This code requirement is to define the maximum allowable flow rates for plumbing fixtures and fittings, which include water closets, urinals and showerheads.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3: Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings.
Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with the following:
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.1: 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.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.2: Urinals.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.2.1: Wall-mounted urinals.
The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per flush.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.2.2: Floor-mounted urinals.
The effective flush volume of floor-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per flush.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.3: Showerheads.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.3.1: Single showerhead.
Showerheads shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8.0 gallons per minute at 80 psi. Showerheads shall be certified to the performance criteria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Showerheads.
CALGreen Code Section 5.303.3.3.2: 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.
Intent:
The intent of this code requirement is to define the maximum allowable flow rates for plumbing fixtures and fittings, which include water closets, urinals and showerheads. The California Energy Commission (CEC) adopts regulations to establish the minimum water flow rates for specified fixtures and fixture fittings in Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations.
In 2015, the CEC adopted emergency regulations, as a result of the Governor’s Executive Order B-29-15, lowering specified plumbing fixture flow rates in Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations. In order to align with these appliance efficiency regulations, the California Building Standards Commission, Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of the State Architect, and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development promulgated emergency building standards aligning with the plumbing fixture flow rates in Title 20.
Compliance Method:
Specify water closets, urinals and showerheads that meet the prescriptive flow rates. Specify plumbing fixtures and fittings for showerheads that meet the specified flow rates and code requirements.
Enforcement:
Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm that water-conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings specified do not exceed the code-required maximum flow rates and that single showerheads or multiple showerheads specified also meet the flow rates and controls as listed in the code.
On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify that the water-conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings specified on the approved plans are installed.
(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)
