Well it looks like the high efficient toilets are here to stay. House Bill # 2667 was signed into law, basically saying that by 2014 all toilets in the state of Texas will be 1.28 gallon flush. That will give the manufactures a little time to change up their lineup to suit the upcoming demand. We have had great success with the Toto, and Kohler HE toilets so far, but they have only been available in a few styles. Anyone that remembers the change to 1.6 gallon flush toilets might be a little concerned that this is going to be a disaster. I think not. The manufactures have learned a lot (Thank you Toto) and know how to make a toilet that can really work.
This is from PMI For Immediate Release ROLLING MEADOWS, ILLINOIS (AUGUST 4, 2009) – A coalition led by the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute recently helped Texas join California as the second state nationwide to require high-efficiency toilets (HETs) in all new residential and commercial construction. An HET is defined as a water closet that uses no more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush (GPF), or 20% less than the 1.6-GPF models mandated by the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). Texas House Bill 2667, which was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry on June 19, also sets maximum showerhead flow rates at 2.5 gallons per minute and urinal flush volumes at 0.5 GPF. Effective September 1 of this year, the legislation mandates that toilet and urinal manufacturers phase in HETs over the next four years, starting with 50% of in-state sales by January 1, 2010, and culminating with 100% by January 1, 2014. In addition, HB 2667 contains two other key provisions: Any plumbing product certified by the federal WaterSense® Program is exempt from the new Texas efficiency standards. This marks the first time that WaterSense, which was unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2006, has been specifically referenced in a state law. HB 2667 repeals all manufacturer product-filing fees and testing requirements, formerly required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state testing and certification agency. Strong coalition: Testifying on behalf of the legislation, which was filed on March 6 by Rep. Alan Ritter (D-Nederland), were Carole Baker of the Alliance for Water Efficiency and Karen Guz of the San Antonio Water System, in addition to PMI Technical Director Shawn Martin. Environmental groups, such as the National Wildlife Federation and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, also registered their support for HB 2667, helping to speed its passage through both houses of the Texas Legislature this past April and May. That relatively smooth progress through the legislature reflects the strength of the coalition that PMI helped build over the previous 12 months. Working closely with state environmentalists and water-conservation organizations, the association also maintained close communications with Rep. Ritter, who is the chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, and the offices of Gov. Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Sen. Chuy Hinojosa (D-Mission) and Speaker of the House Joe Straus (R-San Antonio). “PMI members have successfully developed the various plumbing technologies that meet the demanding criteria of national WaterSense program, helping Americans to save water without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
We actively support current legislative efforts — both federal and state — that seek to write these technological achievements into law in a consistent way from state to state, while also creating effective economic incentives for the installation of these products.” “This is a major victory and an important milestone for PMI members and the plumbing industry in our efforts to promote the efficient use of water,” comments PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens. “Our work in Texas is part of PMI’s overall strategy to harmonize water efficiency standards across the United States to make saving water an effective, practical reality for all property owners and businesses. For more information on PMI, visit www.pmihome.org. For information on clean drinking water, water conservation and efficiency, and home safety, visit safeplumbing.org. Brad Casebier Radiant Plumbing Service Austin, Texas