Look for the Labels

WaterSense label.
Good Plumbing Fixtures are Essential

Look for the WaterSense label when shopping for plumbing fixtures and look below to see how efficient WaterSense-approved fixtures have become. WaterSense is a partnership between manufacturers and the Environmental Protection Agency to improve water efficiency.  Look for available rebates, too.

Toilets

  • 1.28 Gallons per Flush (GPF) in 2011
  • 1.6 GPF in 1992
  • 5.0 GPF in 1975

Showerheads

  • 2.0 Gallons per Minute (GPM) in 2011
  • 2.5 GPM in 2009
  • 3.5 GPM in 1975

Faucets

  • 1.5 GPM in 2011
  • 2.2 GPM in 2009
  • 2.5 GPM in 1975

The Quick Fix for Faucets

Buy aerators with a flow rate of just 1.5 or 2.0 gallons per minute at your local hardware store. Then unscrew the tip of each of your faucets, being careful not to scratch the chrome, and replace the old aerators with the new ones. It's easy to do and you'll save water by the minute. 


Energy Star
Good Appliances are a Good Investment

Energy Star is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to make appliances and other products energy efficient. Appliances that have an Energy Star label are also the most water-efficient products on the market. Look below at how water efficiency has improved over the years. Look for available rebates, too.

Dishwashers

  • 4.25 Gallons per Cycle (GPC) in 2012
  • 5.8 GPC in 2009
  • 16 GPC in 1994

Clothes Washers

  • 6.0 Gallons per Cubic Foot of Capacity (GPCF)* in 2011
  • 8.5 GPCF in 2009
  • 15 GPCF in 1992

*Most clothes washers have 3 to 4 cubic feet of capacity.