the |
| rinses and length of time to refill. | | | | distance from the water heater, the longer you'll |
| - Many plumbers recommend G-Max and Pressure | | | | have to run the tap to get hot water - and |
| Assisted low- flow units. However, the sudden | | | | actually waste more water than you would |
| action and noise of Pressure Assisted units can | | | | without using an aerator! |
| startle children-not very helpful when trying to | | | | - Faucet aerators are the most cost-effective |
| potty train! | | | | when water delivery pressure is high. |
| - Dual flush (1.6gpf for solids, 0.8 gpf for liquids) | | | | - Their water flow rates range from 0.375 gallons |
| are common in many parts of the world, and are | | | | per minute to 2.5 gallons per minute. |
| gaining popularity in the U.S. | | | | - They range in price from $1.50 to $25. |
| Clothes Washers (22% of total water usage) | | | | Dishwashers (5% of total water usage) |
| - The average home washes 7 loads of laundry | | | | - The average home uses the dishwasher 5 times |
| per week. | | | | per week. |
| - ENERGY STAR label units consume about 20 | | | | - An ENERGY STAR label dishwasher uses about |
| gallons of water per load, compared with 40 | | | | 40% less water than conventional models. |
| gallons for standard models. | | | | Similar to the highly successful ENERGY STAR |
| - Front loading (horizontal axis) washers use half | | | | program to help consumers choose energy |
| as much water as conventional (vertical axis) | | | | efficient products, the U.S. Environmental |
| units. Washing full loads rather than partial loads | | | | Protection Agency recently launched the |
| saves up to 3,400 gallons per year. | | | | WaterSense program. The WaterSense program |
| Showers (17% of total water usage) | | | | establishes water-efficiency standards for |
| - The average person showers about 5 minutes | | | | appliances, and issues a label to help buyers |
| each day. | | | | choose high quality, water efficient products. Visit |
| - Low-flow showerheads can help conserve water | | | | the WaterSense website at |
| by reducing water flow. | | | | By making smart choices in how we consume |
| - The water flow rates of low-flow showerheads | | | | water today, we will be able to ensure a steady |
| range between 0.5 gallons per minute to 2 gallons | | | | supply of potable water for our |
| per minute. | | | | great-grandchildren. |