EPA
WaterSense
Water Efficiency Management Guide
Bathroom Suite
nvEPA
EPA 832-F-17-016d
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WaterSense
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense® program encourages property
managers and owners to regularly input their buildings' water use data in ENERGY STAR®
Portfolio Manager®, an online tool for tracking energy and water consumption. Tracking water use
is an important first step in managing and reducing property water use.
WaterSense has worked with ENERGY STAR to develop the EPA Water Score for multifamily
housing. This 0-100 score, based on an entire property's water use relative to the average national
water use of similar properties, will allow owners and managers to assess their properties' water
performance and complements the ENERGY STAR score for multifamily housing energy use.
This series of Water Efficiency Management Guides was developed to help multifamily housing
property owners and managers improve their water management, reduce property water use, and
subsequently improve their EPA Water Score. However, many of the best practices in this guide
can be used by facility managers for non-residential properties.
More information about the Water Score and additional Water Efficiency Management Guides are
available at www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-buildinqs.
EPA
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WaterSense

ENERGY STAR
Bathroom Suite Table of Contents
Background	1
Maintenance Best Management Practices	2
Retrofit and Replacement Options	4
Water Savings Calculations and Assumptions.		5
Inputs		5
T oilets																																		 6
Bathroom Sink Faucets	7
Showerheads	8
Bath and Shower Diverters	9
Additional Resources	10
Appendix A: Summary of Water Efficiency Measures and Savings			A-1
Appendix B: References for Calculation Assumptions	B-1
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Background
Bathrooms offer a clear opportunity for
properties to save significant amounts of
water. Use of toilets, faucets, showerheads,
and other sanitary fixtures in the bathroom
suite typically represent a significant
percentage of water use in properties.
Beyond user behavior (i.e. how frequently
and for what duration products are used),
the inherent efficiency of plumbing fixtures
and how the products wear over time also
impact bathroom water consumption. You
can influence tenant water and sewer needs
and costs by using sound maintenance
practices in addition to opting for water-
efficient products during renovations. Replacing bathroom fixtures with water-efficient
products—and WaterSense labeled products when applicable—can provide the most
significant opportunity for water and energy savings, particularly in older buildings with
inefficient fixtures.
The first step to identifying potential water savings is to verify the flow rates and flush
volumes of each fixture in your units' bathrooms. Older products have the most room for
improvement—not only do they typically use more water than newer products, but
maintenance issues are also magnified. By replacing older fixtures with newer, WaterSense
labeled models, you'll save on both water bills and maintenance, all while delivering a more
consistent product for your residents.
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 sets the maximum flow rates and flush volumes for
many bathroom fixtures, so the date of installation usually corresponds with a particular
level of water efficiency. For example, toilets installed after 1994 will have a flush volume of
1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or less. However, due to the long, useful life of toilets, many older
toilets still in use today have flush volumes of 3.5 gpf and up to 5.0 gpf.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense® program labels certain
bathroom fixtures that are at least 20 percent more water-efficient than standard plumbing
products on the market (as established by EPAct 1992). WaterSense labeled products are
also independently certified to perform as well or better than standard models.
Tabie 1. Maximum Allowable Flow Rate and Flush
Volume Requirements by Standard
Fixture Type
Pre-EPAct 1992
Post-EPAct 1992
Requirement
WaterSense
Requirement
Bathroom sink (lavatory) faucet
Up to 2.5 gallons
per minute (gpm)
2.2 gpm
1.5 gpm
Showerhead
3.0 to 5.0 gpm
2.5 gpm
2.0 gpm
Tank-type toilet
3.5 to 5.0 gpf
1.6 gpf
1.28 gpf
Flushometer-valve toilet
3.5 to 5.0 gpf
1 -6 gpf
1.28 gpf
*
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Maintenance Best Management Practices
Performing periodic inspections in the bathroom suite will help keep equipment working and
catch water waste before it impacts your water bill. Aim to conduct inspections at least
annually, or consider how checks might be incorporated into other natural intervention
points, such as during tenant changes. Each fixture type has certain common issues to
examine and verify. Table 2 provides a summary of inspection items that should be
performed periodically.
Table 2. Bathroom Fixture Maintenance Tips for Periodic Inspections
Product Type
Tip
Why
Tank-type
toilets
Check the toilet fill valves for water overflow. Remove the toilet tank
lid and determine if water is flowing over the top of the overflow tube
inside the tank. Ensure that the refill water level is set below the top
of the overflow tube, and adjust the float lower if the water level is
set too high. If the toilet continues to run after the float is adjusted,
replace the fill valve. To prevent changes in tank water levels due to
line water pressure fluctuations, only replace existing fill valves with
pilot-type fill valves.
A constantly running fill valve
can waste between 0.5 gallons
per minute (gpm)1 and 3 gpm,
wasting up to 4,000 gallons of
water2 and as much as $45 per
day.3
Tank-type
toilets
Perform dye test to look for worn toilet flappers. Drop a dye tablet or
a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. After 10 minutes,
check if the dye leaked into the bowl, which indicates a flapper leak.
Flush the toilet immediately after conducting this test to prevent the
dye from staining the tank or bowl. If there is a leak, check for a
tangled chain in the tank or replace a worn flapper valve. If leaking
does not subside after a flapper valve is replaced, consider
replacing the flapper seat and overflow tube assembly, which could
also be worn.
While leaks from worn toilet
flappers may be hard to detect,
even small leaks can waste
approximately 30 gallons of
water per day, or 900 gallons
per month.4 Installing a new
