WATER CONSERVATION THROUGH INNOVATIVE NON-FLUSHING TECHNIQUES.

BY: BRIAN PAUTZKE10/25/07

Mellow Yellow

The Question

How much water can be saved in a house with 3 guys and their friends if they only flush when “necessary”?

Who’s going to clean the toilet?

&

Methodology

I provided a “score card” above the toilet so users could make their mark. It was divided into 2 sections:

1.A “saved” Flush.Took a pee and did not flush.

2. A Flush.

Took a poo, had to flush.*

*Pre-flushes: we found it necessary to pre-flush before a poo. This is an extra flush which under normal conditions would not occur. Pre-flushes were subtracted from the save column.

Data Collection

Timeline: 7 DaysAmount of Users: 3 housemates + visitorsGallons per Flush: 1.6 gpf

Collection Errors:

Missed Marks & Accidental Flushes

Data Presentation

Saves:Day 1 9 Day 2 8 Day 3 12Day 4 12Day 5 13Day 6 13Day 7 12

Total Saves: 79!!!

Flushes:2544663

Total Flushes:30

Pre-Flushes: 9

How It Adds Up

Water Saved:1 Day 16 Gallons1 Week 112 Gallons1 Year 5840 Gallons

Or 31,147 Rockstar Energy Drinks

Final Thoughts

Toilets use a lot of water making up 25% of household water use (Flowers, 2004).

Selective flushing technique can save a significant amount of water. About 70% of visits could be a save.

Areas effected by water shortages should promote selective flushing

The smell makes this water saving technique unsustainable