Reports

Reports found: 98

2022-Nation's Largest PFAS Removal Plant Now Online

2022 – Orange County Water District and Yorba Linda Water District opened their 25mgpd per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Treatment Plant, the nation’s largest ion exchange (IX) treatment plant for PFAS removal.  As a result, the YLWD was able to re-open 10 wells that were previously shut down due to PFAS.  Read the article by AWWA.

2017-Estimating Water Demand in Residential. What are the chances?

October 2017 – A comprehensive research report by Dan Cole related to Dr. Roy Hunter’s original water demand calculations and supply piping sizes. This report is intended to provide a fresh look at the sizing supply piping in residential applications considering the very significant reductions in fixture flush and flow rates over the past 80 years.

2017 - New saturation study of remaining non-efficient residential toilets

April 2017 – Water-efficient toilets could potentially save up to 170 billion potable gallons of water per year in the 5 states, according to new research by Koeller and Company for the AWE and PMI. The “Saturation Study of Non-Efficient Water Closets in Key States” focused on Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia and Texas and found that over 13 million aging toilets are unnecessarily wasting precious potable water in those 5 states.

November 2016 U.S. National Standards (plumbing fixtures & appliances)

November 2016 – This document lists National Efficiency Standards for 14 plumbing fixtures and appliances. Also lists specifications for WaterSense, Energy Star, and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency and includes links to a variety of related information. Updated annually.

May 2016 - Are 1.06 gallon toilets suitable in all applications?

This two-page discussion outlines reasons why MaP PREMIUM-rated toilets (1.06 gallon or 4.0 litres per flush) are NOT necessarily appropriate for all installations. While the PREMIUM-rated models are excellent flush performers, its the ‘environment’ into which they are installed that is the true issue.  Read the considerations that MUST be evaluated before installing or mandating these ultra high-efficiency toilet fixtures.

30+ Years of Appliance and Fixture Water Use Reductions!

2016 – This ‘look-back’ at the water consumption levels of major indoor appliances and plumbing fixtures provides some rather startling accomplishments.  Download this one-page summary of 30 years of reductions.

MaP Origins - reactions from 2002!

2003 – Check this article in Contractor Magazine from 2003 and the reaction of plumbing industry representatives to the new ‘bean curd test’!  Since then, the MaP testing protocol has found its way into WaterSense and the national plumbing standard for toilets.

Seat Cover Survey - How people use toilet seat covers in commercial washrooms

2016 – A summary of the results of a 5-question online survey by MaP Testing.  How often are paper seat covers used and how are they positioned on the bowl in commercial restrooms?

AWE White Paper on Indoor Plumbing Provisions in "Green" Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems

February 2016 – Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) white paper titled “The Status of Legislation, Regulation, Codes and Standards on Indoor Plumbing Water Efficiency”, which focuses primarily on provisions in current ‘green’ codes, standards, and rating systems in the U.S.  Among the findings and recommendations, the white paper provides three very interesting and revealing tables of comparison.  We urge you to download and review the entire paper.

2012-High Efficiency Plumbing Fixture Direct Install Water Savings Analysis

October 2012 — A report on water savings from a water utility program directed at removing 5,000 aging high-volume (3.5 gallon/13 litre and above) toilets and replacing them with High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs) in 80 multi-family residential and commercial properties.  Prepared for California’s Santa Clara Valley Water District.

April 2014-Research report on Hunter's Horizontal Drain Capacities

April 2014 – A detailed report by Dan Cole on his research related to Dr. Roy Hunter’s original calculations and methodology of nearly 100 years ago (still being used today in the plumbing code) and how they relate to today’s conditions as to fixture units and pipe sizing.   The report appears in the Spring 2014 edition of the IAPMO OFFICIAL magazine.

Shower Diverter Study - by MaP Testing

Water Wasted by Leaking Shower Diverters
April 2014 – AN INDEPENDENT MaP RESEARCH REPORT – Field study by MaP Testing as a follow-up the Taitem Engineering study 3 years earlier.  This study encompassed the field inspection of 453 aging diverters installed in multi-family residential occupancies in the province of Ontario. The occurrence of leaking diverters was similar to that found in the Taitem study, but leakage rates were different. Download the report for study findings.