flapper will pay for itself in
avoided water and wastewater
costs in one to two months.
Flushometer-
valve toilets
Inspect diaphragm or piston valves for wear and tear. To determine
if the valve needs replacement, see how long it takes to complete a
flush cycle. A properly functioning 1.6 gpf flush valve should not
have a flush cycle longer than four seconds. If replacing valve
inserts, make sure the replacements are consistent with the valve
manufacturer's specifications, including the rated flush volume. If
replacing the entire valve, make sure it has a rated flush volume
consistent with manufacturer specifications for the existing bowl.
Worn valves can result in more
water than needed to flush the
toilet. Also, flushometer valve
bowls are specifically rated for
a specific flush volume, and
performance could be
compromised with excess
water.
Dual-flush
toilets
Be sure to educate tenants in proper use of dual-flush toilets. Dual-
flush toilets might be equipped with flush controls that could be
confusing to some new or existing tenants. Include instructions in
tenant welcome packets for proper operation of dual-flush toilets,
and give periodic reminders if you have a property newsletter or
other communications.
Dual-flush toilets can only
achieve water savings if they're
being used properly.
1	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense. WaterSense at Work. Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Facilities.
October 2012. Page 2-9. www.epa.aov/sites/production/files/2017-02/documents/watersense-at-work final 508c3.pdf
2	New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP). Repair Your Leaking Toilets: Save Water and Stop Flushing Away Your Water Bill.
www.nvc.aov/html/dep/pdf/wavs to save water/toilet brochure.pdf
3	Estimated cost of water loss based on an average residential rate of $11.02 per 1,000 gallons for water and wastewater determined from data in: American
Water Works Association (Raftelis Financial Consulting). 2016. Water and Wastewater Rate Survey.
4	NYC DEP. Op. Cit.	
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Table 2. Bathroom Fixture Maintenance Tips for Periodic Inspections
Product Type
Tip
Why
Bathroom sink
(lavatory
faucets)
Conduct a visual inspection of faucet leaks. Train users to report
continuously running, leaking, or otherwise malfunctioning faucets to
the appropriate personnel.
A faucet that drips once per
second can waste nearly 3,200
gallons5 and more than $30 per
year.6
Bathroom sink
(lavatory
faucets)
Scale accrual can occur when minerals build up on the aerator.
Inspect faucet aerators for scale buildup to ensure flow is not
restricted. Clean or replace the aerator or other spout end device if
necessary.
Scale buildup can cause
performance issues, resulting in
occupants removing faucet
aerators and increasing the
faucet flow rate.
Bathroom sink
(lavatory
faucets)
Verify that faucet aerators rated at the intended flow rate are still
installed on faucets found in unit bathrooms and public restrooms.
WaterSense labeled faucet aerators for bathrooms within residential
units have a flow rate of 1.5 gpm or less, whereas faucet aerators
for public restrooms should have a flow rate of 0.5 gpm. If aerator
removal is a common problem, consider installing tamper-proof
aerators to prevent tenants from removing them.
When the flow of water is not
controlled by a faucet aerator or
laminar flow device, faucets can
flow well over the federal
standard of 2.2 gpm.
Showerheads
Inspect showerheads for scale buildup to ensure flow is not
restricted. Use cleaning products that are designed to dissolve scale
from showerheads with buildup. Do not attempt to bore holes in the
showerhead or manually remove scale buildup, as this can lead to
increased water use or cause performance problems.
During your inspection of the showerhead, consider verifying the
flow rate to ensure a tenant hasn't tampered with the showerhead to
remove the flow restrictor.
Scale buildup can cause
showerhead performance
issues or an impeded flow,
which reduces tenant comfort.
Keeping water-efficient
showerheads clean and
performing well can help ensure
tenant satisfaction.
Bath and
shower
diverters
Bath and shower diverters (also known as tub spout diverters or tub-
shower diverters) divert the flow of water either toward a tub spout
(i.e., to the bathtub) or toward a showerhead. Older diverters can
leak due to worn parts or scale buildup. To check for a leaky
diverter, turn on the shower and determine if water is flowing out of
the diverter. If there is a leak, measure the diverter leak rate using a
bucket and stopwatch. If the leak is greater than 0.1 gpm, replace
the diverter. Fixing leaky diverters can save both water and energy,
because the water leaking is typically hot water.
On average, old, leaky diverters
can waste more than 1,500
gallons of water per year and
as much as 4,200 gallons per
year.7
5	American Water Works Association. Drip Calculator: www.drinktap.ora/water-info/water-conservation/drip-calculator.aspx
6	Estimated cost of water loss based on an average residential rate of $11.02 per 1,000 gallons for water and wastewater determined from data in: American
Water Works Association (Raftelis Financial Consulting). 2016. Water and Wastewater Rate Survey.
7	U.S. EPA. WaterSense Notice of Intent (NO!) to Develop a Draft Specification for Bath and Shower Diverters. April 27, 2017.	
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Retrofit and Replacement Options
If installing a new fixture or replacing an older, inefficient product, consider installing a
WaterSense labeled model or another water-efficient alternative. WaterSense labeled
products are independently certified to meet EPA's efficiency and performance criteria,
increases water savings, improves tenant satisfaction, and can help reduce maintenance
issues.
Tank-type toilets: WaterSense labeled tank-type toilets are independently certified to
have an effective flush volume8 of 1.28 gpf or less and pass a performance test to
remove at least 350 grams or more of solid waste per flush.
Flushometer-valve toilets: WaterSense labeled flushometer-valve toilets, whether
single- or dual-flush, use no more than 1.28 gpf. They're also certified for performance
to ensure they can handle typical commercial waste loads.
Bathroom sink (lavatory) faucets:
WaterSense labeled faucets and faucet
accessories flow at 1.5 gpm or less at 60.0
pounds per square inch (psi) of water
pressure and no less than 0.8 gpm at 20.0
psi. You can replace the entire faucet, or
simply install a new faucet aerator instead.
%

