CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Plumbing, fixtures, WaterSense and water‑reuse referenced standards

This hub covers CALGreen requirements and referenced standards for water‑efficient plumbing fixtures, WaterSense certification, submetering/dual plumbing and on‑site water‑reuse systems.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This area of CALGreen sets the water‑efficiency and water‑reuse expectations for buildings: indoor fixture flow rates and certification, outdoor landscape water limits, submetering and dual‑plumbing, and provisions for graywater/recycled‑water and rainwater systems. See the residential water requirements in Division 4.3, especially §4.303 (Indoor water use and fixture requirements) and the related flow limits and fixture certification notes.

CALGreen relies on referenced standards in the California Plumbing Code for product, test and installation details (Table 1701.1 / Table 1701.2) and specifically incorporates EPA WaterSense specifications and EPA guidance for water reuse as the accepted performance standards for many fixtures and systems.

Key code locations you’ll use when applying these requirements include the residential Division §4.3 (§4.303), the nonresidential Division §5.3 (§5.303), voluntary Appendix A5 water‑reuse measures (for dual plumbing, graywater irrigation and nonpotable systems), and the California Plumbing Code referenced‑standards tables that list the EPA WaterSense specifications and EPA reuse guidance.

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CALGreen § 4-8 High relevance — show source text
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4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

DIVISION 4.3 – WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION

SECTION 4.301—GENERAL

4.301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall establish the means of conserving water used indoors, outdoors and in wastewater conveyance.

SECTION 4.302—DEFINITIONS

4.302.1 Definitions. Reserved.

SECTION 4.303—INDOOR WATER USE

4.303.1 Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with Sections 4.303.1.1, 4.303.1.2, 4.303.1.3 and 4.303.1.4.

Note: All noncompliant plumbing fixtures in any residential real property shall be replaced with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixture replacement is required prior to issuance of a certificate of final completion, certificate of occupancy, or final permit approval by the local building department. See Civil Code Section 1101.1, et seq., for the definition of a noncompliant plumbing fixture, types of residential buildings affected and other important enactment dates.

4.303.1.1 Water closets. The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons per flush. Tank-type water closets shall be certified to the performance criteria of the US EPA WaterSense Specification for Tank-type Toilets.

Note: The effective flush volume of dual flush toilets is defined as the composite, average flush volume of two reduced flushes and one full flush.

4.303.1.2 Urinals. The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons per flush. The effective flush volume of all other urinals shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per flush.

4.303.1.3 Showerheads.

4.303.1.3.1 Single showerhead. Showerheads shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi. Showerheads shall be certified to the performance criteria of the US EPA WaterSense Specification for Showerheads.

4.303.1.3.2 Multiple showerheads serving one shower. When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, the combined flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi, or the shower shall be designed to allow only one shower outlet to be in operation at a time.

Note: A hand-held shower shall be considered a showerhead.

4.303.1.4 Faucets.

4.303.1.4.1 Residential lavatory faucets. The maximum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not exceed 1.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. The minimum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not be less than 0.8 gallons per minute at 20 psi.
CALGreen § 411.2.3 High relevance — show source text
411.2.3 Performance. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Water clos- ets installed in residential occupancies shall meet or exceed the minimum performance criteria developed for certification of high-efficiency toilets under the WaterSense program sponsored by the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA).

411.2.4 Water Closets. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons (4.8 L) per flush. Tank-type water closets shall be certified to the performance criteria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Tank-Type Toilets in compliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.3. of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

411.3 Water Closet Seats. Water closet seats shall be properly sized for the water closet bowl type, and shall be of smooth, non-absorbent material. Seats, for public use, shall be of the elongated type and either of the open front type or have an automatic seat cover dispenser. Water closet seats shall be provided with or without covers. Plastic seats shall comply with IAPMO/ANSI Z124.5.

411.4 Personal Hygiene Devices. Water closets with integral personal hygiene devices shall comply with ASME A112.4.2/CSA B45.16.

412.0 Urinals.

412.1 Application. Urinals shall comply with ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1, ASME A112.19.19, or CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124. Wall-mounted urinals shall have an average water consumption not to exceed 0.125 gallons (0.47 L) per flush. Other urinals shall have an average water con- sumption not to exceed 0.5 gallons (1.89 L) per flush.

