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Show Low consumption performance standards applicable to the sale and installation of plumbing fixtures and fittings in new construction. Public Law 102- 575, Subsection 207( f)( 2)( D) Status The Division of Water Resources assessed the potential water and energy savings of low- flow toilets and restrictive showerheads in Utah in 1989. Based on estimates of substantial savings, a recommendation was made to the Board of Water Resources ( BWR) to pass a resolution urging adoption of amendments to the Utah plumbing code requiring ultra low- flush toilets ( 1.6 gallons) and restrictive showerheads ( 2.5 gallons per minute) installed in new construction. ( Similar action has been taken by other states active in implementing various water conservation methods.) By switching to low water use fixtures, the division estimated a reduction of residential indoor water use by approximately 33 percent. Expressed another way, a family of four that formerly required about 255 gallons of water a day indoors would now require less than 170 gallons. Over the course of a year, the savings would total about 30,000 gallons. With this large reduction in water flow, water distribution systems, including reservoirs, treatment plants, pumping systems and water mains, are positively affected. The potential for savings of water and energy is sizeable. After approving the resolution, the BWR requested the Uniform Building Code Advisory Board to adopt the recommendations. The Uniform Plumbing Code Commission of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing approved the amendments effective July 1, 1992. The Utah Legislature amended the Utah Code in 1993 to require all building inspectors in the state be " qualified" and " certified" effective July 1, 1993. Since the changes in the Utah plumbing code went into effect, the Division of Water Resources felt it advisable to assess the impact and enforcement of the amendments. ( Plumbing Code Implementation Assessment - Nov. 30, 1993) It also seemed prudent to evaluate the situation in Utah before the onset of a new federal requirement effective Jan. 1, 1994, that prohibits the manufacture of toilets with water capacity more than 1.6 gallons, except larger size toilets ( 3.5 gallons) designated for commercial use. The division assessment revealed that inspectors found almost total compliance with the plumbing code amendments for low consumption fixtures and fittings in new construction. Attitudes are changing in the building industry about these products because of new, improved water closet technology and better consumer acceptance. Most important, the federal standards imposed restrict the availability of larger units and thus make it easier to enforce the Utah standards. Retrofitting In some areas of the U. S. where drought conditions required immediate action, programs 53 |
