Checks Show Most Businesses Go With the Low-Flow

Raleigh, N.C. — Spot checks on dozens of businesses in Raleigh and nearby towns have found that most have heeded calls to install water-saving devices, officials said Tuesday.

The Raleigh City Council asked all residents and businesses on the municipal water system to install low-flow faucets and shower heads by March 1 to help conserve water during the ongoing drought. City inspectors began visiting hotels, fitness centers, apartment complexes and office buildings last week to check compliance with the proposal.

During the first week, inspectors found all of the hotels checked had low-flow shower heads and all but two had low-flow faucets. Similarly, all of the health clubs had low-flow faucets and all but two had low-flow shower heads.

One apartment complex inspected didn't have low-flow faucets, and three didn't have low-flow shower heads. Two office buildings didn't have low-flow faucets.

Some of the businesses inspected had purchased low-flow devices but hadn't installed them yet, inspectors said.

The city doesn't levy any fines or other penalties for not having the devices, but Mayor Charles Meeker has said that widespread noncompliance could force the City Council to mandate the devices.

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City inspectors are doing there job. The city council is who sent them out to do the inspections.

Low Flow faucets, showerhead, lavs, urinals, etc. have been a requirement of the plumbing code for years. Almost every commercial building will have low flow fixtures because they cant replace their current fixtures without installing the current code requirements.

You guys are arguing over a non issue. And to some degree the city council is concerned over a non issue. Low Flow devices are a requirement of the plumbing code already.

bsly137
March 19, 2008 8:31 a.m.

"If it isn't mandatory why even check?"

Cost-benefit analysis. Will there be a large backlash of people who aren't compliant, or can it be spun as a willful evil minority of wasteful hooligans who 'deserve' fines.

And modern democracy continues to fail personal liberty.

ratnix
March 18, 2008 6:20 p.m.

Our tax dollars at work again... If it isn't mandatory why even check? Maybe the city inspectors should be making better use of their time by addressing the real issues at hand.

luvinlife
March 18, 2008 5:05 p.m.

Most apartment complexes have several vacant units

**But what about those aparments that are occupied?** Are the water cops going to come and see that one's shower massage has been replaced by a low flow device?