Conserves water

Griswold Water Systems offers a variety of nonchemical water treatment products, including the Wave water filter for cooling towers. The Wave filters water through induced electrical zones to create “seed crystals”—forcing impurities to crystallize and precipitate instead of forming scale or biological material. The Wave system can fit pipes from 1"–24" in diameter, operate between 14ºF–120ºF, and handle variable voltage between 85V–264V (AC). The system draws less than 150 watts.

Ecological Technologies (ECO-TEK) produces Solar Aquatics community-scale wastewater treatment systems, primarily in Western Canada, that rely on ecological systems for water purification. No chemicals are used in the process—instead, the water runs through a diverse mix of plants, animals, and medium supporting bacteria in greenhouse tanks. Ammonia in the water is oxidized into nitrate, which is taken up by algae and other plants; solids have to be periodically removed and aerobically processed. Polishing is performed with sand beds and constructed wetlands, followed by ultrafiltration and UV sterilization. The process takes 2–3 days, after which the water is suitable for nonpotable applications or aquifer recharge.

Crosley offers three washers—two front-load and one top-load—meeting GreenSpec criteria. The washers, with capacities of 3.3–3.9 cubic feet, have MEF ratings of 2.48–3.09, WF ratings of 3.3–3.64, and estimated annual electricity use of 83–123 kWh.

Cutting Edge grass seed is a blend of non-genetically-modified Kentucky blue grass and fescue varieties that create a root system capable of growing 48 inches deep—reaching areas where water is more likely to be found in drought conditions. The company uses an organic seed coating that provides hydration and contains endophytes, a naturally occurring fungus that repels insects, and rhizomes that encourage root growth. The combination of slow growth and drought-, insect-, and disease-resistance significantly reduces maintenance, according to the company. Cutting Edge grass seed is for use in cool season and transitional zones. Note that because the company will not divulge its proprietary cultivars, Cutting Edge is not available in states that require full disclosure of grass varieties.

BioBarrier is a decentralized wastewater treatment system that can process combined household wastewater, including blackwater, into non-potable water clean enough to be reused onsite, even indoors, as part of a graywater reuse system. BioBarrier was the first system to meet the ANSI/NSF Standard 350 for Onsite Residential and Commercial Water Reuse Treatment Systems. BioBarrier consists of a two-compartment septic tank, a membrane bioreactor (MBR), MBR cartridge, a blower, a pump, and controls. The BioBarrier MBR system is certified NSF 350 for its units treating 500, 1,000, and 1,500 gallons per day (gpd). The company offers HSMBR (High-Strength MBR) systems for commercial buildings and small communities that can treat up to 9,000 gpd. Note these units require both blowers and pumps, so energy consumption has to be weighed against the benefits of water reuse and treatment.

OneFlow distributes the next-ScaleStop, from Next Filtration, under the brand name OneFlow for commercial applications. OneFlow is a scale-preventing water treatment that uses template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to effectively prevent scale without an electric draw or ion replacement. The OneFlow process media, which should be replaced every three years, consists of calcium-coated beads of polystyrene pockmarked with small nucleation sites (the "template" in TAC). Calcium and bicarbonate ions will crystallize at the nucleation sites, forming "soft scale" which will drift through plumbing without accumulating or interfering with energy transfer. The OneFlow can handle water with a maximum hardness of 75 grains and temperatures ranging from 41°F–140°F. Single-unit systems can handle 1–75 gpm, while commercial systems can handle up to 900 gpm.

Next Filtration offers next-ScaleStop, a scale-preventing water treatment that uses template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to effectively prevent scale without an electric draw or ion replacement. The next-ScaleStop process media, which should be replaced every three years, is calcium-coated beads of polystyrene pockmarked with small nucleation sites (the "template" in TAC). Calcium and bicarbonate ions will crystallize at the nucleation sites, forming "soft scale" which will drift through plumbing without accumulating or interfering with energy transfer. The next-ScaleStop is warranted for 10 years, and can handle water with a maximum hardness of 75 grains and temperatures ranging from 41°F–140°F. Single-unit systems can handle 1–75 gpm, while commercial systems can handle up to 900 gpm.

The German company SIKA offers a small point-of-use water meter that can be attached directly to a shower, urinal, or other fixtures to track and display water usage data. The information can then be downloaded via optical sensor or sent wirelessly and accessed remotely via any Internet-connected device. Often used in multi-tenant buildings, offices, and hotels, these water meters can be used in hot or cold water and can be attached to pressure flushers. They are available in white or clear and in a “split” version, where the mechanism and display are separate for easier installation and viewing. A 10-year lithium ion battery is standard.

The RME Eagle is designed for professional commercial irrigation control for up to 36 zones. It can use evapotranspiration (ET) data based on historical or onsite weather, or weather downloaded from the Internet (optional). Waterflow is also monitored and the system can make corrections in case of breaks. The RME Eagle can also be hooked up to the company’s Rain Master Weather Stations, which can supply real-time data on rain, wind, temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation that can compute ET to within 0.01 inches, according to the company.

When paired with Toro’s Wireless Weather Sensor, the company’s EC•XTRA Landscape Timers meet WaterSense criteria for irrigation controllers. The system automatically determines irrigation schedules based on user input as well as temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation information gathered by Weather Sensor monitors. These data are transmitted to the EC•XTRA, adjusting the watering schedule accordingly. The EC•XTRA is expandable up to 10 or 12 zones depending on indoor or outdoor model, respectively.

The WeatherSmart Pro uses current rainfall and temperature data from its onsite Wireless Weather Station to adjust irrigation schedules, automatically shutting down watering during rain or low temperatures. Irrigation schedules can also be interrupted in case of an event or yard work. WeatherSmart Pro displays daily and annual water-savings data and comes with a back-up system that retains schedules in case of power outages. These six-zone units can be used with either sprinkler or drip irrigation systems and come with a one-year warranty.

Cyber Rain offers WaterSense-labeled residential and commercial irrigation controls that use local weather data along with plant, sprinkler, soil, slope, and sun exposure data to determine optimum irrigation. The controllers are linked to “cloud”-based software via the Internet or directly through a USB port, and can be accessed remotely for real-time adjustments using smartphones or other remote devices. Compatible with rain sensors, they can also be used with flow meters that detect breaks in the system, email alerts, and even close the valves. Products cover between 8 and 24 zones.

Moen offers a range of 1.5 and 1.75 gpm wall-mount and handheld showerheads. The showerheads range in functionality from single-function showerheads, offering only a full spray, to four-function showerheads, offering modes including full, massage, and vigorous. Depending on the showerhead, up to nine finishes are available. Moen offers a limited lifetime warranty.

American Standard offers a wide range of 1.5 gpm wall-mount and handheld showerheads. The showerheads are adjustable for a variety of spray patterns, including full, massage, and rain settings. A pressure balancing valve cartridge keeps the flow consistent and the showerheads are designed to eliminate cross flow, which helps avoid failure due to mineral deposits from hard water, according to the company. These showerheads are available in polished chrome, satin nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes, and 12 ADA-compliant models are available. All American Standard products are covered by a one-year limited warranty.

AM Conservation Group offers a range of 1.5 and 1.75 gpm wall-mount and handheld showerheads. These showerheads feature adjustable spray modes, pressure compensators, and a non-aerating spray which provides larger droplets and better heat retention. An anti-sediment screen prevents clogging and a permanently sealed body prevents tampering and vandalism. Chrome and white showerheads are available, and they come with a one-year limited warranty.