High Efficiency Toilets

Vancouver has some of the best water in the world. So why are we flushing it all down the toilet? Our city has required the use of low-flow fixtures in one- and two-family homes for quite some time now, already reducing the maximum allowable volume per flush to 6 litres, less than half as much as the historical BC-wide standard of 13 litres. However, there’s still room for improvement!

The Green Homes Program requires the use of approved dual-flush toilets or high efficiency single-flush toilets in all new homes. Dual-flush toilets provide two different flushing volumes, selected by the user; a small button provides a small amount of water, and a larger button provides a large amount of water. Typical dual-flush toilets offer a choice between a 3 L and a 6 L flush, though the fixtures must still be checked to make sure they meet the specification requirements in the Building By-law (e.g., a maximum per flush volume of 6 L is allowed). High efficiency single-flush toilets have only one flushing volume of 4.8L per flush or less.

There is a wide selection of dual-flush and high efficiency single-flush toilets available on the market these days, of equally wide-ranging price and quality. Be sure to ask your supplier about the reputation of various models to make sure you’re getting the best possible “flush” for your dollar.

By-law Language:

12.2.2.6. Toilets

1) Toilets shall be of dual flush design, with a maximum single flush of 6L, or single flush design, with a maximum single flush of 4.8L.

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