San Francisco wants to curb flow of water

SAN FRANCISCO – Toilets, faucets and shower heads in San Francisco businesses and residences may be required to use low-flow models as part of a large-scale water-conservation effort.

Although all new construction since 1994 has utilized low-flow toilets, there are existing bathroom fixtures in older buildings that use more water.

Supervisor Sophie Maxwell introduced legislation Tuesday that would require existing toilets, faucets and showers to use low-flow devices.

The proposed law “will again put San Francisco on the cutting edge of environmental policy and stewardship,” Maxwell said. An unknown number of buildings in The City do not use low-flow fixtures.

“Water saved from these programs will help to ensure a reliable water supply for customers both within and outside of San Francisco,” the legislation said.

The proposed bill is co-sponsored by Mayor Gavin Newsom.

“We’ve had three dry years and this is a sensible way to reduce our water consumption,” said Newsom spokesman Nathan Ballard.

The proposed law would require toilets, faucets and shower heads be low-flow in residential buildings when the building is sold or when it undergoes major improvements, converts into a condominium or undergoes a meter change.

For commercial buildings, all water fixtures must become low-flow by Jan. 1, 2017. Until then, water fixtures would have to become low-flow under certain circumstances, such as if the building undergoes a major renovation.

After a few sticking points were negotiated, the Building Owners and Managers Association supports the effort. Among contested issues were eliminating the requirement that commercial buildings must go low-flow at the point of sale.

Ken Cleaveland, director of government and public affairs for the association, said making all water fixtures low-flow in commercial buildings is “a pretty large expense,” and by providing building owners with seven years to do so is “more reasonable.”

Janan New, executive director of the San Francisco Apartments Association, said she is supportive of the water-conservation efforts, but also said The City should allow landlords to pass on a portion of the water cost to tenants, which she said is one of the best ways to ensure water conservation.

The proposal is the latest attempt by city officials to steer business owners and residents toward more environmentally friendly lifestyles. Newsom has introduced legislation, which is pending, that would make recycling mandatory.

Less is more

1.6
Gallons per flush low-flow toilets typically use

70
Gallons of water a family could typically save daily by using a low-flow toilet

3.5
Low end of the scale that an older toilet uses per flush, in gallons

7
High end of the scale that an older toilet uses per flush, in gallons

50
Percent that water usage in a home can be cut by using low-flow shower heads and faucets

Source: Department of the Environment

Article source: sfexaminer.com