For more information:
Nora DePalma
O’Reilly DePalma for American Standard
(770) 772-4726
nora.depalma@oreilly-depalma.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 Trillion Gallons of Water Saved during
20 Years of Low-Flow Toilet Regulations
High-Efficiency Plumbing Products Are Now the American Standard, Providing
Superior Performance While Helping to Sustain Nation’s Water Resources
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (March 20, 2014) – Americans have saved more than 18 trillion
gallons of water — roughly the volume of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay — by embracing
low-flow toilet technology over the past two decades since the U.S. enacted the 1992
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) that mandated less water per flush, according to the Alliance
for Water Efficiency (AWE). That's hard to imagine, but it is enough water to fill 27 million
Olympic size swimming pools.
Since 1994, when the 1992 EPAct legislation took effect, innovative toilet technology has
transitioned the nation from a water-guzzling 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to a low-flow 1.6
gpf toilet diet and, more recently, toward high efficiency 1.28 gpf models. In the process,
the amount of water consumed has been reduced by more than half, with usage rates
down by 54 percent and 63 percent, respectively. These savings have been impactful,
as toilets represent the single largest source of water consumption in a home,
accounting for nearly one-third of residential water use, according to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- more -
18 Trillion Gallons of Water Saved during 20 Years of Low-Flow Toilet Regulations
In addition, today’s commercial fixtures are squeezing even more performance out of
each drop, offering 1.1 gpf toilets that yield a 31 percent savings over standard 1.6 gpf
toilets, and urinals that operate with a meager 0.25 gpf, and cut water use by as much
as 87 percent over standard urinals.
“As we mark the EPAct’s 20th anniversary, it’s important to appreciate the significant
water usage efficiencies that smart plumbing technology has brought our nation,” said
Jay Gould, president and CEO of American Standard Brands. “As much of the nation
faces the worst drought in half a century, it is heartening to look back upon twenty years
of this successful water conservation policy and realize the enormous volume of water
saved by highly efficient plumbing products.”
The estimated 18.2 trillion gallons in cumulative
water savings that has resulted from the use of lowflow toilets highlights how water conservation
policies, such as the 1992 EPAct, impact and help
sustain the nation’s water supplies, noted Mary Ann
Dickinson, president and CEO of Chicago-based
AWE, the national nonprofit organization dedicated
to the efficient and sustainable use of water.
“These toilets help save an estimated 4.6 billion
gallons of water each and every day in the U.S.,”
said Dickinson. “When you add in the further water
reductions achieved by high efficiency 1.28 gpf
toilets, the savings are even more outstanding.
This high efficiency Champion PRO toilet
from American Standard boasts the
industry's largest siphonic 2 3/8-inch
trapway and 4-inch diameter flush valve,
providing powerful performance using
only 1.28 gallons of water per flush and
achieving WaterSense-certification.
Water is the critical resource issue of our time, and
smart water conservation policies work to ensure
that we have sustainable supplies for the future."
- more -
2-2-2
18 Trillion Gallons of Water Saved During 20 Years of Low-Flow Toilet Regulations
The Road to High-Performing Toilet Technology
During the early 1990s, when water use
restrictions first took effect, plumbing product
manufacturers struggled to produce low-flow
toilets that could effectively remove all waste
with only 1.6 gallons of water, prompting
frustration among users who resorted to
counterproductive double-flushing. However,
by 1998, toilet manufacturers had successfully
modified flushing systems to remove waste
using less water.
As the first decade of low-flow technology drew
to a close, a flushing evaluation system would
be introduced that changed the industry.
Maximum Performance (MaP) testing was
implemented in 2003 to measure the amount of
solid waste removed per flush. This
independent testing program inspired toilet
producers to strive for the highest rating of
successfully flushing 1,000 grams (2.2 lbs.) of
solid waste.
In 2006, to drive even greater water savings,
the EPA created WaterSense, a partnership
Twenty years since the original Energy Policy
Act went into effect, the U.S. has transitioned
from water-guzzling toilets using 3.5 gallons of
water per flush (gpf) to low-flow 1.6 gallon
models to high efficiency toilets using just 1.28
gallons. Follow the path to water efficiency,
including MaP testing, WaterSense
certification and energy savings with this
instructive infographic.
program modeled after the EnergySTAR
labeling program to help assure consumers that products will conserve and perform as
promised. WaterSense-certified toilets use 20 percent less water than low-flow models,
while providing strong flushing power. Commode makers were motivated to create high
efficiency toilets (HETs) that used only 1.28 gpf while delivering strong flushing
performance.
- more -
3-3-3
18 Trillion Gallons of Water Saved during 20 Years of Low-Flow Toilet Regulations
The American Standard Champion PRO series toilets are a perfect example. Offering a
powerful flush that can easily remove 1,000 grams of solid waste, the Champion PRO
models use only 1.28 gpf, meeting the rigorous WaterSense-certification standards.
Water Savings throughout the Bathroom
Toilets aren’t the only bathroom products
constantly evolving and being held to
more stringent water usage
requirements. All American Standard
bathroom sink faucets use only 1.5
gallons per minute (gpm) and are
WaterSense-certified for using 32
percent less water than standard 2.2
gpm styles, without sacrificing
performance. Further supporting the use
of water saving faucets, the National
Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
reported that almost half of the designers
All American Standard bathroom sink faucets ―
including this distinctly styled Times Square widespread
model ― are WaterSense-certified for using 32 percent
less water than standard 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm)
faucet models.
responding to its annual 2014 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends survey specified watersaving faucets and fixtures in 2013. Forty-four percent predicted that the demand will
grow for water-saving bathroom products throughout 2014, according to the NKBA.
To support its belief in water savings in the entire bathroom, the company conducted a
real-life test in 21 homes in the Atlanta suburbs in 2010. The study measured pre- and
post-water usage after WaterSense-certified toilets, bathroom faucets and showerheads
from American Standard were installed in the residences. Water savings ranged from 20
to 25 percent, plus lowered energy costs and water bills. In a follow-up survey performed
in early 2014, residents reported continued satisfaction with the performance of their
water-conserving faucets and fixtures, specifically citing the excellent flushing power of
the HETs installed in their homes.
- more -
4-4-4
18 Trillion Gallons of Water Saved During 20 Years of Low-Flow Toilet Regulations
Every Home, Every Family Can Save Water

