Water, water everywhere.

Conserving water can save your district money. Here is the latest in water conservation toilets, urinals, faucets and shower systems.

According to Julius Ballanco, registered master plumber and president, J.B. Engineering (Indianapolis, Ind.), in some parts of the country water can cost $4 to $8 per 10,000 gallons. He adds that the old saying that "water is free, you just pay to have it shipped to you" fails to consider getting rid of the water - the sewerage costs.

Water

use can be cut up to 60 percent, says Pat Higgins, P.J.Higgins & Assoc. (Frederick, Md.), which can be a significant dollar savings. "We can save on water use, on sewage treatment and on energy used to heat the water," he explains. Recent federal legislation requiring water-saving plumbing fixtures has been adopted or exceeded by individual states, the state variations being more dependent on local water availability.

Water Closets and Urinals

The National Standard Plumbing Code establishes the number of water closets, urinals, drinking fountains and service sinks necessary for a given number of occupants in schools. The National Energy Conservation Act set a goal of 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush) for water closets (i.e., toilets) and 1.0 gpf for urinals by the end of 1997. By itself, the number of gallons saved per flush means huge savings; multiply this by the number of students in the school, and a huge amount of wasted water can be avoided with newer models. The actual way the new requirements are met varies by manufacturer.

As with any new product, there were some initial problems with the first low-flush water closets, but these were resolved in successive designs. Models currently on the market perform as well or better than the 4 to 6 gpf toilets in common use before the water conservation act. Today, there are numerous models on the market; one need only look to find a model which will fit a school's budget, space and size, and which will meet or exceed the codes.

American Standard alone has 47 different models of 1.6 gpf toilets available to meet water conservation regulations, while offering savings on water and sewer costs.

Sensor-operated water closets are especially popular, not only for sanitary reasons, but also for the water conserved. While Zurn Industries also makes manually operated units, the company's WSI 1.6 gpf models are vandal-resistant, low-consumption units with built-in guards against unintentional or repetitive flushes. The WSI 1.0 gpf urinals are also sensor-operated.

Lavatories and Faucets

The 1992 Energy Policy Act requires 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute) maximum for lavatory faucets. A minimum might be 0.5 gpm; below that the time required to rinse soapy hands begins to negate water savings. Regardless of the gpm criterion used, self-closing faucets, which automatically shut off the water flow after a preset period of time, are the greatest conservers of water. The variety of faucets in this category is as numerous as the manufacturers' imaginations and technology's limits.

Self-closing faucets include manually initiated, one-temperature (cold) metered flow; manually operated, tempered (mixed hot and cold) water, metered flow; push-button operated or spring operated, metered flow; sensor-activated, preset or metered flow; and sensor-activated on and off. Most feature an automatic complete shut-off when water flow is repeatedly initiated, when the button is pushed in rapid succession or within five seconds after shut-off, for example.

The T&S Brass line of electronic and manually operated faucets with metering devices can be set to allow water to run from five to 10 seconds. American Standard faucets restrict water flow rate to as little as 2.2 gpm, meeting code requirements across the country.

Speakman manufactures both a push-button metering faucet and a sensor faucet. The Microflo push-button metering faucet is programmable from five to 120 seconds (factory set at 10 seconds) and has a temperature control mixer. The modular faucet can be retrofitted to almost all standard sinks. It is battery-powered, however. Because the battery lifetime is variable, a company representative should be consulted for the individual application. Their Sensorflo electronic sensor faucet is said to save up to 85 percent of normal water use. Available in gooseneck or standard spout, the no-touch faucet is also of modular design for ease in installation and maintenance. Three different styles of aerators can be fitted into these models;one of them has a vandal-resistant 0.5 gpm flow control.

Chicago Faucets manufactures model in each of the above categories. The Eagle Eye is a motion-detecting electronic faucet with the motion detector in the spout base. The unit is available with a battery-operated power source for single-unit installations where hard wiring is not an option. The MVP and NAIAD are self-closing metering valves with concealed deck fittings. They are activated with three pounds of pressure (ADA standard is five pounds). The user can adjust the water temperature for cold only or a mix of hot cold.