Shower Diverter - WaterSense Notice of Intent

WaterSense issues Notice of Intent to write a diverter specification
December 8, 2016 – The U.S. EPA issues a Notice of Intent (NOI) to develop a draft specification for bath and shower diverters.  The NOI solicits input on the breadth and content of a specification that would lead to a WaterSense label for the most efficient diverters.  The 12-page NOI contains a wide range of information on technical and non-technical aspects of today’s diverters and the diverter marketplace.  Download the NOI and submit your comments to the EPA.

Efficacy of Dual-Flush in Commercial Installations

2010 – This short-term (12-hour) study of dual-flush flushometer toilet systems in a downtown Portland office building was directed at identifying water savings attributable to such systems.  Results indicated that sizable savings are achievable.  Published as part of Solar 2010 Conference by the American Solar Energy Society.

Research implications for sustainable bldg drainlines in Australia - presentation

2013 – By Dr Steve Cummings, this presentation summarizes the findings from Australian research into building drainline systems conducted over the past several years, including pipe junctions, solid waste transport, effects of toilet paper on drainlines, alternate drainline profile designs, and relationships to the North American PERC study.

Some Unintended Consequences of Water Conservation/Efficiency

2018 – White paper summarizing some of the unintended consequences of past water efficiency and conservation programs for both premise plumbing and municipal systems.

Innovations in Showerhead Heat Recovery

September 2013 – Heated wastewater can be recovered and re-used to pre-heat the inlet to showerheads, offering considerable savings on energy consumption in the home.  Read this article from Plumbing Connection magazine on how three systems can save money and valuable resources.

Shower-Based Water Savings

February 2017 – AN INDEPENDENT MaP RESEARCH REPORT:  Has showering and water consumption changed over the past 17 years?  Comparing results from the two North American Residential End-Use Studies of Water (1999 and 2016), the report examines how showering habits have changed and resultant changes in water savings.

Showering at Home - Time-of-Day Habits

January 2017 – AN INDEPENDENT MaP RESEARCH REPORT:  When do people take their showers?  Intuitively, of course, we all think we know when most people shower.  Are we right or wrong?  This report analyzes data from the 1999 and 2016 Residential End-Use Studies of Water to see how showering habits may have changed over the 17-year interval.

Residential Faucets - Saving Water (or NOT)?

January 2017 – AN INDEPENDENT MaP RESEARCH SUMMARY:  Has residential faucet water consumption (lavatory and kitchen) changed over the past 17 years?  Comparing results from the two North American Residential End-Use Studies of Water (1999 and 2016), this summary chart shows how little (if any) savings have been achieved, in spite of a very significant reduction in average faucet flow rates.  QUESTION: Are further mandated reductions in faucet flow rates really justified by expected water savings in the home?  YOU decide!!

Commercial Restroom Habits - two special reports!!

Aprill 2015 –
(1) The annual Bradley Corporation ‘Healthy Handwashing Survey’ (2015 version) is actually about much more than that!  How do men and women differ in handwashing? How do most people flush a commercial toilet? How so people practice hygiene?  Click on “view report” below and read the survey report.
(2) IAPMO publishes the results of a Waterless Co. survey on trends in bathroom practices.

CHECK BOTH DOCUMENTS!

NEW INFORMATION ON dual-flush toilets use in Australia!

Originally issued November 2011 – Another residential end-use study reveals more about Australian water use habits.  Go to TABLES 9, 10, 11, and 12 (PAGES 31 & 32) to learn how dual-flush toilets are used in the Australian residential ‘real world’.  Made available by permission from the Urban Water Security Research Alliance.  Check out their Technical Report No. 47:  South East Queensland Residential End Use Study: Final Report

Fountains and Recycling Water - 30-Minute Audio Clip

1943 – In your leisure time, listen to this interesting story from August 10 (NOTE: 29mb and 30 minutes long).

Pool Covers: Are they cost-effective? Do they save water?

