The Best Water Conserving Toilet

The first generation of low-flow toilets were deservedly unpopular. Many users felt they needed to flush twice to get the same results they received from their older toilets. Thanks to new engineering innovations, today's High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) can rightly claim to perform as well or better than traditional toilets. Consumers now face some interesting choices in deciding which water-conserving toilet is best for their homes.

WaterSense Sets High Performance Standards

Choosing a High Efficiency Toilet with the EPA's WaterSense label gives you a model that uses at least 20 percent less water than the current federal standard, while meeting some very high performance standards that ordinary toilets are not required to match. A WaterSense-qualifying HET has been independently tested to confirm that it uses no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) and that it can expel at least 350 grams of solid waste. Even if you aren't looking to reduce your water usage, a WaterSense certified model will give you a more effective flush than your old 1.6 gpf toilet.

Single-Flush vs. Dual-Flush

A single-flush HET uses the same amount of water every time. A dual-flush model features two buttons: one button activates a full flush for solid waste, the other activates a low-output flush for fluid-only waste. Properly used, a dual-flush HET can average out to as low as .96 gpf without any drop-off in performance.

Pressure-Assisted Toilets

A pressure-assisted toilet uses pressurized air to help push water into the bowl with greater force, thus achieving a thorough rinse and flush. These models work quite well on as little as .8 gallons per flush, but they often require more maintenance, may require an electric power source and might be somewhat noisier than conventional toilets.

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets use little or no water and do not need a sewage or septic system hookup. Liquid and solid waste are collected in storage bins underneath, where they are chemically converted into humus, a fertile topsoil. Composting toilet systems are not appropriate for urban environments but are ideal for parks, highway rest stops and for individuals looking to live off the grid. A properly maintained composting toilet system is sanitary and odor-free.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes simpler is better. The best water-conserving toilet will likely be one that is easy to use and easy to maintain. However, the more sophisticated models will definitely work effectively if the users are committed to taking some very simple steps toward conserving water.

References

• The EPA WaterSense Program
• The Soybean Paste Flush Test
• My First Dual Flush Toilet

Resources

• Kohler Toilets
• Niagara Stealth Toilets
• Toto High Efficiency Toilets
• Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets
• Caroma Dual-Flush Toilets