•	Showerheads: WaterSense labeled
showerheads have a maximum flow rate of
2.0 gpm and are tested for spray force and
coverage. Make sure your replacement
fixtures flow through a thermostatic mixing
valve to avoid the risk of thermal shock or
scalding.
•	Bath and shower diverters: Diverters are available on the market that
effectively do not leak, eliminating water waste from tub spouts. If replacing
bath and shower diverters, look for products tested to achieve a 0.00 gpm
leak rate in pre-life cycle and post-life cycle testing.
You can identify WaterSense labeled models by using the WaterSense
Product Search Tool and by looking for the WaterSense label on product
packaging and websites. Be sure to check with your local water utility or use
the WaterSense Rebate Finder to see if there are any rebates available in your
area.
look for
8 For a single-flush toilet, the effective flush volume is the average flush volume when tested in accordance with national standard ASME A112.19.2. For a
dual-flush toilet, the effective flush volume is defined as the average flush volume of two reduced flushes and one full flush, as determined by testing in
accordance with national standards ASME A112.19.2 and ASME 112.19.14.
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Water Savings Calculations and Assumptions
To estimate water (and energy) savings from replacing existing bathroom fixtures with more
water-efficient models, review the calculations for each fixture type. The sources for
assumptions included in the calculations are provided the Appendix.
Inputs
Occupancy: For efficiency projects where fixtures and fittings are being replaced, water
savings in bathrooms (particularly those for multifamily properties) are largely based on unit
occupancy rather than the number of fixtures. Even with multiple bathrooms within a unit,
the water savings that can be achieved within the unit by replacing older plumbing fixtures
will mostly remain the same.
Efficiency: For units where fixtures have different existing flush volumes/flow rates, average
the existing flush voiume/flow rates to establish the baseline water use.
Example:
Let's say a unit has two bathrooms: one with a 3.5 gpf
toilet and one with a 1.6 gpf toilet. To estimate water
savings from replacing both existing toilets with 1.28 gpf
or less WaterSense labeled models, use an existing
average toilet flush volume of	— = 2.55 gpf.
Alternatively, if oniy the 3.5 gpf toilet will be replaced,
instead of including 1.28 gpf or less for the replacement
toilet flush volume, use a replacement average toilet
flush volume instead. In this example, the replacement
average toilet flush volume for the unit would be
(1.6 gpf+1.28 gpf) _ ^ 44 gpf because the 1,6-gpf toilet will
remain. You can use a similar methodology for all
bathroom fixtures.
2
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Toilets
Replacing old toilets flushing at 1.6 gpf or more with WaterSense labeled models flushing at
1.28 gpf or less can result in significant water savings. To estimate potential water savings,
use Equation 1.
Equation 1. Water Savings From Toilet Replacement (gallons per year)
1.28 gpf
or Less
Existing Average Replacement
Toilet Flush Toilet Average
Volume	Flush Volume/
X
X
X
365
Toilet Use per
Person per Day
# of Occupants Days per Year
Gallons Saved
per Year
if the flush volume of existing toilets is unknown, use Table 3 to estimate the existing flush
volume based on the date of installation/initial construction.
Table 3. Assumptions for Toilet Water Savings Calculations
Existing Toilet Age
Existing Toilet Flush Volume
Installed from 1994 to Present
1 -6 gpf
Installed between 1977 to 1994
3.5 gpf
Installed before 1977
5.0 gpf
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Bathroom Sink Faucets
Replacing faucets or faucet aerators flowing at 2.0 gpm or more with WaterSense labeled