May 2004 – A field study of the actual use of pool covers rebated by a Southern California water agency. Are the recipients of these rebates really just “free riders”?

Field Test of the Aqus Graywater Treatment & Reuse System

January 2010 – Assessment of the water savings potential of the Aqus system designed for capture and reuse of water from a lavatory sink. Destination: toilet flushing.

Why So Many Green Building Guidelines and Standards?

December 2009 – Read this article about the proliferation of numerous ‘green’ guidelines, standards, and code requirements.  Good or bad?

Water Use Comparison: Hand Washing of Dishes vs. Automatic Dishwasher

View a chart that compares commercial and residential dishwasher water use with hand washing (using a standard Energy Star ‘load’).

Go here for more information and resource links on residential dishwashers.

Go here for more information and resource links on commercial dishwashers.

Do Gas Tankless Water Heaters Actually Save Water?

2008 –  This study commissioned by Australia’s Federal WELS Scheme reveals that instantaneous gas-fired water heaters wasted 17 to 24 gallons per day.

2010 – This study by Brookhaven National Laboratory for the Minnesota Office of Energy Security concluded that some potential water savings do exist.

2011 – What do others say? AskTheBuilder.com

Increasing Showerhead Performance at Lower Flow Rates

2006 – This study provides a greater understanding of the physics relating to the performance of the spray emanating from a showerhead and the potential to reduce flow rate while maintaining good performance. The study is a quantitative approach using computer models validated against experimental data.

Energy and Water Consumption in Single Family Homes

2008 – Study by SBW Consulting for Seattle energy and water utilities quantified the savings potential by visit and measuring consumption in a sample of 71 homes in the region. Before and after measurements of water and energy taken as efficient products replaced existing products.

Study: Potential Water and Energy Savings from Showerheads

2006 – Study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory evaluating different action scenarios directed at reducing water and energy consumption in showers. Also addresses the multiple showerhead issue as well as tub spout leakage.

Non-Compliant Showerheads and DOE Penalties

2010 – The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued Notices of Proposed Civil Penalty – NPCP (totalling over $4 million) to four  companies for failing to certify to the DOE that their showerheads meet the water conservation standard as required by the Energy Policy Conservation Act and DOE’s regulations.

Two samples of the DOE’s NPCPs:  Zoe and Watermark

Analysis of Codes & Standards Issues Related to Showers

2011 – Analysis of multiple-head showers and single showerheads by the California Codes and Standards Team dealing with reduced flows and resulting energy savings.  Incorporates findings of the 2010 Mowris study and evaluates customer satisfaction, lower flow rates, and other factors.

Testing Protocols for Showerhead Performance Measurement

2010 – Study by Mowris et.al. of showerhead performance and customer satisfaction with a view toward developing California showerhead flow and performance requirements.
Download PDF of study presentation >>

Showerhead Satisfaction Study at University of Waterloo

2011 – Report by Veritec Inc. on a user-satisfaction study of 12 different showerheads used by 23 study participants.  This study was one of many consulted by WaterSense in developing their showerhead specification.

Study of Intermittent Faucet and Showerhead Use

2006 – (1) Study examined savings potential of a spray flow and aerator flow faucet and stop valve activated by foot pedal or sensor.
(2) Study also examined savings potential of a thermostatic mixing shower head with stop button for shower in a bathroom.
Presentation made at CIB 2006.

ASHRAE Study of Manual and Sensor Faucet Hot Water Consumption

1997-1999 – Comprehensive study directed at photovoltaic water heating.  As part of a Field Test of a Photovoltaic Water Heater (Report No. HI-02-8-3), faucet use was measured for one year each for manual and sensor-activated taps. Study results on water savings are consistent with the findings in other study reports on sensor vs. manually activated faucets.

Millennium Dome 'Watercycle' study of faucets - London England

2000 –  Thames Water Research & Technology conducted  “The Millennium Dome “Watercycle” experiment: to evaluate water efficiency and customer perception at a recycling scheme for 6 million visitors.”   Over the period of one year, faucet use was measured at both manual and infrared (sensor-operated) fixtures. The results may surprise you.