412.1.1 Wall-Mounted Urinals. [BSC-CG & DSA- SS] The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons (0.47 L) per flush in com- pliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.3, of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

412.1.2 Floor-Mounted Urinals. [BSC-CG & DSA- SS] The effective flush volume of floor-mounted or other urinals shall not exceed 0.5 gallons (1.89 L) per flush in compliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.3, of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

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(1) A limiting device conforming to either ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA B125.70 or CSA B125.3.

(2) A water heater conforming to ASSE 1084.

409.5 Backflow Protection. The water supply to a bathtub and whirlpool bathtub filler valve shall be protected by an air gap or in accordance with Section 417.0.

409.6 Installation and Access. Bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs shall be installed in accordance with the manufac turer’s installation instructions. Access openings shall be of a size and opening to permit the removal and replacement of the circulation pump.

CALGreen § 1701.2 High relevance — show source text

32)|Fuel Gas, Appliances|

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 355

REFERENCED STANDARDS

TABLE 1701.2 (continued) STANDARDS, PUBLICATIONS, PRACTICES, AND GUIDES

DOCUMENT NUMBER	DOCUMENT TITLE	APPLICATION
ANSI Z83.11-2016 (R2021)/CSA 1.8-2016 (R2021)	Gas Food Service Equipment	Fuel Gas, Appliances
CSA Z317.1-2021	Special Requirements for Plumbing Installations in Health Care Facilities	Miscellaneous
ENERGY STAR	ENERGY STAR	ENERGY STAR
Energy Star-2007	Program Requirements for Commercial Ice Machines	Miscellaneous
Energy Star-2012 (version 2.0)	Program Requirements Product Specification for Commercial Dishwashers	Appliances
Energy Star-2016 (version 6.0)	Program Requirements for Residential Dishwashers	Appliances
Energy Star-2018 (version 8.0)	Program Requirements Product specification for Clothes Washers (effective February 5, 2018)	Appliances
EPA	EPA	EPA
EPA/600/R-12/618-2012	Guidelines for Water Reuse	Miscellaneous
EPA WaterSense-2007	High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification	Fixtures
EPA WaterSense-2009	Specification for Flushing Urinals	Fixtures
EPA WaterSense-2014	Specification for Tank-Type Toilets	Fixtures
EPA WaterSense-2015	Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets	Fixtures
EPA WaterSense-2017	Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies	Miscellaneous
EPA WaterSense-2018	Specification for Showerheads	Fixtures
EPA WaterSense-2021	Specification for Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controllers	Irrigation
EPA WaterSense-2021	Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers	Irrigation
IAPMO	IAPMO	IAPMO
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 5110- 2015	Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 5120- 2015	Cross-Connection Control Surveyors	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 5130- 2015	Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairers	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 5140- 2015	Fire Protection System Cross-Connection Control Tester	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 5150- 2015	Backflow Prevention Program Administrators	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 6015- 2021	Bulk Medical Gas/Cryogenic Fluid Central Supply Systems Installers	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 6040- 2021	Medical Gas Systems Maintenance Personnel	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 7010- 2020	Installers of Residential Potable Water Fire Sprinkler Systems for One- and Two- Family

CALGreen § 303.4 High relevance — show source text
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

A5.303.4 Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings.

A5.303.4.1 Nonwater urinals. Nonwater urinals with drain cleansing action are installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code .

Where approved, nonwater urinals with drain cleansing action (formerly urinal, hybrids) as defined in Chapter 2, shall be considered waterless urinals.

A5.303.5 Dual plumbing. New buildings and facilities shall be dual plumbed for potable and recycled water systems for toilet flushing when recycled water is available as determined by the enforcement authority.

SECTION A5.304—OUTDOOR WATER USE

A5.304.1 Reserved.

A5.304.2 Outdoor water use. For new water service not subject to the provisions of Water Code Section 535, separate meters or submeters shall be installed for indoor and outdoor potable water use for landscaped areas of at least 500 square feet but not more than 1,000 square feet.

A5.304.6 Restoration of areas disturbed by construction. Restore all landscape areas disturbed during construction by planting with local adaptive and/or noninvasive vegetation.

