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Going Low Flow

In recent years, there's been a shift towards more water efficient bathroom fixtures. Many toilets, showerheads, and faucets - once high-flow and water-wasting — are being replaced with low-flow, water-efficient models in homes across the country. So to what do we owe this shift? Manufacturers, governments, utilities, retailers, and consumers have all played a role in this market transformation. Here's how:

Manufactures: Technological advancement is one of the most important contributors to the growing trend of going low-flow. Manufacturers are continually testing and creating products using new technologies to reduce the flow of water. From low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, to dual flush converters and clothes washers, manufacturers continue to innovate and help reduce our water consumption.

Governments & Utilities: The Government of British Columbia has already updated its building code to require residents replacing a toilet or building a new home to buy a toilet with a maximum flush volume of 4.8L. Other provincial and municipal governments and utility companies offer incentives to Canadians for replacing high-flow fixtures. Rebates and utility credits are common across Canada, ranging up to $100 for low-flow toilets. Today, there are over fifty municipal toilet rebate programs in Canada. However, funding is always changing so if your municipality offers a rebate and you're still using a water guzzling bath fixture, now may be the time to cash-in. The City of Toronto and the City of Ottawa's successful toilet rebate programs have both come to an end, so don't miss out if a rebate is available to you now.

Retailers: Retailers like The Home Depot are responsible for connecting the dots: offering best in class products that bear credible certifications; educating customers about water conservation and water efficient products; and partnering with governments and utilities to further incentivize customers. For example, The Home Depot is continuing to phase out 13L and 6L toilets and is transitioning to high efficiency (<4.8L) and dual-flush models.

And, in August, The Home Depot is hosting its Eco Options Go Low Flow event*. During the weekend of August 18 and 19, 2012, Home Depot stores across Canada will offer 30% off select high efficiency toilets. Check out www.eco-options.ca/golowflow for a complete list of featured products and to see if municipal rebates are available in your area. This is a great opportunity to complete your whole bathroom project.

Consumers: Of course, consumers play an important role as we continue to change our water use habits. In 2007, less than half of Canadian households (42%) were using a 6L or less toilet, and 64% of Canadian households were using low-flow showerheads. The more consumers choose and demand water efficient products, the faster they will become the standard. The WaterSense certification and logo makes choosing the best-in-class products easy, since all WaterSense labelled products are at least 20% more efficient than standard products, without compromising performance.

Water conservation is one of the most important actions we can take for the environment. To learn more about water issues, check out The Scarcity of Freshwater. For ideas on saving water outside your home, visit outdoor water saving tips.

*Off our regular prices. Offer valid on select single purchase of dual-flush and low-flow toilet article #s 1000669709, 1000671161, 1000719868, 1000671249. Some exceptions apply. Quantities are limited. White toilets only. Limit of 5 per customer. While supplies last. No substitutions or rain checks. Resources: Statistics Canada.

Resources:
Statistics Canada