Do sensor-activated faucets save water?

June 2012 – Article in the IAPMO Official magazine, which summarizes the results of studies showing sensor-activated faucets do not save water.  Read this short article to understand why.

Waterless Urinals in Air Force, Army, and Navy Facilities

2007 – U.S. AIR FORCE:  Read this   2-page summary.
2005 – U.S. ARMY:  Read this            2-page summary.
2008 – U.S. NAVY:  Read this             2-page summary.

World Plumbing Review: Development of Urine-Separating Toilets

2008 – Are urine-separating toilets in our future? Read this!

Stand-up or Sit-down... What the Germans are thinking!

August 2004 – Read this crazy initiative by a German manufacturer. Check it out for yourself. We’ll say no more!

Urinal Odor Study by Pacific NW National Laboratory

November 2002 – One of the issues brought forth by the opponents of non-water urinals is odor. However, all urinal fixtures will result in odors if not cleaned or maintained properly. Furthermore, odors frequently result from a lack of cleaning of the floor surfaces beneath the urinal as well. Unfortunately, in most cases, odors have been unfairly attributed to the non-water urinal technology when the real cause may lie elsewhere. Review this PNNL study report.

World Plumbing Info Research on Non-Water Urinals in Australia

2009 – A report by World Plumbing Info on research into the effects reduced flows are having on drainage systems in buildings – specific focus on non-water urinals by the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems (ASFlow) Committee.

Report by Non-Water Urinal Manufacturers on Drainline Issues

2008 – Report by manufacturers disputing concerns over drainline build-up of solids. Technical and non-technical issues are discussed.

Application of Dry (Non-Water) Urinals Study Report

2006 – In 2004-2005, Dr. Mete Demiriz of Gelsenkirchen University of Applied Sciences in Gelsenkirchen Germany completed a study of dry (non-water) urinals in the University’s very extensive laboratory facilities dedicated to plumbing technologies. When the study report and presentation were reviewed by water efficiency advocates and by plumbing system professionals in North America, it set off alarms. READ ABOUT THOSE ISSUES and the ensuing debate.

What about urinals for FEMALES?

August 2011 – Read this interesting article from Plumbing Connection Magazine (permission to post granted by Connection Magazines Pty Ltd.)

September 2011 – Read this article with an intimate view on the topic by the highly respected Julius Ballanco, P.E.

SBW Consulting Urinal Study for Seattle Public Utilities

2007 – Study conducted by SBW Consulting Inc. to determine the baseline characteristics of existing urinals in the SWP service area and investigate the feasibility of retrofitting the existing urinal stock with alternative water efficiency measures. The data collected in the study was analyzed and used to form a series of observations and recommendations regarding preferred efficiency options.

After-market flappers: compatibility and flush volume issues

November 1998 – The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California  focused on the compatibility (or incompatibility) of flappers found in the traditional after-market (at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and hardware stores) with the typical gravity-fed toilet fixtures found in most residential households. A total of 50 aftermarket flappers were fitted to 24 different toilets. Flush volumes were measured and reported.

2008 - Evolution of Flappers from the 1990s to today

April 2008 – Why were toilet flappers getting so much attention from water conservation professionals and manufacturers in the 1990s? Read about the evolution of the flapper problems through the 1990s until today.

From 1994-2000 - Three Flapper Materials Durability Studies

These three materials studies by one of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s engineering laboratories were a catalyst in the plumbing industry’s advancements in flapper materials durability.

MWD (1998) Toilet Flapper Materials Integrity Tests 

MWD (2000) Toilet Flapper Materials Integrity Tests 

MWD (2001) Supplement – Toilet Flapper Materials Integrity Tests 

Field Study of Installed Flappers in Single Family Residences

2004 – This comprehensive field study of the durability of toilet flappers, and the habits and practices of homeowners with respect to flapper replacement and use of in-tank bowl cleaning tablets, involved the inspection of 892 randomly selected toilet fixtures in homes throughout California. Products from 14 manufacturers with production dates from 1992 to 2002 were measured for flush volume and subjected to a flapper inspection.