models rated at 1.5 gpm or less can help reduce water use.
To estimate water savings from replacing faucets or faucet aerators, use Equation 2.
Equation 2. Water Savings From Bathroom Sink Faucet/Faucet Aerator
Replacement (gallons per year)
0.6 gal
X
X
Water Saved per
Person per Day
# of Occupants Days per Year
Gallons Saved
per Year
Because lavatory faucets also use hot water, any resulting water savings can also save
energy. Electricity savings (for electric water heaters) and natural gas savings (for natural
gas water heaters) can be calculated using Equation 3a and 3b, respectively. If the
efficiency of the hot water heater is unknown, consider using 100 percent efficiency for
electric heaters and 75 percent for natural gas heaters to conservatively estimate energy
savings.
Equation 3a. Electricity Savings From Bathroom Sink Faucet/Faucet Aerator
Replacement (kilowatt hour [kWh] per year; for electric hot water heating)
X
57%
X
Lavatory Faucet
Gallons of Water
Savings per Year
0.183
Percentage of
Hot Water Used
kWh of Electricity
Required to Heat
One Gallon of
Water
Water Heater
Efficiency*
kWh Saved per
Year
* Use 100% if exact electric
heater efficiency is unknown
Equation 3b. Natural Gas Savings From Bathroom Sink Faucet/Faucet Aerator
Replacement (Thousand Cubic Feet [Mcf] per year; for natural gas hot water
heating)
X
Lavatory Faucet
Gallons of Water
.Savings per Year
57%
X
0.0061
Percentage of
Hot Water Used
Mcf of Natural Gas
Required to Heat
One Gallon of
Water
Water Heater
Efficiency*
Mcf Saved per
Year
*Use 75% if exact natural gas
heater efficiency is unknown
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Showerheads
To estimate water savings from replacing older, existing showerheads with WaterSense
labeled models flowing at 2.0 gpm or less, use Equation 4.
Equation 4. Water Savings From Showerhead Replacement (gallons per year)
2.0 gpm
or Less
Existing	Replacement
Average Average
Showerhead	Showerhead
Flow Rate Flow Rate
Minutes per Showers per # of Occupants Days per Year Gallons Saved
Shower Person per Day	per Year
Because showerheads use hot water, any water savings will also result in energy savings.
Electricity savings (for electric water heaters) and natural gas savings (for natural gas water
heaters) can be calculated using Equation 5a and 5b, respectively. If the efficiency of the
hot water heater is unknown, consider using 100 percent efficiency for electric heaters and
75 percent for natural gas heaters to conservatively estimate energy savings.
Equation 5a. Electricity Savings From Showerhead Replacement
(kWh per year; for electric hot water heating)
X
Showerheads
Gallons of Water
Savings per Year
0.183
66.2%
Percentage of
Hot Water Used
kWh of Electricity
Required to Heat
One Gallon of
Water
Water Heater
Efficiency*
kWh Saved per
Year
*Use 100% if exact electric
heater efficiency is unknown
Equation 5b. Natural Gas Savings From Showerhead Replacement
(Mcf per year; for natural gas hot water heating)
X
Showerheads
Gallons of Water
, Savings per Year
66.2%
0.0061
Percentage of
Hot Water Used
Mcf of Natural Gas
Required to Heat
One Gallon of
Water
Water Heater
Efficiency*
Mcf Saved per
Year
*Use 75% if exact natural gas
heater efficiency is unknown
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Bath and Shower Diverters
Property managers should replace bath and shower diverters with a leak rate greater than
0.1 gpm with newer models that do not ieak. You can determine the bath and shower
diverter leak rate using a bucket or bag to manually collect water under the tub spout while
the shower is running; measure the water collected in the bucket or bag over a one-minute
period.
To estimate water savings from leaky bath and shower diverters, use Equation 6.
Equation 6. Water Savings from Fixing Diverter Leaks (gallons per year)

