 Five
percent of all domestic water consumption runs from the lavatory
faucet into its sink, and eventually down into the sewer. Although
it may not seem like much, a bathroom faucet can easily use
more than 2500 gallons of water per year.
Reduced faucet flow rates can still reduce
overall domestic water consumption; water heating demands,
and wastewater treatment loads.
Conventional non-conserving faucets usually
have flow rates between 2.75 and 5.0gpm. Technological improvements
have led to the low-flow faucets with rated flows between
1.5 and 2.5 gpm.
In a governmental study, it was found that
using a low-flow faucet (2.75 gpm) saved about one half-gallon
per day. Even this modest reduction still adds up to a very
significant savings of 5.5 percent.
Most kitchen and bathroom faucets are made
of brass, containing between 3 and 10 % lead. This makes them
a significant source of lead in drinking water. Some new low
flow faucets are lined with polypropylene plastic, to reduce
or eliminate lead in drinking water.
Faucet aerators mix air and water as the
water leaves the spout. They reduce both the flow rate and
splashing, while increasing areas of coverage and wetting
efficiency. This conserves water and improves faucet performance
at the same time.
Aerators will not reduce the amount of water
needed to fill a sink or water jug, but will reduce the amount
of water needed for a thorough rinsing.
Faucet aerators offer flow rates from 0.5
to 2.75 gpm. A 2.75 gpm aerator can reduce faucet flow by
5.5 percent or more. The lowest acceptable flow rate for bathroom
use us approximately 1.0 gpm.
The greatest savings on kitchen and
bathroom faucets comes from proper operation. Do no leave
the faucets running when washing, shaving, brushing teeth,
or washing dishes. This one precaution can save 5-10 times
the water of an efficient faucet or aerator alone.
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