Water-use Efficiency Code Requirements Reach Public Review Stage

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The fall 2013 public review provides an opportunity to comment on proposed changes to add water-use efficiency requirements to the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2015. The proposed changes are issued for public review by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC).

The changes include adding a new objective, functional statements and mandatory requirements for water-use reduction features in all buildings. The proposals are in line with similar requirements currently implemented in some Canadian jurisdictions as well as water conserving and water efficient products already on the market.

A task group established by the CCBFC’s Standing Committee on Building and Plumbing Services developed the proposed technical changes. The new objective addresses "excessive use of water" under the National Building Code’s Environment objective. A two-phase approach was selected to develop the technical requirements.

Mandatory requirements for water closets, urinals, shower heads and faucets were developed in Phase 1, and are now ready for public review.

The main purpose of the Phase 1 proposed changes issued for public review this fall is to reduce water usage in all buildings, regardless of water source. They include, for example, setting a maximum water flow rate of 7.6 litres per minute for shower heads and a maximum water usage of 1.9 litres per flush for urinals. Although not specifically addressed, most dual flush toilets presently comply with the requirements, and current market direction indicates that all dual flush toilets will comply by the time the regulations are in place in provincial/territorial jurisdictions. Composting toilets were not included, as they do not form part of the regulated plumbing system.

Phase 2, which has started, will deal with more complex issues such as rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery systems. These will affect future editions of the National Building and National Plumbing Codes.

All comments received during the public review will be considered in the preparation of final proposed changes. Subject to CCBFC approval in spring 2014, these final changes will be published in the 2015 editions of the National Model Construction Codes.

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