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The National Benefits of Low Flow Faucet Aerators

Drip. Drip. Drip. With each day that passes, the average American household wastes approximately 90 gallons of water. Nationally, this translates to a loss of over 1 trillion gallons annually. Fresh drinkable water is a finite resource yet it’s constantly being depleted through insufficient utilization measures. However, a quick and simple solution lies in the implementation of low flow faucet aerators. Their ability to reduce water flow by up to 30% has proven time and time again to be an efficient remedy. 

What are low flow faucet aerators?

A faucet aerator is the tiny filter-esque top that screws onto the neck of the sink. They’re responsible for the flow and pressure of the water that spurts out of a chosen medium. Through the implementation of a low flow version of this, both external splashing and hydrostatic currents can be significantly reduced. Aerators can be taken off easily by hand, or if it’s extremely stuck,  a pair of pliers can be used. Once the original aerator is removed, it can be replaces with its low flow counterpart.

Low flow aerators utilizes a mixture of air and the sink’s waterfall to minimize the amount of water released from the tap. At the same time, however, it also ensures that the user receives a steady flow of water that doesn’t hinder their ability to wash their hands. Thus, the sensation of a steady and secure stream is maintained. These aerators have the ability to reduce water pressure to approximately 1.5 gallons per minute, a stark contrast to the average aerators’ 2.2 gallons per minute. Though a seemingly minuscule difference, if implemented on a large scale, this has the potential to significantly reduce water usage.

What is the environmental impact?

The most prevalent and pronounced effect is decreased water usage. Richard Montgomery High School’s Climate Club installed 102 low flow aerators around their school. The resulting data revealed a decrease of 300,000 gallons of water annually. Imagine if this was implemented at public institutions around the nation. The effect would be tremendous. Especially considering the fact that freshwater is a glaring minority, making up just about 3 percent of the entire world’s water supply. With every droplet that we waste, we deplete a vital finite resource within our community. 

Additionally, for areas where drought is a particular concern, low flow aerators have the potential to conserve necessary water. Instead of it being wasted, this innovation would help divert and distribute it more efficiently. Thus, the local strain on resources would be reduced. During critical dry periods, these aerators have proven to be essential implementations. Not only would it reduce the concentration of water, but in doing so could improve freshwater circulation into bays, rivers, and wetlands. All of which are essential pillars for wildlife and many recreational activities.

What is the financial impact?

The financial benefits of low flow aerators are glaring. In fact, in addition to saving hundreds of thousands of gallons of water at Richard Montgomery, the aerators also conserved an average of 2000 dollars annually. A financial burden that could then be distributed to other sectors of the school’s operation. If this was implemented at institutions nationwide, we would evidently see a decrease in spending that could be allocated to other, more necessary, sectors. The use of the extra money could be designated to curricula development, funding for more programs/opportunities, or even to general sustainability efforts.

Not only this, but low flow aerators also reduce the use of energy because less water is needed to be pumped from local reservoirs, treated at facilities, and even transported to various establishments. On a national scale this decline in energy usage would lead to an overall decrease in carbon dioxide emissions as well. Undeniably, these aerators, though a small change, have the potential to significantly reduce the globe’s environmental footprint.

How could they be implemented nationally?

Previous implementations have proven its ease in both installation and maintenance. Any person, given the adequate materials, could easily screw off the original aerator and replace it. This action takes seconds and doesn’t require any professional experience. The actual aerator only costs around 1 dollar or even less when bought in bulk. Thus, the funding required to implement it would easily be repaid by the reduced water benefits it presents. A nationwide administration could be achieved through governmental funding and legislation that requires any new buildings to be constructed with the aerators. 

Additionally, specific implementation incentives such as tax credits or subsidies for businesses that actively attempt to restrain their environmental footprint could be enacted. This would encourage already established institutions to retrofit their buildings and initiate small but impactful alterations such as the low flow faucet aerator. The government could also implement strict water conservation standards that would directly require businesses to furnish their bathrooms with low-flow faucet aerators.

The applications as well as the impacts of these aerators are both undeniable and glaringly evident. A nationwide implementation would be a step forward into a more sustainable country. The past data of installations has proven and exemplified this.

How can low flow aerators transform the nation’s future?

The simple and quick act of installing low flow faucet aerators has the potential to save 71 billion gallons of water nationally. The results are monumental. However, the first step towards change must be enacted. By raising awareness and engaging our communities, we’ll be able to adopt these changes little by little until this dream comes to fruition.