Water Saving Technology08
We need to make faucets and toilets more efficient, put fewer toxins down the drain, and put graywater to work.
WHAT MAKES IT GREEN?
FAUCETS
Low-flow faucets are kicking it up-or down-a notch, with more of them meeting the EPA’s WaterSense requirement of 1.5 gallons per minute, 32% less than the industry standard.
Washerless ceramic valves are boosting reliability, and touch technology means that, in some cases, you no longer need to turn a handle to get water.
STOP THAT DRIP
One faucet leaking 60 drips per minute for a year can waste 2,082 gallons per year, or enough for 42 baths. Try the drip calculator yourself at:
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sc4.html
Aerators 101
Faucet aerators are a simple technology that can reduce water waste by up to 50%. A typical aerator, like the one shown, includes a “flow restrictor” (essentially a disc with a hole in it) that reduces maximum water to a certain flow. If an aerator fails, you can usually replace it for under $5. Trouble finding the right size? Try this aerator specialty store:
www.faucetaerators.com
DO SENSOR-ACTIVATED FAUCETS SAVE WATER?
Maybe not. So far, the small amount of available data collected on these faucets has been lukewarm-and from public settings. We’ve seen no data at all on how people might use them in the home. Human behavior is complicated. One thing learned from the commercial applications so far: Conservation probably depends on fine-tuning exactly how much water is released and for how long. Unless the mix is just right, current “hand-powered” faucet technology is probably more efficient and less prone to technical snafus.
A study of public restroom use during the “Watercycle” project in London found that people actually wasted more water using sensor-activated faucets than they did with conventional top push or swivel handle models. Full text available:
www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org
DELTA SINGLE HANDLE PULL-DOWN KITCHEN FAUCET
This innovative faucet includes Touch2O technology, which means hands that are dirty or busy can activate the faucet by tapping anywhere on the handle or body. Multi-Flow option provides 1.5 gpm stream or spray or 2.0 gpm stream. The high-arc spout swivels 360 degrees for full sink coverage.
www.deltafaucet.com
KOHLER “BOL” DESIGN FAUCET
This unusual faucet has an exotic look, but allows a maximum of 1.5 gpm flow, qualifying for EPA WaterSense. Inspired by Indian design, it features a durable yet beautifully detailed ceramic base. Inside, washerless ceramic valving and water-saving technology promise reliable, efficient operation.
www.us.kohler.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84