Texas A&M Study of Waste Transport in Drainlines

2006 – With funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Texas A&M’s Energy Systems Lab conducted a drainline transport study. The final study report was released in 2006.

UK Environment Agency Study on Wastewater Collection

2008 – Study report from the Environment Agency looking at the “Impact of reductions in water demand on wastewater collection and treatment”  This 81-page report looks at building drainline impacts and sewer infrastructure.

Evaluation of Waste Transport in Residential Drainlines

March 2005 – Due to concerns over reduced flows in building drainlines from water-efficient fixtures and appliances, eight Canadian organizations sponsored the “Evaluation of Water-Efficient Toilet Technologies to Carry Waste in Drainlines.” Those organizations were: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the cities of Calgary and Toronto, the province of Manitoba, the regions of Peel, Waterloo, and Durham, and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

WaterSense - Drainline Carry Testing Results Summary

July 2006 – In connection with release of its specification for High-Efficiency Tank-Type toilets, WaterSense commissioned a study of drainline transport related to toilets in residential dwellings. This brief, 4-page analysis follows on the heels of the March 2005 residential drainline study.

World Plumbing Review Drainline Waste Transport Study in Australia

World Plumbing Review (2007) Testing Times Down Under – Low Flow Toilets and Drainline Carry – An article in a 2007 issue (Issue 1, 2007) covers extensive drainline waste transport testing performed in Australia. Once you get through some of the sales “pitch” for a manufacturer’s products, there are some interesting observations.

Impact of High-Efficiency Toilets on Plumbing Drainlines and Sewers

July 2011 – A 5-page brief summarizing current concerns over waste transport in building drainlines and municipal sewers.

Are "Flushable Wipes" Choking Our Sewers & Drains?

June 2012 – Read this interesting article from Australia on ‘flushable wipes’.  They may be ‘flushable’ but are they right for our building drainlines?

November 2014 Learn about the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC)

The PERC is comprised of 6 organizations (IAPMOICC,    ASPEPMIPHCC-NAAWE), each committed to achieving efficiency, infrastructure integrity, and public health and safety. PERC’s first priority was to study commercial building drainlines and the transport of waste when those drainlines are starved of water. Phase 1 of the PERC study is complete and a study report released. The Phase 2 work plan is available; testing has now begun (to be completed in 2015). Go to the PERC page for further information.

Siphonic versus Washdown toilet - which is best for the drainlines?

June 2012 – Following up on the drainline study done in 2005, we looked again at drainline waste transport, comparing the North American siphonic toilet design with the European / Australian washdown toilet design. Which design results in longer waste transport in typical residential installations?  Also in 2012 – Mechanical Business (Australia) magazine published a short article on the siphonic-washdown controversy. Read the 2-page summary comparingthe two design approaches.   

Why are we experiencing drainline stoppages in today's buildings?

November 2012 – For years the siren call has been for reductions in water consumption by plumbings fixtures, appliances, and other equipment in the home and business. As a result, some drainlines (constructed to requirements developed over 50 years ago!) never anticipated that liquid flows would be cut by 65% and more, ‘starving’ those drainlines of sufficient water to move waste. This simple table clearly illustrates the very significant reductions in water use since 1980 by common fixtures and appliances.

Toilet Fixture Flush Volume and Performance Field Study

August 2001 – This comprehensive field study from 2001 documents some very interesting characteristics of common gravity-fed toilet fixtures. In particular, ULF toilets operating at abnormally low flush volumes (well below their rated flush volume of 1.6g – 6.0L) were field measured to determine just what was really happening inside the home.

Functioning of Aging 1.6g (6.0L) Toilet Fixtures in Tucson, Arizona

October 2000 – This study, sponsored by the City of Phoenix and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, was the first study to look at 1.6g (6.0L) toilet fixtures of 1991-92 vintage to assess their performance after 8 years of use. The University of Arizona Research Center data-logged 170 homes and analyzed the results for flush volume, double-flushing, leakage and other factors. This was followed by household surveys to determine the types of installed toilet fixtures and owner satisfaction with those fixtures.

