Did you know that the average American uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day? This sobering statistic from the United States Geological Survey highlights the need for conservation, especially in an era when many parts of the country face routine seasonal drought conditions. Where should homeowners start to reduce their water usage? The bathroom.

Over the course of a day, toilets consume the largest amount of water in the home, according to government research. In fact, the most wasteful consume significantly more than showering or bathing. With an average of 6.8 flushes per toilet per day, water usage quickly adds up.

Toilets from the 1940s and 50s use five to seven gallons per flush. This improved by the 1980s, when toilets were required to use 3.5 gallons per flush. But any toilet built before 1992 and the 1.6 gallons per flush standard is inefficient and should be replaced with newer, water saving models.

Bathroom products manufacturers have tackled toilets head on with the development of extremely low flow toilet solutions. How low can they go? Through Lowe’s, bathroom products manufacturer Jacuzzi offers its Espree model, with a water-sipping performance rating of 1.28 gallons per flush. The toilet meets certification criteria and is listed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s rigorous WaterSense program.

But how well do these toilets work? Water efficiency doesn’t necessarily mean reduced performance, says Mike Roberts of Jacuzzi.

“Our Propulsion Advanced Flushing Technology has the power to effectively eliminate waste with just one flush,” says Roberts.

The Espree also saves 20 percent more water than modern 1.6 gallons per flush water-saving toilets.

Upgrading a toilet is good for the environment and good for the pocketbook. In addition to environmental benefits, homeowners can save an average of $60 per year simply by switching from a 5 gallons per flush toilet to a 1.28 gallons per flush toilet.

For more ideas on how to improve the efficiency of your bathroom, visit www.jacuzzi.com. (MS)