3. Upgrade Sanitary Fixtures (Waterless Urinals, Low-Flow Toilets, Faucet Flow Control)
Prior to the 1990s, when the government established federal water-efficiency standards, most EPA facilities were outfitted with inefficient sanitary fixtures, such as toilets that used 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). Several EPA laboratories have since received water-efficiency upgrades, including new toilets with efficient flow rates of 1.6 gpf, urinals with 1.0 gpf rates or below, and even waterless urinals in some men’s bathrooms. If you have old sanitary fixtures, consider an upgrade. In addition, many lavatory faucets that flow at 2.0 gpm or more can be retrofitted with spout-end flow control devices that limit flow to 0.5 gpm. These devices provide a comfortable spray for washing and rinsing hands, and they save a significant amount of water.