QUESTION:
I have heard some talk about the Provincial Government requiring the installation of low consumption toilets. How does this affect me?
Answer:
UPDATE: The Province of British Columbia is taking another step toward increased water efficiency through new high-efficiency toilet (HET) and high-efficiency urinal (HEU) requirements in the BC Building Code. Effective October 3, 2011, HETs or dual-flush toilets will be required in new residential buildings or when renovations involving plumbing fixtures occur. Whenever urinals are installed, HEUs will be required.
The City of Richmond is providing a Toilet Rebate Program to homeowners who install a low-flush toilet.
The provincial Water Conservation Plumbing Regulation has been amended to require the installation of low consumption (6 litre) toilets in specific local government jurisdictions:
Effective January 1, 2005, all new toilets installed throughout the Lower Mainland must have a flush cycle no greater than 6 litres. The provincial government amended the Water Conservation Plumbing Regulation to require low consumption toilets in response to a direct request from specific communities. On a broader scale, increasing demand for water, combined with supply shortages, have highlighted the need to use existing water supplies more efficiently. The use of low consumption toilets is expected to produce significant water savings, which can:
- Decrease water utility operating and capital costs
- Reduce ecological impacts
- Increase availability of water for other uses
What is meant by “new installations” you ask? Any toilet that is being installed for the first time is a new installation. This could be a toilet installed in a building that is under construction. It could also be a new toilet that is replacing an old toilet. If you have any questions on this topic or any other plumbing, heating and gas fitting problems, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
If you’ve got a question for a plumbing expert that hasn’t been answered here, please feel free to contact us.