Do automatic faucets really save water? A clear comparison with references.
- Hygienic Automatic Device
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Daily water consumption from taps
Running the faucet over and over again each day wastes more water than we realize. According to the Portland Water Bureau, bathroom and kitchen faucets account for about 19 percent of total household water use. And in the average home, the faucet is run for an average of eight minutes per day. That means using almost 20 gallons of water per day , or about 66 liters per day from a standard faucet with a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute.
This figure reflects that washing hands, washing face and doing other housework directly affects the amount of water used. If the tap is left open longer than necessary, more water is wasted.
What are automatic faucets and why do they save water?
Automatic faucets (or sensor faucets) use a sensor to detect your hand. When your hand approaches, the sensor will turn on the water and turn it off immediately when your hand leaves. In addition to saving water, the sensor also helps reduce surface contact. Studies have found that conventional faucets can harbor up to 127,000 bacteria per square centimeter , and that a family turns on the faucet an average of 200 times a day. Switching to touchless faucets can reduce the number of germs that accumulate by up to 98% , along with reducing unnecessary flow.
Evidence of water saving with automatic faucets
Studies from multiple sources support that sensor faucets reduce water usage:
The EPA's WaterSense project found that automatic faucets save households approximately 700 gallons of water per year because the automatic shut-off system prevents water from being wasted.
Studies by sanitary ware manufacturers indicate that automatic faucets in public restrooms reduce water usage by 50–70% compared to conventional faucets, and in many cases, water usage can be reduced by around 30%.
Compare water usage
To answer the question “How much water do automatic faucets save?”, let's compare the water consumption of different types of faucets per day (calculated using standard figures):
Standard faucet – If using a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute and opened for an average of 8 minutes/day, it will use approximately 66 liters of water/day.
High-efficiency faucet (1 gpm) – Low flow rate reduces water usage to approximately 30 liters/day.
Sensor faucets – When using the same faucet head but with a sensor system to cut off water, you will save even more. In the case of a 30% reduction, you will use about 47 liters/day, and in the case of a 50% reduction, you will use about 33 liters/day.
The infographic below shows the approximate water usage of each type of faucet each day, giving a clear idea of how much water sensor faucets can save:
Other advantages of automatic faucets
Reduces contact and germs – No need to hold the open-close handle, significantly reducing the spread of bacteria.
Long-term cost savings – Although the installation cost is higher, it reduces water and energy costs for water treatment, making it a worthwhile investment.
Support environmental conservation – Reducing water use reduces the resources and energy required to produce and treat water.
Convenient and safe – Ideal for children, the elderly, or when using both hands, making it easy to use.
summarize
As various references show, automatic faucets not only save a lot of water (700 gallons per year on average) and reduce usage in public restrooms by 30–70%, but they also reduce contact and germs, increase convenience, and lower costs in the long run. If you're looking for ways to save water at home or in your business, sensor faucets are a cost-effective and sustainable option.
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