A5.304.7 Previously developed sites. On previously developed or graded sites, restore or protect at least 50 percent of the site area with adaptive and/or noninvasive vegetation. Projects complying with Section A5.106.3, Item 3 may apply vegetated roof surface to this calculation if the roof plants meet the definition of adaptive and noninvasive.

Exception: Area of the building footprint is excluded from the calculation.

A5.304.8 Graywater irrigation system. Install a graywater collection system for onsite subsurface irrigation using graywater collected from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins and laundry water. See California Plumbing Code.

SECTION A5.305—WATER REUSE

A5.305.1 Nonpotable water systems. Nonpotable water systems for indoor and outdoor use shall comply with the current edition of the California Plumbing Code.

A5.305.2 Irrigation systems. Irrigation systems regulated by a local water efficient landscape ordinance or by the California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) shall use recycled water.

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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

APPENDIX A5 – NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

DIVISION A5.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CALGreen § 4.303.1.4.3 High relevance — show source text
4.303.1.4.3 Metering faucets. Metering faucets when installed in residential buildings shall not deliver more than 0.2 gallons per cycle.

4.303.1.4.4 Kitchen faucets. The maximum flow rate of kitchen faucets shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase the flow above the maximum rate, but not to exceed 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi, and must default to a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 psi.

Note: Where complying faucets are unavailable, aerators or other means may be used to achieve reduction.

4.303.1.4.5 Pre-rinse spray valves. When installed, commercial pre-rinse spray valves shall meet the requirements in the California Plumbing Code, Section 420.3.

4.303.2 Submeters for multifamily buildings and dwelling units in mixed-use residential/commercial buildings. Submeters shall be installed to measure water usage of individual rental dwelling units in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

4.303.3 Standards for plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the Cali- fornia Plumbing Code, and shall meet the applicable standards referenced in Table 1701.1 of the California Plumbing Code.

SECTION 4.304—OUTDOOR WATER USE

4.304.1 Outdoor potable water use in landscape areas. Residential developments shall comply with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent.

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RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

Notes:
1. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is located in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 2.7, Division 2.
MWELO and supporting documents, including a water budget calculator, are available at: https://www.water.ca.gov/

SECTION 4.305—WATER REUSE SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

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DIVISION 4.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

SECTION 4.401—GENERAL

4.401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall outline means of achieving material conservation and resource efficiency through protection of buildings from exterior moisture; construction waste diversion; employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials; and building commissioning or testing, adjusting and balancing.

SECTION 4.402—DEFINITIONS

4.402.1 Definitions. Reserved.

SECTION 4.403 —FOUNDATION SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

SECTION 4.404—EFFICIENT FRAMING TECHNIQUES (RESERVED)

SECTION 4.405—MATERIAL SOURCES (RESERVED)

SECTION 4.406—ENHANCED DURABILITY AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE
CALGreen § 407.3 High relevance — show source text
407.3 Limitation of Hot Water Temperature for Public Lavatories. Hot water delivered from public-use lavatories shall be limited to a maximum temperature of 120°F (49°C). The maximum temperature shall be regulated by one of the following means:

(1) A limiting device conforming to either ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA B125.70, or

(2) A water heater conforming to ASSE 1084.

407.4 Transient Public Lavatories. Self-closing or metering faucets shall be installed on lavatories intended to serve the transient public, such as those in, but not limited to service stations, train stations, airports, restaurants, and convention halls.

407.5 Waste Outlet. Lavatories shall have a waste outlet and fixture tailpiece not less than 1 [1] ⁄ 4 inches (32 mm) in diameter. Continuous wastes and fixture tailpieces shall be constructed from the materials specified in Section 701.4. Waste outlets shall be provided with an approved stopper or strainer.

407.6 Overflow. Where overflows are provided, they shall be installed in accordance with Section 404.2.

408.0 Showers.

408.1 Application. Manufactured shower receptors and shower bases shall comply with ASME A112.19.1/CSA B45.2, ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1, ASME A112.19.3/CSAB45.4, CSA B45.12/IAPMO Z402, or CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124. Prefabricated shower enclosures shall comply with IAPMO IGC 154.