National Savings: If every American home with older, less efficient toilets
replaced them with low-flow units using 1.6 gpf, it would save nearly 640 billion
gallons of water every year. Since the program's inception in 2006, WaterSense
has helped consumers save a cumulative 487 billion gallons of water and over $8.9
billion in water and energy bills by using water efficient plumbing fixtures.

Environmental Savings: Water efficiency standards have helped reduce the
amount of energy needed to heat, pump and treat water by 64.7 billion kilowatt
hours, according to the EPA. Further, these water saving regulations have also
helped to eliminate 24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equal to
planting 606 million trees.

The Familial Flush: According to the National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB), a family of four using a single, high efficiency, 1.28 gpf toilet can save
8,760 gallons of water every year. In addition, the average household can save
nearly $200 on water and sewer bills per year by installing water efficient fixtures,
according to the EPA.
“American Standard is privileged to have been a part of this amazing water savings
accomplishment ― conserving over 18 trillion gallons of water in the U.S over the past
two decades,” concluded Gould. “It's all part of our company's efforts to raise the
standards in bringing innovative solutions and technical leadership to the plumbing
industry and our world. It's been part of our company’s heritage for over 140 years.”
For more information on water saving plumbing products from American Standard, visit
www.americanstandard.com or call (800) 442-1902.
- more -
5-5-5
18 Trillion Gallons of Water Saved during 20 Years of Low-Flow Toilet Regulations
ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS
American Standard Brands make life healthier, safer and more beautiful at home, at work, in the
community and throughout the world. Offering total project solutions for residential and
commercial customers around the world with respected brands such as American Standard ®,
DXV™, Safety Tubs®, Crane Plumbing®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®.
American Standard Brands is owned by Lixil Corporation (TSE Code 5938), a global building
products company. Learn more at www.americanstandard.com, or follow us at
twitter.com/AmStandard, https://www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardPlumbing.
Champion® is a registered trademark of American Standard Brands.
WaterSense® and EnergySTAR® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
###
6-6-6