June 13--One way to save water inside the home? Upgrade.
You can find water-efficient appliances and fixtures of all prices, of course, but let's dream big: Here are five sumptuous buys out of many on the market that will make your neighbors green -- with envy.
--Urinals are commonplace outside of the home because they can save so much water. Now they're moving onto the bathroom showroom floor. Kohler's Steward is one example of a waterless urinal that can be installed in the home. (It requires periodic treatment with a sealant and waterless cleaning fluid.) Price: $641.75
The KitchenAid Architect Series II dishwasher boasts an "AquaSense" system that selectively recycles water during the cleaning system to "use 33% less water without sacrificing ... cleaning and drying," according to company literature. (It uses 1.95 gallons per cycle. Some older machines can use as much as 15 gallons per cycle.).) Price: $1,749
Whirlpool's Duet front-loading clothes washer is one of the most water- and energy-efficient models on the market. Among its features: automatic water level controls, so you never waste. Price: $1,349.
Moen has an extensive line of eco-friendly kitchen faucets with features such as aeration and motion sensors, so water automatically stops when you're out of the sensor "zone," limiting waste. Price: $625 and higher.
Love the rainshower experience? Moen's oversized shower heads use self-pressurizing "immersion" technology that boosts spray power while saving water. Starting at $154.
Before you head to your local home showroom, contact your water and power suppliers and find out if any restrictions apply and what rebates might be available. The prices shown here are the manufacturers' suggested retail prices. But we suggest you shop around for the best deals.
rene.lynch@latimes.com
