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Americans are crossing the Canadian border near Detroit to purchase 3.5 gallons per flush toilets. The toilets, whose manufacture is restricted in the United States, are in demand because of alleged consumer dissatisfaction with water-conserving 1.6 gpf models.
Wholesalers and retailers in Windsor have noticed increased sales of the 3.5 gpf toilets during the past year. They are in such demand because the 1992 Energy Policy Act, which took effect in 1994, made it illegal for U.S. toilet manufacturers to produce 3.5 gpf toilets and distribute them in the United States. Manufacturers selling such toilets in the U.S. can be fined $100 per toilet.
Performance of the lowflush toilets has been questioned by consumers across the country. U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Mich., introduced a bill in Congress to repeal the part of the EPACT that mandates the 1.6 gpf toilets after his constituents complained about poor performance.
Supplies of previously manufactured units in the U.S. are dwindling. In Canada, however, where 3.5 gpf units can be sold for retrofit or remodeling jobs, supplies still exist.
"We've definitely seen an increase in the sales of 3.5 gallon...