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BC extends implementation date for high-efficiency plumbing fixtures

At the request of local governments and suppliers, the Government of British Columbia has extended the implementation date for new BC Building Code standards for high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, according to a BC Government news release.

Orginally planned for October 2010, the provincial government says the extension allows municipalities, wholesalers and suppliers ample time to make needed adjustments to their policies and inventories. The extension date also coincides with the release of the next edition of the BC Building Code, planned for late 2011, allowing for a co-ordinated transition to the high-efficiency plumbing fixtures with other possible code enhancements.

Under the new requirements, new residential buildings and renovations involving plumbing fixtures must install high-efficiency (4.8-litre flush volume) toilets or dual-flush toilets—saving as much as 8,000 litres of water annually for a family of four.

For all new buildings and renovations that install urinals, the maximum flush volume must be 1.9 litres or less—saving about18,000 litres of water annually.

The government says these enhancements to the BC Building Code will help realize a 33% increase in efficient water use by 2020.

October 7, 2010  By  John Gilson