Water-Efficient Toilets Vs. Dishwashers

Water-Efficient Toilets

• Toilets account for nearly 30 percent of a home’s water usage. Older toilets use between 3.5 and 7 gallons per flush. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing older toilets with new water-efficient models could save nearly 2 billion gallons of water each day. Water-efficient toilets are the “new generation” and bear an EPA “WaterSense” label. These models only use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which is 50 to 77 percent less than their water-guzzling ancestors. Programs authored and monitored by individual states and the EPA for compliance are making progress in water conservation. The National Energy Policy Act (H.R. 776) of 1995 made it a federal law that all new toilets only use 1.6 gallons per flush.

Dishwashers

• Dishwashers use about 10 gallons of water per load, according to EnergyStar.gov. And what also hits you in the wallet is the electricity cost involved to heat the water. Most dishwashers heat the water to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The California Energy Commission cites a research study indicating that the bigger water culprit might actually be hand-washing dishes because new energy-efficient dishwashers use 37 percent less water than what it takes to wash them manually. Whether you have an old or new dishwasher, you can take an active role in conserving water and saving money at the same time by only washing a full load of dishes, reducing the water heater temperature to 120 degrees F and using the air-dry setting instead of the heat-dry setting. These three things alone can reduce your energy use by 15 to 50 percent.

Similarities

• Consumers are becoming wiser and smarter about the amount of energy they use in their homes and are gravitating toward energy-efficient, WaterSense toilets and EnergyStar-rated dishwashers. Manufacturers and the federal government are working closely together to offer new products that conserve natural resources, such as the amount of water used for toilets, dishwashers and other appliances. You can also visit websites such as EnergyStar.gov and the EPA for tips on how to reduce water use and other energy resources, including gas and electricity, to operate your toilet, dishwasher and every appliance in your home.

Differences

• The WaterSense labeling program requires manufacturers to make toilets that only use 1.6 gallons per flush. There is no equivalent program for dishwashers; however, manufacturers are being proactive and demonstrating their responsibility to produce more energy-efficient dishwashers and other household appliances. You can do your part by replacing older toilets and dishwashers with models that bear the WaterSense and EnergyStar labels. You can also use a water consumption calculator on the City of Tampa, Florida's website to find out just how much water your household consumes each year.