X
7.8
X
0.7
X

X
365
=

Measured
Diverter Leak
Rate
Minutes per
Shower
Showers per
Person per Day
# of Occupants Days per Year
Gallons Saved
per Year
Because bath and shower diverters leak hot water, saving water will also save energy. To
calculate electricity savings (for electric water heaters) and natural gas savings (for natural
gas water heaters), substitute the Annual Diverter Water Savings with the Annual
Showerhead Water Savings in Equations 5a and 5b on the previous page.
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Additional Resources
Alliance for Water Efficiency Resource Library. Residential Water Use, Fixtures, and
Appliances. www.allianceforwaterefficiencv.org/Residential Library Content Listing.aspx
Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). Best Management Practice #6: Toilets and
Urinal, https://energy.gov/eere/femp/best-management-practice-6-toilets-and-urinals
DOE EERE FEMP. Best Management Practice #7: Faucets and Showerhead.
https://energy.gov/eere/femp/best-management-practice-7-faucets-and-showerheads
EPA's WaterSense Program Resources:
Bath and Shower Diverters
www.epa.gov/watersense/bath-and-shower-diverters
Bathroom Faucets.
www.epa.gov/watersense/bathroom-faucets
Commercial Toilets.
www, e pa. go v/wate rse n se/co m m e rci a l-to i lets
Residential Toilets.
www.epa.gov/watersense/residential-toilets
Showerheads.
www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads
WaterSense at Work. Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional
Facilities.
www.epa.gov/watersense/best-management-practices
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Appendix A: Summary of Water Efficiency Measures and Savings
This appendix can be used to summarize water efficiency measures, upgrades, and
projects that are identified at your property, based on a water assessment and/or review of
this Water Efficiency Management Guide.
Summary of Water Efficiency Measures and Savings
Item
Number
Location
Measure or Project
Name and Description
Projected
Annual
Water
Savings
(gallons)
Projected
Annual
Energy
Savings
Projected Annual
Water, Wastewater,
and Energy Cost
Savings ($)
Total
Measure
or
Project
Cost ($)
Simple
Project
Payback
(years)
Example
Second
Floor
(10 units)
Upgrade bathroom
fixtures (toilets,
showerheads, and
faucets) in second floor
units 201 through 210
with WaterSense
labeled models. Each
unit is 1.5 baths, so total
project will require
purchasing and installing
20 toilets, 20 faucets,
and 10 showerheads.
Estimated project cost is
$530 per unit ($150 per
toilet, $100 per faucet,
$30 per showerhead).
105,000
gallons
3,200 kWh
Water & Wastewater
Cost Savings: $1,150
Energy Cost
Savings: $320
Total: $1,470
$5,300
3.6 years
1







2







3







4







5







6







7







8







9







10







11







12







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Appendix B:References for Calculation Assumptions
Variable
Suggested
Value
Units
Reference
Toilets
Existing Average Toilet
Flush Volume



