Sustainability. This is a major goal of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program. WaterSense is meant to make "it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment." The EPA even notes that "many products are available, and don't require a change in your lifestyle." Essentially, the WaterSense mark shows that plumbing manufacturers finally understand that even the most water conscious American needs a few minutes to wash a well used pot or pan...and it's nearly impossible to turn off a faucet with one's elbows while holding a pan full of hot water in one hand and a soapy sponge in the other. Sometimes, you just have to let the water run to get the job done right -- and you are left with a guilty conscience due to all the water you wasted.One solution to this dilemma is to have less water come out of the faucet or shower head. Sounds like a good idea, right? "But," you say, "I need high pressure to remove those baked on stains! Less water coming out at any given moment means I'll have to run the faucet longer. Doesn't this defeat the purpose?" Simply put, no!
Most of the faucets and shower heads will compensate for the difference in water by inducing air into the water stream. Think of it this way: A pessimist will say the glass is half empty. The optimist will say the glass is half full. WaterSense says the glass is completely full -- half water, half air! What this means is that your current faucets and shower heads use approximately 2 to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. EPA WaterSense faucets and shower heads, on the other hand, will use between 1.7 and 1.5 gallons per minute; an estimated average water savings of 30%. In order to keep the same feel or pressure the faucets and shower heads will have better aerators and cartridges. Honestly, who really wants to feel 30% less water or experience a 30% more difficult time rinsing the soap off when they shower? Well, we can have our cake and eat it, too!
PaulSupply.com recommends taking a look at a few of the following manufacturer's webpages to really get a better feel for what products are available for the environmentally conscious water user:
The Kohler WaterSense section has a particularly useful Water Use Calculator which will allow you to compare your water use habits with those of the average American. Now you can see exactly how many gallons of water you use per day; and how many gallons you could potentially save!
