Toilets and urinals represent 30 to 40 per cent of domestic water use in households and in commercial and institutional buildings. Installation of more efficient models results in significant water savings. While the BC Building Code currently requires toilets with a 6-litre flush volume, high-efficiency toilets, which have a flush volume of 4.8 litres or less, are now available.

Low Flow, High Efficiency Toilets
High-efficiency toilets (HETs) have a maximum flush volume of 4.8 litres. Dual-flush toilets are classified as HETs because the ratio of reduced flushes (up to 4.1 litres) to full flushes (up to 6 litres) results in an effective flush volume that is less than 4.8 litres. On average, high-efficiency toilets use at least 20 per cent less water than the 6-litre models that are currently required in B.C.

Effective October 3, 2011, HETs or dual-flush toilets will be required in new residential buildings or when renovations involving plumbing fixtures occur. The requirement for toilets with a maximum flush cycle of 6 litres in industrial, commercial and institutional buildings will remain unchanged.

Why install a high-efficiency toilet?

• It's the law. Effective October 3, 2011, the Province of British Columbia is amending the BC Building Code regulation requiring the installation of high-efficiency toilets.
• They're reliable. New high-efficiency toilets have proven to be efficient and reliable. 
• Water savings. Your family can save over 30,000 litres of water a year with a 4.8 litre high-efficiency toilet - a significant reduction in household consumption.

For more information visit the Province of BC Office of Housing and Construction Standards website.