STANFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES - EARTH SYSTEMS PROGRAM

Sustainable Choices

Install Low-flow Fixtures & Sink Aerators

Simplicity:
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Carbon Impact:
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Money Savings:
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Health Helper:
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Overview
Did you know that two faucets or showers can produce water streams that feel almost exactly the same while one uses up to three times more water than the other? Low-flow fixtures and aerators use high pressure and aeration to produce a comfortable, pleasing flow without using nearly as much water. Because of this strategy, low-flow fixtures are a win-win situation.

Tips & Tricks
Ask at your local hardware. Look for low-flow fixtures and aerators, find out what they have, and compare products and prices.

Start with the faucets that you use most. If you can’t replace or add an aerator to all your water fixtures right now, start with the ones that get the heaviest use in your home. For instance, you might begin with the kitchen or the bathroom.

Web & Print Resources
About low-flow fixtures and aerators:
www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pp/bathroom_faucets.htm
www.fypower.org/res/tools/products_results.html?id=100160
http://energyaudit-scg.sempra.com/library/lowflow.asp
www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/phecc/strat_W1.cfm

General water-saving information:
www.epa.gov/WaterSense/water/simple.htm#full
www.h2ouse.org/

Water Sense quiz:
www.epa.gov/WaterSense/quiz/index.htm

Fun Facts

Supplying and treating cold water requires a significant amount of energy. Letting your faucet run for 5 minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours. Source