Home > Study Conducted by Fontana Showers on Water Efficiency of Touchless Faucets

Study Conducted by Fontana Showers on Water Efficiency of Touchless Faucets


Fontana Showers conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate the water efficiency of manual faucets versus automatic faucets in public restrooms. The study was conducted in a government building in Washington, DC, over six months and included three phases to assess the performance of different faucet types.

Study Phases and Methodology

  1. Phase 1: Evaluation of a Manual Faucet
  2. Phase 2: Evaluation of an Automatic Faucet with a 0.5 GPM Aerator
  3. Phase 3: Evaluation of an Automatic Faucet with a 0.35 GPM Aerator

The study involved both men's and women's restrooms to provide a comprehensive analysis of water usage.

Key Findings

  1. Water Savings:

    • Automatic Faucet with 0.5 GPM Aerator: Resulted in an average water reduction of 31% compared to the manual faucet.
    • Automatic Faucet with 0.35 GPM Aerator: Achieved a significant average water reduction of 57% compared to the manual faucet.

  2. Return on Investment (ROI):

    • The study also evaluated the ROI of a single faucet based on the water savings achieved. The results indicated that the automatic faucet with a 0.35 GPM aerator was the most sustainable and cost-effective option due to its higher water-saving efficiency.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the most sustainable faucet in terms of water efficiency is the automatic water faucet with a 0.35 GPM aerator. This model not only provides significant water savings but also offers a favorable ROI, making it an ideal choice for public restrooms aiming to reduce water consumption and operational costs.

References

  1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program: The EPA's WaterSense program provides guidelines and standards for water-efficient products, including touchless faucets. EPA WaterSense
  2. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI): PMI offers insights into the benefits of water-efficient plumbing fixtures, including touchless faucets. PMI
  3. US Green Building Council (USGBC): USGBC highlights the role of water-efficient fixtures in achieving LEED certification. USGBC
  4. Bradley Corporation Healthy Handwashing Survey: This survey emphasizes public preferences for touchless fixtures in restrooms. Bradley Corporation

By adopting the most efficient touchless faucets, public restrooms can significantly reduce water usage, promote sustainability, and achieve cost savings over time.

Water Savings in Touchless Fixtures in Public Restrooms

Touchless fixtures, particularly faucets, have been widely adopted in public restrooms due to their significant water-saving benefits. Here are some detailed findings and statistics from various studies and sources:

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program

  • Findings: The EPA's WaterSense program indicates that touchless faucets can reduce water usage by about 30% compared to traditional manual faucets. This reduction is primarily due to the automatic shut-off feature that prevents water from running unnecessarily.
  • Source: EPA WaterSense

2. Fontana Showers Case Study

  • Findings: A study conducted by Fontana Showers in public restrooms equipped with their touchless faucets showed a reduction in water usage by 50-70%. This significant reduction was attributed to the precise control over water flow provided by the sensors.
  • Source: Fontana Showers Blog

3. California Urban Water Conservation Council

  • Findings: According to the California Urban Water Conservation Council, sensor-operated faucets can save between 20% and 50% of water compared to traditional faucets. The automatic shut-off and reduced flow rates are key contributors to these savings.
  • Source: CUWCC

4. Study by Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)

  • Findings: PMI reports that touchless faucets can save approximately 30% of water usage in commercial settings. This is largely because they only dispense water when needed, reducing the time water flows unnecessarily.
  • Source: PMI

5. US Green Building Council (USGBC)

  • Findings: The USGBC indicates that touchless faucets can contribute to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for buildings by significantly reducing water usage in restrooms. They are considered an essential component of water-efficient building design.
  • Source: USGBC

6. Bradley Corporation Healthy Handwashing Survey

  • Findings: The survey highlights that 83% of Americans believe public restrooms should have touchless fixtures. These fixtures not only improve hygiene but also contribute to significant water savings, aligning with public health and sustainability goals.
  • Source: Bradley Corporation

Detailed Data and Statistics

  • Average Water Savings: Touchless faucets in public restrooms can save between 30% and 70% of water compared to traditional faucets. This variance depends on factors such as usage patterns, type of sensor technology used, and specific settings (e.g., schools, offices, public facilities).
  • Water Flow Control: Most touchless faucets are designed with low-flow aerators that further reduce water usage without compromising performance. This feature ensures that the amount of water used per activation is minimized.
  • Automatic Shut-Off: The primary mechanism for water savings is the automatic shut-off feature. Traditional faucets can be left running for extended periods, especially in high-traffic restrooms. In contrast, touchless faucets only activate when needed and shut off immediately after use.

Conclusion

Touchless faucets in public restrooms provide substantial water savings by preventing unnecessary water flow and utilizing advanced sensor technology. They are not only beneficial for the environment by conserving water but also enhance hygiene and reduce operational costs in the long run. The studies and data from various reputable sources, such as the EPA, Fontana Showers, and the USGBC, support the efficacy of touchless faucets in achieving these goals.

