What ratio should be used to calculate dual-flush toilet flush rates?

The appropriate ratio for calculating dual-flush toilet flush rates is 1:2. This ratio reflects the typical design of dual-flush toilets, which usually offer two different flush volumes: a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste.

In practical terms, the 1:2 ratio indicates that the volume of water used for a full flush is approximately twice that of the reduced flush. For example, if the reduced flush uses 1 gallon of water, a full flush would then be around 2 gallons. This design helps to conserve water while still effectively managing waste, aligning with sustainable practices promoted in LEED certification processes.

Understanding this ratio is essential because it influences water savings, which is a critical consideration in the Operations and Maintenance (O+M) context in LEED. Employing dual-flush toilet technology can lead to significant reductions in overall water use in buildings, meeting sustainability targets set forth by LEED standards.