PMI/AWE study shows water-efficient toilets can save up to 170 billion gallons annually. |
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| Water-efficient toilets could potentially save up to 170 billion potable gallons of water per year across five states dealing with water shortages, according to new research by the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI).
The "Saturation Study of Non-Efficient Water Closets in Key States," focused on residential properties in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia and Texas — all states facing extreme water scarcity issues. According to the study, 170 billion gallons of potable water yearly — or 465 million gallons per day — could be saved if non-efficient toilets in residential properties are replaced with water-efficient ones. This savings throughout the five states can be extrapolated to an estimate of up to 360 billion potable gallons of water per year saved nationally. Forty out of 50 states anticipate water shortages in the years ahead, according to the Government Accountability Office, and toilet flushing has been identified as the largest single indoor use of water, representing 24 percent of total use in single-family homes. "AWE's and PMI's research underscores the significance and benefits of water management as more states are increasingly anticipating water shortages in the coming years," said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. "The more our industry encourages the increased use of water-efficient fixtures, the sooner our communities will realize positive impact and savings." |