[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E345-E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE PLUMBING STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 1997

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Plumbing 
Standards Improvement Act of 1997.
  My bill would repeal the plumbing fixture flow restrictions that were 
enacted by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992. 
Specifically, they limited the capacity of all newly manufactured 
toilets to 1.6 gallons per flush, and showerheads to 2.5 gallons per 
minute.
  Through originally enacted to conserve water, these restrictions have 
had a number of unintended consequences, which I believe make a strong 
case for their repeal.
  First and foremost is their impact on the public safety and health of 
the American people. The most damning evidence comes from a recently-
released study by the University of Cincinnati. It shows that the 
increased mist levels created by restricted flow showerheads have led 
to a higher incidence of respiratory illnesses. And as you all know, 
children and the elderly are usually the most susceptible.
  In addition, I have heard from several plumbing contractors in my 
district. They tell me that these showerheads have resulted in more 
scalding episodes, by causing a delay between the adjustment of the hot 
water knob and the resulting temperature increase. Thus, people, 
especially children, are over-adjusting the hot water and sustaining 
minor burns.
  Regarding the toilets, it is apparent that new 1.6 gallon models are 
not as effective as their prerestriction counterparts. Plumbers and 
plumbing supply stores have been overwhelmed with complaints from 
unsatisfied consumers, and black markets for the old 3.5 gallon models 
have popped up across the country since the restrictions were put in 
place.
  But beware: if you or I buy a 3.5 gallon toilet off the black market 
or remove the restrictor plate from our water-saver showerhead, under 
current law we would be subject to Federal fines as high as $2,500. 
Simply put, this provision is making criminals out of normal, law 
abiding citizens who only want a decent shower and a toilet that needs 
to be flushed only once.
  Finally, even if my bill is passed and the Federal restriction is 
repealed, there is nothing stopping governments in water-scarce areas 
from passing these kind of restrictions. Some governments may find it 
necessary to do so, but it is a decision that seems best done at the 
State and local level.
  I urge my colleagues to take a close look at this. It is my belief 
that if Congress knew about the safety and health risks alone, it

[[Page E346]]

would not have included these restrictions in the first place. I think 
the bottom line is that the Federal Government should be out of the 
bathrooms.

                          ____________________