Testing of Toilet Fixtures Against Proposed U.S. National Standard

March 2001 – 15 water providers in the U.S. sponsored a comprehensive toilet testing program at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Designed to evaluate the efficacy of a proposed new test protocol for the national standard, this year-long effort compared the performance of 18 different gravity-fed and pressure-assist toilet models.

Long-Term Durability Testing of Eight Toilet Fixtures

May 2001 – The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California undertook to test three new toilet models that had recently been introduced into the marketplace. Eight fixtures were each subjected to 250,000 flush cycles. Where potential problems appeared, manufacturers addressed those problems and improved products resulted.

NAHB Research Center Study of Low-Flow Toilet Performance

2002 – The National Association of Home Builders Research Center, in cooperation with Seattle and East Bay MUD, released a report on their toilet performance study. The report details the results of extensive testing (with sponges and paper wads) on 49 of the most popular low-flow tank-type toilets in North America.

   In addition to the final report, download these 2 comparison documents:  (1) test results index, (2) comparing results with CR Magazine.

Point/Counterpoint: Pressure-Assist vs. Gravity-Fed

November 2003 – Read this DEBATE between advocates of two different toilet technologies and learn of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Testing of Wall-Mounted Siphon Jet Flushometer Toilets

June 2003 – Seattle Public Utilities funded a comprehensive 2003 study of the flush performance of 28 flushometer toilets (8 different models) coupled with 34 manually operated flushometer valves (6 models), all of which were installed on the campus of the University of Washington. A battery of tests was run on each of the eight toilet models that included various combinations and amounts of test media consisting of toilet paper, seat protectors, soy paste, and concentrated brine solution.

Testing Flushometer Valve/Bowl Toilet Fixture Combinations

August 2005 – While there has been considerable research into the performance and water savings related to residential toilet fixtures, little work had been completed by 2005 on flushometer valve fixtures for commercial applications. This flushometer testing program included flush volume and performance testing of seven popular commercial bowl models with seven different flushometer valves. Sponsored by the City of Toronto, and the Regions of Durham and Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.

Do Water Displacement Devices Save Water in Tank-Type Toilets?

July 2009 – For many years, water displacement devices (dams, bags, bricks, bottles, etc.) have been promoted as an inexpensive means to achieving water savings in tank-type toilets.  Do they save water?  How much?  Are there risks associated with them?  This study looked at 5 different common devices and practices and their savings benefits and likely problems.

Scientific Evaluation of U.S. & Canada Toilet Testing Media

March 2007 – This laboratory study evaluated the current testing media used in the U.S. and Canada to certify toilet fixtures for sale and installation here. Testing with sponges and plastic balls and pellets are required in both the U.S. and Canadian plumbing standards, but how realistic is any test that uses such materials to test for flush performance? This study report is a first scientific step in examining how test results using these materials compare with those obtained through MaP testing.

What about those vacuum toilets installed in aircraft restrooms?

April 2011 – Read about the history and function of aviation toilets.  AND, can you become immobilized on an aircraft vacuum toilet due to air pressure and suction?  See what MYTHBUSTERS discovered!

Toilet Replacement - Potential Best Management Practices

October 2005 – Analysis of the installed base of all toilets and urinals in California, along with the potential for additional water savings through fixture replacement with High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs) and High-Efficiency Urinals (HEUs).  The report examines the potential water savings from replacing some or all of the existing installed base as well as focusing on new construction. In certain instances, findings for California may be extrapolated and applied to other geographic areas.

Can HETs be Installed in ALL Commercial-Industrial Buildings?

2009 – Non-Residential HETs and Drainline Carry – Bill Gauley and John Koeller issued a CAUTION STATEMENT in 2009 in which they outline the conditions under which HETs probably should and should NOT be used in non-residential applications. This is part of on-going research on this important topic.  We will post further information, clarification, and recommendations as more information becomes available.

Calgary Hotel Toilet Fixture and Valve Replacement Study

September 2008 – Toilet fixture and pre-rinse spray valve replacements in a 105 room hotel in Calgary, Alberta, resulted in a 47 percent reduction in water consumption.  117  older  3.5g (13L) toilets were replaced with new MaP-tested 1.6g (6L) models (750g minimum).