Modular fixture components to facilitate installation and maintenance are promoted by Powers Process Controls in their three basic designs. Their ESP lavatory faucet has a sensor mounted on the deck of the sink. When hands are placed under the faucet, the invisible infrared beam is interrupted and the water supply automatically turns on. When the hands are removed, the water automatically shuts off. This model also has a built-in timing function which shuts off the water after 30 seconds of continuous use. Water flow times can be adjusted up or down. A small screw at the base of the sensor adjusts the range of the sensor, which is preset at eight inches at the factory but can extend from four inches to 18 inches. The direction of the infrared beam can also be adjusted to accommodate different sink styles.

A slow-closing solid cast brass basin cock with a 2.5 gpm aerator from Central Brass has an external cycle adjustment. The company has the slow-closing model with a 0.5 gpm vandal-resistant flow restrictor and a self-closing model with vandal-resistant caps. Wall-mount models are also available from Central Brass.

Symmons' popular SCOT (Slow-Closing Omni-Temperature) lavatory faucet has a spring-loaded, self-closing push handle which mixes hot and cold water to a preset temperature or dispenses cold water only. Their S-70 low-flow metering faucets are specifically designed to meet the water conservation requirements of 1992.

Greater efficiency and conservation can be gained through the use of group fixtures, or multiple-station lavatories, which typically serve up to eight users at a time. A savings in space as well as installation costs and maintenance can be realized with group fixtures. For example, one multiple-station lavatory can serve both girls' and boys' washrooms. One set of plumbing connections reduces the number of connections and centralizes the plumbing configurations.

Bradley's modular multiple lavatory systems are two- and three-station units side-by-side with a choice of push-button or infrared controls. Because they are modular, the number of plumbing connections is reduced to almost one-quarter that required by conventional units. The multistation lavatories, which sit atop acrylic laminate panels, are constructed of Terreon, a dense polyester resin material which resembles polished granite and is resistant to stains, impact and burns. The molded, sprayheads are integral with the bowl modules and feature concealed vandal-resistant stream formers. The design is streamlined for ease in cleaning, and the fixtures (air valves, water supplies, and waste) are concealed within the support frame.

One of the more intriguing designs is the Bradley circular washfountain available in stainless steel or heavy-duty synthetic finish. The circular units have a central columnar sprayhead, and therefore require one set of valves. Configurations range from pie-shape to completely circular 36-inch and 54-inch diameters. The 54-inch circular deep bowl washfountain has a 8.5-inch-deep Terreon bowl placed on a tapered reinforced fiberglass pedestal and accommodates up to eight users at one time. The modular sprayhead sends out a triple stream of water, an efficient design which is quite different from the old faucets.

The older faucet styles are too comfortable for some people to change, however, and the cost can be more within budget. These older designs can and do meet the new codes. In addition, Higgins points out, aerators on faucets are a single source of significant savings. The aerator is the water flow controller on the end of the faucet. All three Chicago Faucets models mentioned above come with a 2 gpm aerator, and Central Brass manufactures a self-closing solid brass basin cock with a solid brass cross handle and a 2.5 gpm aerator.

Not all faucets include aerators, and many aerators require a special tool for removal, a feature which can be a vandalism deterrent. Higgins suggests that electronic faucets, which are more expensive initially, are the more vandalism-resistant models. Water is also better controlled by use of hidden sensors which dispense a preset amount of water only when a user is within proximity. Another point to remember is that fixtures designed to resist vandalism are usually the most durable. Simple, rugged, precast synthetic or heavy-gauge stainless steel basins combined with tamper-proof controls provide a wash station built for heavy use. As much as possible, supply and drainage lines should be concealed.

Showers and Showerheads

"Showers," states Ballanco, "are a big user of water. Beginning in the sixth grade in some school districts, a shower from 10 to 15 minutes duration is required." Since 1994, showerheads have been required to emit approximately 2.2 gpm. A maximum 2.5 gpm has been shown to be efficient. While the 1.5 gpm showerhead is sufficient, if there should be a pressure drop, such as might occur when more than one shower is in use, the actual amount of water is decreased to a point where efficiency is lost and savings are questionable.

