Water Conservation at the City of San Bruno

1.6 Gallon, Low-consumption Toilets

Before the 1950s, toilets typically used 7 gallons or more for each flush. By the end of the 1960s, toilets were designed to flush with only 5.5 gallons, and in the 1980s new toilets being installed were using only 3.5 gallons. Today, a new toilet uses no more than 1.6 gallons of water.

In 1995 the National Energy Policy Act (H.R. 776) went into effect and mandated 1.6 toilets for the entire U.S. By federal decree, new toilets must flush with no more than 1.6 gallons of water, less than half the amount they used in the '80s. There are many models available, including some with air-assisted flush.