Water Use Reduction: Hotel Room Toilet Fixture Replacements

September 2009 — A report on the water savings and resulting reduction in maintenance service calls when 1,030 aging 3.5 gallon (13 Litre) gravity-fed toilets were replaced with 1.0 gallon (3.8 Litre) pressure-assist toilets in the Park 55 Wyndham Hotel in downtown San Francisco.

Do Sensor-Activated Flushometer Valves and Faucets Save Water?

March 2010 – AN INDEPENDENT MaP RESEARCH PROJECT:  This study (among others) says they do not save water.  In fact, water use INCREASES when a manually activated toilet fixture valve is replaced with a sensor-activated valve. Read this revealing study to learn more.

Water Use Reduction: Multi-Family Fixture Replacements

August 2011 — A report on the water savings and maintenance service calls associated with replacment of 192 aging 3.5 gallon (13 Litre) fixtures with 1.0 gallon (3.8 Litre) pressure-assist toilet fixtures in a downtown San Francisco apartment building.

Water Use Reduction: Single-Family Fixture Replacements

July 2011– A report on the water savings and customer satisfaction with Niagara Stealth 0.8 gallon (3 Litres) vacuum-assisted toilet fixtures installed in older homes in Southern California.

High Efficiency Plumbing Fixture Direct Install Water Savings Analysis

September 2011 — A report on water savings from a water utility program directed at removing aging inefficient toilets and replacing them with High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs) in residential and commercial applications.  Prepared for California’s Sonoma County Water Agency.

Read a summary article by Winston Huff >> 

Are Water-Efficient Toilets Leading to Blocked RESIDENTIAL Drains?

February 2012 — Read this Gauley/Koeller discussion of efficient toilets and their impact upon drainlines in your home.

Do toilets exist that are designed exclusively for CHILDREN & JUVENILES??

Updated June 2017 – Designing or equipping a day care center? A preschool, kindergarten, or primary facility and need ‘child-sized’ water closets? This listing includes both gravity-fed, tank-type toilets as well as bowls for flushometer applications. Bowl heights range from 10 inches (254mm) to 14 inches (356mm).  (Note that adult-sized conventional height bowls and ADA-classified bowls generally range from 15 to 17 inches, or 380mm to 430mm)

What about PHANTOM FLUSHES?

2015 – Phantom flushes of flushometer valve/bowl combination toilets plague many commercial establishments.  Without regular and proper maintenance of flush valves and sensors, significant water waste can occur.  Read these  two documents for more information.  The_phantom_flush-2015-The_Guardian.pdf

Do After-Market Dual-Flush Conversion Kits Work in Tank-Type Toilets?

July 2009 – Testing disclosed that most dual-flush retrofit products for tank-type toilets are NOT universal in their application (that is, they only fit a few models of gravity-fed tank-type toilets), do NOT always reduce water consumption, and may FAIL to meet minimum code requirements related to health and safety!  Read the CAUTION STATEMENT directed at these issues.    NOTE: These same concerns do NOT exist with dual-flush conversion products for flushometer valve/bowl combination toilets.

Comparative Summary of Dual-Flush Studies' Results

February 2013 – Download this short 280-word summary of the 3 studies (linked above) regarding the use of the ‘reduced’ flush option in residential and commercial-institutional settings.

How do Australians use water? How are dual-flush toilets used there?

June 2005 – This residential end-use study reveals that, in Australia, showers are the largest water use inside the home….next comes clothes washers….then toilets. Quite different from North America, where the toilet is the dominant water user.  View TABLE 14 in this Yarra Valley report to see just how residents actually use dual-flush toilets.

What about the benefits of Residential Dual-Flush Toilet Fixtures?