For more detailed reading and data, you can refer to the sources mentioned above:

  • EPA WaterSense
  • Fontana Showers Blog
  • CUWCC
  • PMI
  • USGBC
  • Bradley Corporation

    Here are the top 20 models of Fontana Showers touchless faucets known for their water efficiency, based on available studies and features:

    1. Fontana Couron Commercial Oil Rubbed Bronze Deck Mount Automatic Touchless Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Advanced sensor technology, water-saving, durable finish.
    • Ideal For: High-traffic areas such as offices and public restrooms.

    2. Fontana Napoli Luxury Commercial Touchless Faucet in Brushed Gold

    • Features: Efficient water usage, advanced infrared sensor, elegant design.
    • Ideal For: Luxury hotels and upscale commercial buildings.

    3. Fontana Tall Waterfall White and Gold Electronic Touchless Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Waterfall spout, precise sensor, stylish design.
    • Ideal For: Modern residential and commercial bathrooms.

    4. Fontana Electrical Sensor Commercial Sink Basin Brushed Nickel Faucet

    • Features: Smart sensor technology, low-flow aerators.
    • Ideal For: Schools, offices, and public restrooms.

    5. Fontana Commercial Brushed Nickel Touchless Automatic Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Hygienic, water-efficient, easy to maintain.
    • Ideal For: High-traffic commercial restrooms.

    6. Fontana Chatue Commercial Temperature Control Automatic Hands-Free Sensor Faucet in Chrome

    • Features: Temperature control, water-efficient, stylish finish.
    • Ideal For: Hotels, restaurants, healthcare facilities.

    7. Fontana Rio Commercial Goose Neck Touchless Automatic Sensor Faucet Bathroom in Chrome

    • Features: High arc design, precise sensor technology.
    • Ideal For: Modern commercial spaces and high-end residential bathrooms.

    8. Fontana Verona Hot and Cold Commercial Touchless Faucet

    • Features: Hot and cold mixer, advanced sensor, sleek design.
    • Ideal For: Luxury homes, high-end commercial establishments.

    9. Fontana Geneva Commercial Touchless Faucet in Gold

    • Features: Infrared sensors, automatic shut-off, luxurious appearance.
    • Ideal For: Luxury hotels, upscale commercial buildings.

    10. Fontana Carpi Commercial Chrome Infrared Automatic Motion Sensor Sink Faucet

    • Features: Motion sensor technology, water-saving, reliable performance.
    • Ideal For: Public restrooms, schools, healthcare facilities.

    11. Fontana Marsala White and Gold Electronic Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Stylish design, precise sensor, water-efficient.
    • Ideal For: Modern bathrooms, commercial and residential use.

    12. Fontana Antique Touchless Infrared Commercial Motion Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Vintage design with modern technology, water-saving.
    • Ideal For: Restaurants, hotels, and retro-themed commercial spaces.

    13. Fontana Milan Commercial Wall Mount Chrome Automatic Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Wall-mounted, space-saving, efficient water flow control.
    • Ideal For: Commercial restrooms with limited space.

    14. Fontana Rennes Automatic Brushed Gold Motion Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Brushed gold finish, reliable sensor, water-saving features.
    • Ideal For: Luxury hotels, upscale commercial spaces.

    15. Fontana Brushed Gold Wall Mount Commercial Automatic Sensor Faucet with Infrared Technology

    • Features: Infrared sensors, water-efficient, stylish design.
    • Ideal For: High-end commercial buildings, public restrooms.

    16. Fontana Le Havre Deck Mount Chrome Sensor Bathroom Faucet

    • Features: Easy installation, modern design, touchless operation.
    • Ideal For: Commercial and residential bathrooms.

    17. Fontana Dijon Deck Mounted Smart Touch Sensor Faucet Chrome Finish

    • Features: Smart touch sensor, water-efficient, sleek finish.
    • Ideal For: Modern residential and commercial bathrooms.

    18. Fontana Leo Commercial Brushed Gold Restroom Touchless Sensor Faucet

    • Features: Durable construction, reliable sensor, water-saving.
    • Ideal For: High-traffic commercial restrooms, luxury spaces.

    19. Fontana Trio Commercial Automatic Temperature Control Bathroom Faucet

    • Features: Automatic temperature adjustment, water-efficient.
    • Ideal For: Schools, hospitals, restaurants.

    20. Fontana Catania Automatic Touchless Integrated Sensor Faucet with High Speed Hand Dryer in Chrome

    • Features: Integrated hand dryer, touchless operation, water-saving.
    • Ideal For: Public restrooms, commercial spaces.

    Summary

    These Fontana touchless faucets are recognized for their water-saving capabilities, using advanced sensor technology to control water flow efficiently. They are suitable for various settings, including commercial buildings, public restrooms, luxury hotels, and modern residential spaces, providing both environmental benefits and cost savings. For more details and specifications, you can visit the Fontana Showers website.