Bill targets water-saving appliances

Under the National Energy Policy Act of 1992, showerheads and a variety of other products must meet established energy and water efficiency standards.

September 1, 1999
Web posted at: 3:34 p.m. EDT (1934 GMT)

Water-saving plumbing products, from low-flush toilets to water-saving showerheads could be on their way out if The Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 1999 is passed.

Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Mich., is sponsoring a bill that would amend the existing Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revoke restrictions on plumbing products and appliances, including showerheads, faucets, water closets (better known as toilets) and urinals.

"It would be a disaster," said Cece Kremer, vice-president of government affairs for the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute. "First, it's totally irresponsible because we're facing the biggest drought in the history of this country."

"We believe the federal government has no business making regulations of this type. The toilets, generally speaking, do not work. And this act eliminates the fundamental foundation of our economy which is consumer choice," said Paul Welday, chief of staff for Rep. Knollenberg.

Knollenberg received feedback from his constituents that the toilets, in particular, don't save water. "The options Knollenberg suggests are those that state and localities decide for themselves. A federal mandate neither solves the problem nor provides constituents with the choices they deserve," said Welday.

Under the National Energy Policy Act of 1992, toilets and a variety of other products must meet established energy and water efficiency standards. The existing standard requires that toilets flush no more than 1.6 gallons versus older, conventional toilets that use five to seven gallons in a single flush. Showerheads are required to use 2.5 gallons per minute. Anyone constructing or remodeling a home or building must comply with the federal standards.

According to the National Resources Defense Council, plumbing supply manufacturers support the standards and want to preserve a national market for their product to avoid each state setting their own standards which would lead to problems with labeling and distribution. They also claim low-flush toilets are improving in quality and design. Over 100 groups, from Alabama Rivers Alliance to the city of Portland have joined an umbrella coalition in support of the water efficiency standards.

Kremer says the toilets do work because water is being saved. The use of low-flow toilets, faucets and showers in the average home of 2.49 people saves over 30 gallons of water a day, according to the American Water Works Association.

"The amount of water being saved by 1.6 toilets and low consumption products is so gigantic because state and local officials are using the projected savings to plan for the future," said Kremer. "Where are they going to get the money to pay for building new facilities to treat waste and drinking water and where are we going to build those?"

"Knollenberg has targeted the wrong federal regulation. This is a win for consumers, for manufacturers, for environmental and conservation groups, for the utility companies, it's a win for everybody," said Kremer.

"We are hoping the subcommittee refers the bill to the Commerce Committee for consideration before it receives a vote on the House floor," said Welday.

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