Old toilets, (which use between 3.5 to 8 gallons per flush) should be replaced by 1.6 gallon low -flow toilets. The newest generation work far better than the older models and completely flush as needed. There are also dual flush models, with one setting for liquid and one for solid waste. See the revolutionary Hat Box toilet in Healthy Child’s design home.

Composting toilets that use no water, chemicals or require a septic tank, are an alternative.

Without having to do a remodel, there are now simple greywater systems on the market that take your bathrooms sink and shower wastewater, filter it, minimally sanitize it, then send it to your toilet for flushing purposes.

Low-flow faucet fixtures can be put on all faucets in the house, restricting flow to less than 1.0 gallon per minute (gpm).

All shower heads made in the United States must now restrict flow to 2.5 gpm. You can even go lower. Replacing a shower head can save from three to twenty-eight gallons/5 minute shower! (Build it Green).

Other water conservation measures include:

Rain water harvesting eliminates the need to use treated drinking water for garden and outdoor cleaning purposes. It can be collected in containers under downspouts, or channeled from drains into subterranean water containers.

Grey water plumbing systems are easiest to incorporate in new buildings where a deliberate design allows for easy separation of grey water and black water. Grey water can be used to flush toilets, water landscaping and other outdoor uses.

We recommend you visit:

Energy Star
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands by Brad Lancaster
Grey Water Central
Build It Green