USA, California: water utility hands out free low-flush toilets

Updated - Monday 06 November 2006

Residents of Stockton, California, lined up recently to pick up one of the 1,100 free ultra-low-flush toilets being distributed by Cal Water to promote water conservation. In 2005, the investor-owned water utility gave away 500, but this was not enough to meet the demand.

The toilets, which normally cost about US$ 200 (EUR 157) use 1.6 gallons (6 litres) of water per flush compared to the 5 gallons (19 litres) or more needed by older standard toilets. According to the manufacturer Niagara Conservation Co., this could save users up to US$ 35 (EUR 27.50) a year on their water bills. An added advantage is that the toilets have no "flappers" (sealing devices) that control the flow of water from the tank to the bowl and are often the source of leaks.

Water conservation, however, was not what motivated most people to get a free low-flush toilet. Many of the residents present were senior citizens who otherwise could not afford to replace their old leaking toilets.

Ultra-low-flush toilets are required by law in all new construction in California since 1 January 1992.

Web site: Cal Water - Learn ways to conserve water

Source: Alex Breitler, The Record, 8 Oct 2006