WaterSense toilets can cut toilet water use 20 to 60 percent

WaterSense toilets are one of the biggest water savers in a home. Toilets are flushed many times a day, so a small change per flush adds up fast.

What changes per flush

WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, 20 percent below the 1.6 gallon federal standard, according to the US EPA.

Older, inefficient toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush.

The savings

Switching to WaterSense models cuts toilet water use by 20 to 60 percent, the EPA says.

The EPA estimates nearly 13,000 gallons saved per home each year and more than 170 dollars a year in water costs.

Before you shop

Look for the WaterSense label and check whether your current toilet is an older high-flow model. That is where the savings are biggest.

The fine print

These savings assume you are replacing an old, high-use toilet. A home that already has a 1.6 gallon toilet will save much less.

Why it matters

A toilet lasts many years, so choosing an efficient one keeps saving water for a long time.

Try it yourself

See your own numbers with our free Shower Water Calculator.

Sources: US EPA WaterSense toilets.

Key takeaways on WaterSense toilets

Here is the short version on WaterSense toilets. WaterSense toilets use 1. Older, inefficient toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush. Switching to WaterSense models cuts toilet water use by 20 to 60 percent, the EPA says. The EPA estimates nearly 13,000 gallons saved per home each year and more than 170 dollars a year in water costs. Look for the WaterSense label and check whether your current toilet is an older high-flow model. These savings assume you are replacing an old, high-use toilet. A toilet lasts many years, so choosing an efficient one keeps saving water for a long time. See your own numbers with our free Shower Water Calculator.

Use these points on WaterSense toilets as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.