Water-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

MORE INFORMATION > How much water will you save with a 1.6 gallon toilet? > Detailed Fact Sheet: Ultra Low Flush Toilets (PDF) ENERGY-STAR High efficiency clothes washers and dishwashers save water and save energy. They can cost a bit more but you'll enjoy significant savings on your water and energy bills that will really add up over time. EPA's website lists participating manufacturers. > http://www.energystar.gov

LOW FLOW TOILETS

The toilet is the single biggest water user in your home. Flushing accounts for about 38%, more than a third, of the water used within your home each day. Replacing an old model toilet with a new low-consumption toilet could automatically and permanently cut your home water consumption by 25% or more.

The Massachusetts State Plumbing Code requires that all new or replacement installations of two-piece tank-type and floor-mounted flushometer toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. These toilets are called low-consumption, low-flush, or ultra low-flush. Since all low-consumption toilets do not perform equally, consumers should make informed purchase decisions. This information will be helpful, but should not substitute for the professional judgment of a licensed plumber or engineer.


WATER EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

Thinking about replacing that old, worn-out clothes washing machine? High efficiency clothes washers save water, energy and space in your home. Most are front-end loaders that use tumbling action to get clothes clean. Look for the Energy Star Label to ensure that you're buying the most efficient product possible. Consider this:

• High efficiency clothes washers use 30% - 50% less water, that's 5,000 gallons per year!
• They use 50% - 60% less energy to run.
• They require 1/3 less detergent.
• Your clothes will get less wear and tear in a high efficiency washer.
• They'll need less time in the dryer, too.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY DISHWASHERS

You can spend less money on water and spend less time in the kitchen if you switch to a high-efficiency dishwasher. Again, the Energy Star label will point you to the best water-savers.

High efficiency dishwashers use about 6-10 gallons of water per load of dishes (some use as little as 3.7 gallons!). Compare that to 9-12 gallons per load for average dishwashers and 20 gallons for hand washing.
Many newer models require little or no pre-rinsing of dishes – that's more water and time saved.

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Updated November 9, 2006