Water Efficient Appliances and Fixtures 

Below are some of the major water-using appliances and fixtures that can be targeted for water efficiency improvement in commercial and multi-residential buildings. The City of Edmonton water efficient fixture bylaw requires all new development and major renovations to use water efficient fixtures.

Washing machines

Efficient clothes washing machines use half, or less than half, the amount of water used by older appliances. The more efficient models are usually more expensive, so compare the rated water-use and the anticipated frequency of appliance use to determine the payback period. Make sure to check for the EnerGuide Energy Star rated models which are more energy efficient.

Dishwashing machines

Efficient dishwashers typically use slightly less than half the volume of water used by existing dishwashers. At present, the more efficient models (mostly of European design) are more expensive than the commonly sold models. But after a payback period of typically less than one year, the more efficient models begin to generate consistent cost savings for customers. Make sure to check for the EnerGuide Energy Star rated models which are more energy efficient.

Toilet fixtures

Toilet fixtures are the largest single water using fixture in the home, and in many commercial/industrial facilities. New 6 litre per flush toilet fixtures offer very large savings over existing 20 litre per flush toilet fixtures. Fortunately, the price of 6 litre per flush fixtures has dropped rapidly over the last couple years. These efficient fixtures will become mandatory in new buildings soon. Replacement of older, existing toilets offers many opportunities for cost savings.

* $2.50 per cubic metre for combined water sewer charges

Showerheads

Efficient showerheads have improved greatly over the last few years and are now available in many styles including massage features. Water efficient showerheads reduce hot water requirements (a big help to households which occassionally run out of hot water), and consequently, reduce the cost of heating the water.

Aerators

Install low-flow aerators on apartment faucets. (1.5 GPM aerators or spray aerators for kitchen faucets).

Outdoor irrigation systems

Many automatic irrigation systems are controlled with a timer. Customers can also invest in an inexpensive moisture sensor which ensures the system does not operate unless watering is actually required.

Refrigeration Systems

Restaurants, retail stores and fast-food outlets are just some of the locations where once-through condenser cooling is used. These types of systems should not be installed because they typically waste thousands of dollars of water in a year. The City of Edmonton water efficiency fixture bylaw does not allow once-through cooling systems except as an emergency backup. Air cooled or closed loop systems cost a little more to install but offer huge savings in water costs over the course of the first year of operation.

Water Softener

Solenoid valves on water softeners often fail resulting in large water losses. Frequent checking and replacement with quality valves can protect the homeowner or commercial enterprise from losses.

Humidifiers

Some models of new humidifiers (the "sprayer" varieties which are controlled with a moisture sensor) are proving much more prone to leakage than the older float operated models. Frequent checking, cleaning and selection of simple mechanisms can reduce the risk of loss to the property owner.