Water is a precious but limited commodity that needs conserving. While there are numerous ways to preserve this resource in the Bay Area, one is to upgrade your plumbing fixtures. Water-efficient plumbing fixtures save water and money. Discover plumbing fixtures you can invest in to conserve water in 2025.
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Why Water Conservation Matters in the Bay Area
Water conservation refers to efforts to use water efficiently and reduce wastage. Due to the ongoing drought in the Bay Area and broader California, which was partly to blame for the recent California fire, there’s a need to conserve water. That’s not all; Bay Area water conservation matters for these specific reasons:
1. Drought Effects Mitigation
The Bay Area is drought-prone. Drought lowers the water table, leading to water scarcity. Its severity increases with climate change. The process is gradual, occurring over several years. So, the fact that it occasionally rains doesn’t mean the drought menace is over.
So, there’s always a need to conserve water to ensure enough for tomorrow. By conserving rainwater now, you cushion yourself against the devastating effects of the next drought.
2. Water Usage Regulation Compliance
California has adopted mandatory water conservation measures for urban water suppliers. These suppliers have no option but to influence behavioral changes among their customers (the urban residents) to meet these new regulations. The campaign dubbed ‘Water Conservation a California Way of Life’ particularly advocates for the following:
- Efficient water usage
- Water waste elimination
- Strengthening local drought-resistance
- Drought planning
3. Positive Environmental Impact
Conservation practices reduce the amount of water diverted from estuaries and rivers, which helps to keep the environment healthy. Water conservation also saves on the energy required to pump, treat, and transport water, reducing the carbon footprint and preventing air pollution.
Note also that conservation reduces water scarcity, which is often to blame for desertification, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Water conservation boosts efforts to maintain forest covers and improve biodiversity in the Bay Area.
4. Sustainability
Water conservation efforts make our water resources more sustainable. With the Bay Area’s population expected to reach 10.3 million by 2050, up from 7.8 million today, water demand will forever rise.
However, today’s conservative efforts help meet future demands. Conservation efforts also help maintain aquatic ecosystems, including lakes and rivers, which are natural habitats for marine life.
5. Reduced Water Bills
Every drop of water that goes down the drain impacts your pocket. The more water you waste, the more you pay. But investing in water-saving plumbing upgrades means spending less on your water bill. You only pay for what you use since you avoid wastage.
6. Enhanced Food Security
Water is necessary for agriculture and integral to growing food in the Bay Area. Conservative efforts ensure enough water for irrigation to enable farmers to grow healthy food and boost the region’s food security.
Top Plumbing Upgrades
Here are four plumbing upgrades to save water.
1. Low Flow Toilets
Due to their low flow rate, WaterSense-labelled toilets use less water than standard toilets. They average 1.28 gallons per flush. But how do low-flow toilets save water?
Low-flow toilets optimize their bowl design to improve the flush force and use pressurized air (instead of water) to push waste. They also employ a dual flush system as follows;
- Partial flush system for liquid waste
- Full flush system for solid waste
You save water on partial flush.
Another advantage of these water-efficient bathroom upgrades is the reduced risk of sewage overflow. That’s because less water enters the sewer system.
2. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters work on demand. They only heat water when needed and in the amount you need, saving water and energy. These heaters deliver hot water almost instantly, making them perfect for energy-efficient plumbing.
Efficient tankless water heaters average about 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute, depending on the usage. For an average household that uses about 41 gallons, the heaters save up 34% of the household’s water usage. Meanwhile, a household that averages 86 gallons can expect to save up to 14% of water.
Other tankless water heater benefits include:
- Durability
- Saving on space due to compact sizes
- Lower maintenance than regular water heaters
3. Smart Leak Detectors
Technology has advanced in the water conservation space. Nowadays, we have innovative leak detection systems that use specialized sensors to detect leaks and relay the information to you as an app alert, text message, or email notification.
Even better, some smart leak detectors have built-in valves that automatically adjust to your water supply to prevent further leakage and water damage. Thus, they effectively prevent water loss and lower your water bill.
With the average family wasting up to 9,400 gallons a year due to leaks – enough for 300 loads of laundry, smart plumbing devices could be the saving factor you’ve always wanted.
4. Aerators for Faucets and Showers
WaterSense faucet aerators use 20% less water without sacrificing performance; the same goes for faucets.
These water-efficient fixtures add air to the water stream to create the perception of a full flow. So, you get a large volume of air-water mixture, but only a tiny part is water.
Tips for Choosing the Right Upgrades
Here are some top tips when choosing plumbing upgrades:
1. Assess Your Household Water Usage
When selecting plumbing upgrades, consider the size of your home, its design and style. The fixtures should match household usage and personal taste. If your house has a modern appeal, ensure the fixtures match it, and if it’s traditional, do the same.
2. Consider WaterSense Certification
WaterSense labels are a mark of water efficiency and EPA certification. They’re the equivalent of the EnergyStar rating for energy-efficient appliances. Opt for upgrades with WaterSense labels, as they promise to save water without sacrificing performance.
3. Don’t Compromise on Quality
Consider stainless steel or brass fixtures. They resist wear and corrosion. Porcelain is also a good option for those seeking elegance and resistance to staining. Ultimately, quality fixtures save you money, as replacing them takes time.
4. Explore Innovative Fixtures
Take advantage of smart plumbing upgrades, especially the water-efficient ones, which include:
- Touchless faucets
- Smart leak detectors and meters
- Smart toilets
5. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
To warrant longevity, plumbing fixtures should be easy to maintain. They should have easy-to-clean finishes and be resistant to corrosion and wear. What’s more, replacements and repair parts should be easy to find.
Seek Professional Help
Inquire from a professional plumber about the best Bay Area home improvement tips. Talk to us for the best plumbing upgrades. Let’s help you with the selection, installation, repair, and replacement of old fixtures. We are a top professional plumbing company in Hillsborough, CA, offering installations and repairs. Book a free estimate with us today, and let us help you upgrade your plumbing!
