Low-flow fixtures

In the United States a maximum water usage of conventional plumbing fixtures was federally mandated by the Energy policy act of 1992.

The Environmental protection agency (EPA) WaterSense program has requirements for plumbing fixtures to achieve their definition for water saving low-flow.

[1] The United States Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated the first maximum water efficiencies for major fixtures in residential and commercial applications.

[6] In 2020, following several speeches in which he complained about low water pressure, then-President Donald Trump directed the DOE to weaken the low-flow rules at the federal level.

Faucets that meet energy efficiency standards for WaterSense mustn’t use more than 1.5 gpm, a 32% decrease in flow rate over the federal requirement.

In the United States, Older conventional toilet models, typically those built before 1982, can use 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush.

[15] Switching to water-efficient fixtures is a smart way to save water, reduce your utility bills, and support environmental sustainability.

The average family in the United States could save 2,700 gallons of water per year by installing a WaterSense certified showerhead.

[18] Another emerging option for the highest level of water saving showerheads are Thermostatic Shut-off Valves (TSV).

In the United States the EPA's WaterSense has established minimum flow rates for lavatory fixtures to ensure satisfaction with low water pressures.

When these low flow fixtures first emerged manufactures generally did not make sufficient changes to the design besides reducing the amount of water used.