408.2 Tileable Shower Receptors. Tileable shower receptors and shower kits shall comply with IAPMO PS 106. 408.3 Water Consumption. Showerheads shall have a « maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gpm at 80 psi ( 6.81 L/m at 552 kPa). Body sprays shall have a flow rate of not more than 1.8 gpm at 80 psi ( 6.81 L/m at 552 kPa). [HCD 1] Residential showerheads shall comply with Division 4.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). Residential body sprays shall comply with the showerhead requirements in Division 4.3 of CALGreen. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] Nonresidential body sprays shall comply with the showerhead requirements in Division 5.3 of CALGreen.

408.3.1 Single Showerhead. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] Showerheads shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons (6.81 L) per minute at 80 psi. Showerheads shall be certified to the performance crite- ria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Show- erheads in compliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.3. of the California Green Building Standards Code (CAL- Green).

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PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS

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**408.6 Finished Curb or Threshold.
CALGreen § 5.303.5 High relevance — show source text
Note: This code section does not affect local jurisdiction authority to prohibit or require disposer installation.

5.303.5 Areas of addition or alteration. For those occupancies within the authority of the California Building Standards Commission as specified in Section 103, the provisions of Sections 5.303.3 and 5.303.4 shall apply to new fixtures in additions or areas of alteration to the building.

5.303.6 Standards for plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the Cali- fornia Plumbing Code, and shall meet the applicable standards referenced in Table 1701.1 of the California Plumbing Code and in Chapter 6 of this code.

SECTION 5.304—OUTDOOR WATER USE

5.304.1 Outdoor potable water use in landscape areas. Nonresidential developments shall comply with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent.

Notes:
1. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is located in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 2.7, Division 2.
2. MWELO and supporting documents, including a water budget calculator, are available at: https://www.water.ca.gov/.
5.304.2 Reserved.

5.304.3 Reserved.

5.304.4 Reserved.

5.304.5 Reserved.

5.304.6 Outdoor potable water use in landscape areas. For public schools and community colleges, landscape projects as described in Sections 5.304.6.1 and 5.304.6.2 shall comply with the California Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) commencing with Section 490 of Chapter 2.7, Division 2, Title 23, California Code of Regulations, except that the evapotranspiration adjustment factor (ETAF) shall be 0.65 with an additional water allowance for special landscape areas (SLA) of 0.35.

Exception: Any project with an aggregate landscape area of 2,500 square feet or less may comply with the prescriptive measures contained in Appendix D of the MWELO.

5.304.6.1 Newly constructed landscapes. New construction projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet.

5.304.6.2 Rehabilitated landscapes. Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 1,200 square feet.

SECTION 5.305—WATER REUSE SYSTEMS (RESERVED)

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CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 5 – NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

DIVISION 5.4 – MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
CALGreen § 301.1 High relevance — show source text
Voluntary Measures 301.1, 306 Voluntary Tiers 304, 305, 306, A4.601, A5.601

Water Resistance and Moisture Management 5.407, 5.505, A4.407, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407 Moisture control 4.505, 5.407.2, 5.505, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407.9, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.505.2 Weather protection 5.407.1, A5.407.3

Water Reuse Systems A4.305 Graywater A4.305.1, A5.304.8 Recycled water for landscape irrigation A4.305.3 Recycled water piping A4.305.2 Water Use, Indoor 4.303, 5.303, A4.303, A5.203

Appliances A4.303.3, A5.303.3, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.210 Dual plumbing A5.303.5 Fixture flow rates 4.303.1, Table A5.303.2.3.1, 5.303.2.3.1, A4.303 Kitchen faucets and dishwashers

A4.303.1

Meters 4.303.2, 5.303.1 Multiple showerheads serving one shower 4.303.1.3.2, 5.303.3.3.2 Nonwater urinals and waterless toilets

A4.303.4, A5.303.4.1 Plumbing fixtures and fittings 4.303.1, 4.303.2, 5.303.3, 5.303.6 Tier 1, 12% savings; Tier 2, 20% savings; and 25% savings A5.303.2.1, A5.303.2.3.1, A5.303.2.3.2,

