Two studies commissioned by the UK Environment Agency show that converting toilets from single to dual flush saves water. The first, conducted by Anglian Water showed average savings of 4% while the second study*, conducted by Southern Water showed an average saving of 27%, equal to 8% of total domestic water consumption. The dual system allows the user to choose between a light three litre flush, and a longer six litre flush. The studies also helped to dispel misgivings about dual flush technology, which some believed would lead to double flushing. As a result, the Environment Agency is calling for a relaxation in the laws prohibiting retrofitting of dual devices on existing toilets. Dual flush toilets are actively encouraged across America, Asia, in some European countries such as Denmark and Sweden, and are mandatory in Australia for new bathrooms. The Australian organization, Savewater, estimates that dual flush toilets have helped Australia save as much water as Adelaide and Perth use annually.

*Keating, T. and Lawson, R. (2000). The water efficiency of retrofit dual flush toilets. Worthing, UK, Southern Water and Bristol, UK, Environment Agency. http://watersave.uk.net/Links/Dualflushreport.pd... (PDF File, 669 KB)

Contact: David Howarth, Project manager, The Effectiveness of Converting WC's to Dual Flush, Environment Agency, research@environment-agency.gov.uk

Source: Edie, 30 Aug 2002
Environment Agency, 28 Aug 2002

Environment Agency - Savewater: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/wa... ; savewater.com.au - Saving Water in the Bathroom and Toilet: http://www.savewater.com.au/default.asp?SectionI...

Tags: water resources management