4.303 Indoor Water Use – Above Green

4.303.1 Water Conserving Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings

Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with the following:

4.303.1.1 Water Closets

The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons per flush. Tank-type water closets shall be certified to the performance criteria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Tank-type Toilets.

Note: The effective flush volume of dual flush toilets is defined as the composite, average flush volume of two reduced flushes and one full flush.

4.303.1.2 Urinals

The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons per flush. The effective flush volume of all other urinals shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per flush.

4.303.1.3 Showerheads

4.303.1.3.1 Single Showerhead

Showerheads shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi. Showerheads shall be certified to the performance criteria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Showerheads.

4.303.1.3.2 Multiple Showerheads Serving One Shower

When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, the combined flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi, or the shower shall be designed to allow only one shower outlet to be in operation at a time.

Note: A hand-held shower shall be considered a showerhead.

4.303.1.4 Faucets

4.303.1.4.1 Residential Lavatory Faucets

The maximum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not exceed 1.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. The minimum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not be less than 0.8 gallons per minute at 20 psi.

4.303.1.4.2 Lavatory Faucets in Common and Public Use Areas

The maximum flow rate of lavatory faucets installed in common and public use areas (outside of dwellings or sleeping units) in residential buildings shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi.

4.303.1.4.3 Metering Faucets

Metering faucets when installed in residential buildings shall not deliver more than 0.25 gallons per cycle.

4.303.1.4.4 Kitchen Faucets

The maximum flow rate of kitchen faucets shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase the flow above the maximum rate, but not to exceed 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi, and must default to a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 psi.

Note: Where complying faucets are unavailable, aerators or other means may be used to achieve reduction.

4.303.2 Standards for Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings

Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code, and shall meet the applicable standards referenced in Table 1701.1 of the California Plumbing Code.