Flushed Away

Most people know about the ENERGY STAR rating given to energy efficient products. Long story short, the ENERGY STAR program, run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, gives people and businesses a chance to save money and protect the environment.

Soon, a new government program will provide a similar service for water products.

The EPA’s WaterSense program, which launched in June 2006, will start labeling high-performing, water-efficient products later this year. Toilets are first on the list to receive the label. Faucets and other items will follow.

Kohler announced that eight of its toilets earned the new WaterSense label, which means that they use at least 20 percent less water than the standard 1.6-gallon per flush.

The EPA notes that in the average American home, more water is used for flushing the toilet than running the shower.

As they say in England, Crikey.

Maggie Galehouse | Books editor, features reporter