As more and more toilet manufacturers are offering dual-flush toilets, it is important to understand how such designs can provide benefits.
2010 – Read the summary of an analysis done in 2008 of the various studies conducted over the previous 10 years relating to dual-flush ‘ratios’ from Water Efficiency magazine.
2012 – A discussion of the calculation of the ‘effective’ flush volume and how the ‘ratio’ affects that volume.
READ MORE HERE ON THE HISTORY OF DUAL-FLUSH 

The Use of Dual-Flush Toilets in Commercial Applications

How is Dual-Flush REALLY being used?
January 2013 — Read this behavioral economics study report that looks at the actual use of dual-flush handles on flushometer toilets in a typical building.  The study addressed the question of whether or not people actually choose the ‘reduced flush’ option.  Surprising or intuitive conclusions?  You had better read this one!
A summary is also  found in the February 2013 issue of the AWWA Journal.

May 2012 Comparison of Green Codes and Standards Provisions

Comparison of Green codes’ and standards’ provisions related specifically to LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION. Prepared by the Irrigation Association. Permission to post granted by the IA.

April 2015 Comparison of Provisions of Green Codes & Standards

Compares water provisions of (1) IAPMO Green Plumbing & Mechanical Code Supplement (2015version); (2) ICC International Green Construction Code (IgCC), (2015 version; (3) ASHRAE SS189.1 Standard for High Performance Buildings (including the new addendum v); (4) ASHRAE S191P Standard for Water Efficiency (public review version); (5) ICC 700/NAHB Standard for Residential; (6) California’s CalGREEN Code and (7) USGBC LEED V.4 (For Corrections, please contact: jkoeller@map-testing.com)

March 2014 U.S. "Green" Standards, Codes, & Voluntary Initiatives

March 2014 – Various standards and guidelines exist for fixtures and appliances beyond U.S. National Standards. They may be part of voluntary programs such as WaterSense Single-Family New Homes and USGBC LEED for Homes, or codes such as the IAPMO Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement & the ICC Inter- national Green Construction Code. The PDF  contains infor- mation on ‘green’ specifications (indoor uses)  for stds, codes, and voluntary initiatives.

2011 May - Evaluation of High-Efficiency Urinals in a University

May 2011 – Study conduced on behalf of Seattle Public Utilities to assess the efficacy of Non-Water and 1-pint urinals installed at the University of Washington.  Includes a large number of photos, including photos of struvite (solids) buildup over a few years of use.  This is a draft report by Roger van Gelder, P.E.; it was never finalized.

ASHRAE "Green" Standards - SS189.1 side-by-side with 191P

September 2012 – This side-by-side summary compares in detail the water efficiency provisions of ASHRAE SS189.1 (Section 6) for High Performance Green Buildings with proposed ASHRAE standard 191P covering water efficiency in buildings (document is more complete than the ‘Green Standards’ side-by-side comparison described below).

ASHRAE "Green" Standards - SS189.1 side-by-side with 191P

September 2012 – This side-by-side summary compares in detail the water efficiency provisions of ASHRAE SS189.1 (Section 6) for High Performance Green Buildings with proposed ASHRAE standard 191P covering water efficiency in buildings (document is more complete than the ‘Green Standards’ side-by-side comparison described below).

2018 - Survey Report - Residential Showers and Showering Habits

May 2018 – Summary report (9 pages) of the results of 6-month online survey on the MaP website: covered installed residential shower systems, showering habits, and hot water delivery times for the shower.  Approximately 3,000 individuals participated in the survey. AN INDEPENDENT MaP RESEARCH REPORT

Shower Diverter Study - Taitem Engineering

How much water is wasted with leaking shower diverters?
2011 – This “tech tip” by Taitem Engineering provides valuable insight on the amount of water wasted by leaking shower diverters in residences.  Data was obtained by performance testing a variety of common diverter models in a laboratory.  This study (along with others) provided information for the U.S. EPA initiative to develop a WaterSense specification for diverters.

Customer Satisfaction Survey - Residential 1.6g (6.0L) Toilets

December 1999 – The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California commissioned Honeywell DMC to perform a survey of 1,300 individuals who installed new gravity-fed 1.6-gpf (6.0 Lpf) toilets in 1998 and 1999. A total of 13 different toilet models were rated by customers on a variety of important performance factors, the results being reported in this document.