A5.303.2.3.3

Wastewater reduction 5.303.4

Water Use Baseline Table A5.303.2.2

Water Use, Outdoor 4.304, 5.304, A4.304, A5.304

Graywater irrigation system A5.304.8 Low-water consumption irrigation system A4.304.1 Outdoor potable water meters A4.304.3, A5.304.2 Potable water elimination A4.304.2 Previously developed sites A5.304.7 Rainwater or stormwater collection systems A4.304.1 Restoration of areas disturbed by construction A5.304.6 Worksheet Baseline Water Use Chapter 8, (WS-1) 12%, 20% or 25% Reduction Water Use Calculation Table Chapter 8, (WS-2) Building Reuse Chapter 8, (WS-3) Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment 5.409.2, Chapter 8, (WS-4) Product GWP Compliance— Prescriptive Path 5.409.3, Chapter 8, (WS-5) Building Reuse Tier 1 and Tier 2 Chapter 8, (WS-6) Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment A5.409.2, Chapter 8, (WS-7) Product GWP Compliance— Prescriptive Path A5.409.3,

CALGreen § 12000-2021 Medium relevance — show source text

356 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

REFERENCED STANDARDS

TABLE 1701.2 (continued) STANDARDS, PUBLICATIONS, PRACTICES, AND GUIDES

DOCUMENT NUMBER	DOCUMENT TITLE	APPLICATION
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12062-2021	Water Quality Program Professional Qualifications Standard for Pipefitters and HVAC Technicians	Professional Qualifications
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12063-2021	Water Quality Program Professional Qualifications Standard for Sprinkler

CALGreen § 408.8.1 Medium relevance — show source text
The subdrain shall have weep holes into the waste line. The weep holes located in the subdrain clamping ring shall be protected from clogging. 408.8.1 PVC Sheets. Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets shall conform to ASTM D4551. Sheets shall be joined by solvent cementing in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

408.8.2 Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) Sheets. Nonplasticized chlorinated polyethylene sheets shall conform to ASTM D4068. The liner shall be joined in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

408.8.3 Sheet Lead. Sheet lead shall weigh not less than 4 lb/ft [2] (19.5 kg/m [2] ) and shall be coated with an asphalt paint or other approved coating. The lead sheet

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PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS

411.2.1 Dual Flush Water Closets. Dual flush water closets shall comply with ASME A112.19.14. The effective flush volume for dual flush water closets shall be defined as the composite, average flush volume of two reduced flushes and one full flush.

411.2.2 Flushometer Valve Activated Water Clos-

ets. Flushometer valve activated water closets shall have a maximum flush volume of 1.28 gallons ( 4.8 Lpf) of water per flush.

411.2.2.1 Flushometer Valve Activated Water Closets. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] Flushometer valve activated water closets shall have a maximum flush volume of 1.28 gallons (4.8 L) per flush in accordance with ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1.

411.2.3 Performance. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Water clos- ets installed in residential occupancies shall meet or exceed the minimum performance criteria developed for certification of high-efficiency toilets under the WaterSense program sponsored by the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA).

411.2.4 Water Closets. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons (4.8 L) per flush. Tank-type water closets shall be certified to the performance criteria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Tank-Type Toilets in compliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.3. of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

411.3 Water Closet Seats. Water closet seats shall be properly sized for the water closet bowl type, and shall be of smooth, non-absorbent material. Seats, for public use, shall be of the elongated type and either of the open front type or have an automatic seat cover dispenser. Water closet seats shall be provided with or without covers. Plastic seats shall comply with IAPMO/ANSI Z124.5.

411.4 Personal Hygiene Devices. Water closets with integral personal hygiene devices shall comply with ASME A112.4.2/CSA B45.16.

412.0 Urinals.
CALGreen § 401.2 Medium relevance — show source text
401.2 Quality of Fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be constructed of dense, durable, non-absorbent materials and shall have smooth, impervious surfaces, free from unnecessary concealed fouling surfaces. 401.3 Water-Conserving Fixtures and Fittings. Note 1: [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] Flow rates for specified plumbing fixtures for mandatory nonresidential construction are contained in Chapter 5, Division 5.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11, Title 24, Califor- nia Code of Regulations - CALGreen). Scoping provisions applicable to nonresidential additions and alterations are contained in Section 301.3 of CALGreen. Note 2: [BSC-CG] On and after January 1, 2014, certain commercial real property, as defined in Civil Code Section 1101.3, shall have its noncompliant plumbing fixtures replaced with appropriate water-conserving plumbing fix- tures under specific circumstances. See Civil Code Section 1101.1 et seq. for definitions, types of commercial real prop- erty affected, effective dates, circumstances necessitating replacement of noncompliant plumbing fixtures, and duties and responsibilities for ensuring compliance.