1994 to Present
1.6
gpf
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) 1992
1977 to 1994
3.5
gpf
North Carolina Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (NC DENR), et al.
May 2009. Water Efficiency Manual for
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional
Facilities. Page 28.
Pre-1977
5.0
gpf
NC DENR. Op. Cit.
Replacement Average
Toilet Flush Volume
1.28 or less
gpf
EPA, 2014. WaterSense Specification for
Tank-Type Toilets. Version 1.2. June 2, 2014;
and
EPA, 2015. WaterSense Specification for
Flushometer-Valve Water Closes. Version
1.0. December 17, 2015.
Use Rate (Flushes per
Occupant per Day)
5
flushes
Water Research Foundation (WRF). DeOreo,
William B., Peter Mayer, Benedykt
Dziegielewski and Jack Kiefer. Residential
End Uses of Water, Version 2. 2016. Table
6.7, Page 115.
Days per Year
365
days
Constant
Bathroom Sink (Lavatory) Faucets
Water Savings per
Occupant per Day (from
Replacing Standard 2.2
gpm Bathroom Sink Faucet
with 1.5 gpm Faucet)
0.6
gallons
EPA, 2007. WaterSense High-Efficiency
Lavatory Faucet Specification Supporting
Statement. Version 1.0. October 1, 2007.
Days per Year
365
days
Constant
Percentage of Faucet
Water Used That Is Hot
Water
57.0
%
WRF. Op. Cit. Table 6.25, Page 138.
kWh of Electricity Required
to Heat One Gallon of
Water 75°F
0.183
kWh/gallon
WaterSense calculation assuming:
•	Specific heat of water = 1.0 Btu/lb x
°F
•	1 gallon of water = 8.34 lbs
•	1 kWh = 3,412 Btus
•	Incoming water temperature is raised
75°F
Electric Hot Water Heater
Efficiency
Building/Unit Specific
(use 100% efficiency if
unknown)
U.S. Department of Energy (2014) Technical
Support Document: Energy Efficiency
Program for Consumer Products and
Commercial and Industrial Equipment-
Residential Clothes Washers. Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(EERE), Building Technologies Program,
Appliances and Commercial Equipment
Standards, p. 7-1
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Variable
Suggested
Value
Units
Reference
Mcf of Natural Gas
Required to Heat One
Gallon of Water 75°F
0.00061
Mcf/gallon
WaterSense calculation assuming:
•	Specific heat of water = 1.0 Btu/lb x
°F
•	1 gallon of water = 8.34 lbs
•	1 Therm = 99,976 Btus
•	1 Mcf of natural gas = 10.307 therms
•	Incoming water temperature is raised
75°F
Natural Gas Hot Water
Heater Efficiency
Building/Unit Specific
(use 75% efficiency if
unknown)
U.S. Department of Energy (2014). Op. Cit.
Showerheads and Diverters
Existing Average
Showerhead Flow Rate
2.5
gallons per
minute
(gpm)
EPAct 1992
Replacement Average
Showerhead Flow Rate
2.0 or less
gpm
EPA, 2010. WaterSense Specification for
Showerheads. Version 1.0. March 4, 2010.
Average Shower Duration
7.8
minutes
WRF. Op. Cit. Table 6.9, Page 120.
Use Rate (Showers per
Occupant per Day)
0.7
showers per
person per
day
WRF. Op Cit. Table 6.9, Page 120.
Days per Year
365
days
Constant
Percentage of Showerhead
Water Used That Is Hot
Water
66.2
%
WRF. Op Cit. Table 6.25, Page 138.
kWh of Electricity Required
to Heat One Gallon of
Water 75°F
0.183
kWh/gallon
WaterSense calculation assuming:
•	Specific heat of water = 1.0 Btu/lb x
°F
•	1 gallon of water = 8.34 lbs
•	1 kWh = 3,412 Btus
•	Incoming water temperature is raised
75°F
Electric Hot Water Heater
Efficiency
Building/Unit Specific
(use 100% efficiency if
unknown)
U.S. Department of Energy (2014). Op Cit.
Mcf of Natural Gas
Required to Heat One
Gallon of Water 75°F
0.00061
Mcf/gallon
WaterSense calculation assuming:
•	Specific heat of water = 1.0 Btu/lb x
°F
•	1 gallon of water = 8.34 lbs
•	1 Therm = 99,976 Btus
•	1 Mcf of natural gas = 10.307 therms
•	Incoming water temperature is raised
75°F
Natural Gas Hot Water
Heater Efficiency
Building/Unit Specific
(use 75% efficiency if
unknown)
U.S. Department of Energy (2014). Op Cit.
November 2017
Water Efficiency Management Guide
B-2

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