Ballanco explains that "at 1 gpm, showerheads have a chill factor. Rather than rinse thoroughly in a short period of time, the user is chilled by the small spray of water and remains under the spray longer to rinse completely." He suggests the 1.5 gpm showerhead is the absolute lowest for efficiency: high enough to accommodate pressure drop. sufficient water to rinse completely and enough spray to overcome the chill factor. Current technology has been used effectively to maintain the limits placed on showerheads by the new codes. Showerheads are efficient and available in many designs.

For example, American Standard has designed showerheads and adjustable shower systems to provide a better spray pattern than the older showerheads. Greater efficiency showerheads provide a drenching and enjoyable shower while preventing water waste.

The 2.5 gpm showerheads from Powers Process Controls are available with either gooseneck or standard spout and in a standard or modular surface mount system. For the touchless infrared models, the water turns on automatically when the user steps within range of the infrared beam; the water shuts off automatically when the user steps out of the range or when the maximum run time is reached. In the push-button models, the user turns on the water by pressing the button; the water turns off after the preset time or when the user presses the button. In both models, the water temperature is preset and is maintained within three degrees of that set point.

Symmons' TempControl is a thermostatic water controller which regulates the water supply to multiple showers. The system instantly compensates for supply line temperature and pressure changes, and automatically shuts off water supply if safety limits are exceeded. This master control unit is typically installed in the coach's room and can be locked at any setting to prevent unauthorized use.

Like multiple station lavatories, group showers, column showers with multiple sprayheads, serve a number of people simultaneously and provide savings in installation and maintenance. One set of plumbing connections reduces installation and maintenance costs.

The six-mount showerhead put out by Speakman, for example, is physically bolted to the wall to thwart vandalism and avoid damage or loss due to children's horseplay. The unit is operated by a valve located below the showerhead. It is pressure-balanced for a steady flow of water, and it has an anti-scald valve to prevent thermal shock should water be diverted to feed another line. Water temperature is maintained within three degrees of the preset temperature, or the valve will shut off the water to the showerhead.

Bradley's multi-station showers are preassembled and have a single water supply connection - features which simplify installation. They are made in columnar, semi-circular and linear designs. Usually preferred in remodeling situations, the Panelon model, though linear, is modular in that it has one set of supply connections and comes preassembled.

The Future of Water Conservation

Higgins is enthusiastic about current and future technology. "There's a slew of available products and more are on the horizon," he states. "The newer products are exceptionally good and aren't cost-prohibitive." Current products which point to the future include the use of fuzzy logic sensors to prevent continual flushing. (Fuzzy logic circuits are programmed to think and learn each time the system is triggered.)

"I've checked these things personally. The user must appear in front of the unit for an extended period of time before it will flush again." Higgins envisions manufacturers incorporating more fuzzy logic and more battery-operated units using high-powered cell batteries.

On the horizon are pressure-assisted water closets in which water and air are mixed for the most efficient flush. Ballanco has seen these in operation.

Low maintenance is also a large part of current and future designs. Electronics will play a large role, and waterless products will be entering the market more and more. One company, Waterless Company in Del Mar, Calif., has already put a few waterless urinals on the market. Their No-Flush urinals resemble conventional fixtures and can be installed where standard urinals are located. However, there is no need for flush water supply lines, handles or sensors. The standard trap drain is replaced by a disposable trap containing a layer of immiscible liquid which is lighter than urine and therefore will float on top. This BlueSeal liquid acts as a seal, blocking out sewer gases and keeping urine odors out of the room.

Ballanco believes pressure compensating showerheads, where flow restriction does not vary from 2.5 gpm at 80 psi will soon be standard. He also notes that the flow pattern in the showerheads is improving with each generation.

Company                                     Phone Number

American Standard Inc.                      800/223-0068
Bradley Corporation                         414/251-6000
Central Bras Mfg. Co.                       800/321-8630
Chicago Faucet Co.                          847/803-5000
Powers Process Controls.                    847/673-6700
Speakman                                    800/537-2107
Symmons Industries, Inc.                    617/848/2250
T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.            800/476-4103
Waterless Company                           888/NOFLUSH
Zurn Industries, Inc.                       800/997-3876
Commercial Brass Operation

Margaret Choudhury is a freelance writer from Arlington Heights, Ill.