[HCD-1] All noncompliant plumbing fixtures in any residen- tial real property shall be replaced with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixture replacement is required prior to issuance of a certificate of final completion, certificate of occupancy, or final permit approval by the local building department. See Civil Code Section 1101.1, et seq., for the def- inition of a noncompliant plumbing fixture, types of residential buildings affected and other important enactment dates. Note 3: [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] Also refer to Title 20, Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Division 2, Chapter 4, Article 4, Section 1605.3 (i). Note 4: Appliance Efficiency Regulations – Water Effi- ciency. [CEC] Where California law in Title 20 Sections 1601 et seq. applying to water-using appliances sold or offered for sale within the state specifies a lower maximum flow rate than specified in Section 407.2, 408.3, or 411.2, the lower maximum flow rate shall be required.

402.0 Installation.

402.1 Cleaning. Plumbing fixtures shall be installed in a manner to afford easy access for repairs and cleaning. Pipes from fixtures shall be run to the nearest wall.

402.2 Joints. Where a fixture comes in contact with the wall or floor, the joint between the fixture and the wall or floor shall be made watertight.

402.3 Securing Fixtures. Floor-outlet or floor-mounted fixtures shall be rigidly secured to the drainage connection and to the floor, where so designed, by screws or bolts of copper, copper alloy, or other equally corrosion-resistant material.

CALGreen § 3-2020 Medium relevance — show source text

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 355

REFERENCED STANDARDS

TABLE 1701.2 (continued) STANDARDS, PUBLICATIONS, PRACTICES, AND GUIDES

DOCUMENT NUMBER	DOCUMENT TITLE	APPLICATION
ANSI Z83.11-2016 (R2021)/CSA 1.8-2016 (R2021)	Gas Food Service Equipment	Fuel Gas, Appliances
CSA Z317.1-2021	Special Requirements for Plumbing Installations in Health Care Facilities	Miscellaneous
ENERGY STAR	ENERGY STAR	ENERGY STAR
Energy Star-2007	Program Requirements for Commercial Ice Machines	Miscellaneous
Energy Star-2012 (version 2.0)	Program Requirements Product Specification for Commercial Dishwashers	Appliances
Energy Star-2016 (version 6.0)	Program Requirements for Residential Dishwashers	Appliances
Energy Star-2018 (version 8.0)	Program Requirements Product specification for Clothes Washers (effective February 5, 2018)	Appliances
EPA	EPA	EPA
EPA/600/R-12/618-2012	Guidelines for Water Reuse	Miscellaneous
EPA WaterSense-2007	High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification	Fixtures
EPA WaterSense-2009	Specification for Flushing Urinals	Fixtures
EPA

Frequently asked questions

Do fixtures need to be WaterSense‑certified?

Where CALGreen calls out performance certification, tank‑type toilets, showerheads and other fixtures must meet US EPA WaterSense performance specifications; the Plumbing Code referenced‑standards tables list the applicable WaterSense specs.

Where are water‑reuse (graywater/recycled water) rules located?

Water‑reuse is addressed in CALGreen’s voluntary Appendix A5 (graywater collection, dual plumbing and nonpotable systems) and the California Plumbing Code chapters on alternate water sources and rainwater catchment; those plumbing chapters set treatment, system and permit requirements.

Are the flow‑rate limits different for residential and nonresidential projects?

Both Division 4.3 (residential) and Division 5.3 (nonresidential) set mandatory fixture flow limits and point to the Plumbing Code for standards; the numeric limits (for example, water closets ≤1.28 gpf and showerheads ≤1.8 gpm) are stated in the applicable CALGreen sections.

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Related in the CALGreen

Chapter 6 — How to use the referenced standards list

HVAC commissioning, testing, adjusting and balancing standards

Standards for materials, finishes, LCA and product GWP

Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)

Plumbing, fixtures, WaterSense and water‑reuse referenced standards

Overview

In this section

Code references

4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

Frequently asked questions

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