Water is one of the world’s most precious resources, and the PHCP industry plays a critical role in guarding it. As climate change intensifies, and water scarcity becomes a growing concern in many regions, manufacturers, distributors, and contractors are stepping up to develop and promote more efficient water-saving technologies. From low-flow fixtures to smart leak detection systems and greywater recycling solutions, the industry is innovating to meet both regulatory demands and consumer expectations for sustainability.

The push for water conservation isn’t only about environmental responsibility — it’s also about economic and operational efficiency. As businesses and homeowners look for ways to reduce utility costs, manufacturers focus on education, product innovation and best practices to help maximize water savings without compromising performance. 

One such way to increase water efficiencies is during manufacturing. CK Lim, global head of operations, Gerber, celebrates how the company recycles water in the manufacturing process: “Gerber currently recycles 100% of the water used in our toilet manufacturing facility. We use recycled water for cleaning and in bathrooms throughout our facilities. We estimate we recycle around 95 million gallons of water annually at our toilet manufacturing facilities.” 

Wow. An incredible advancement in how we can save the planet one drop at a time. 

We wanted to hear from industry manufacturers on how their operations have adapted to water conservation efforts. We connected with the team at Globe Union/Gerber and Morris Group International to hear what efficiencies they have in place. Here is what they had to say. 

The Wholesaler: How does your company incorporate sustainability and water conservation into your product innovation and design process? 

Ed Fabrizio, vice president, Chronomite, a Morris Group International (MGI) Brand: Sustainability and water conservation are fundamental to how we approach innovation challenges across our 28 brands. Our engineering teams start with the understanding that modern building systems must deliver  exceptional performance and responsible resource management. That drives our solutions. Whether it’s tankless water heaters, drainage, plumbing fixtures and access, water controls, or fire protection — it always was and always will be about transforming water efficiency and safety in commercial applications while maintaining the reliability our customers depend on.

Margaret Francis, senior product manager, fittings, Gerber: From a faucet product point of view, Gerber’s approach to water conservation begins with our 1.2 gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate. The EPA WaterSense program sets the standard at 1.5 gpm, and we exceed that without compromising the user experience. 

Kevin McJoynt, director of vitreous china product management, Globe Union: Toilets are the largest water-consuming device in a home, so Gerber prioritizes water-saving innovations for the conservation trends demanded by the market. We not only meet the consumptions required by various municipal codes as well as the EPA WaterSense program, but we also far exceed the performance requirements with our low-flow line of toilets. 

These low-flow toilets benefit the consumer by reducing the need for multiple flushes and ultimately saving water — and money. We have introduced a collection of gravity toilets that successfully perform at 0.8 gpf — 37% lower than the WaterSense level of 1.28 gpf. 

Gerber has redesigned our urinals to perform effectively at a required water consumption level or well below — 0.125 gpf, 0.5 gpf or 1.0 gpf — all with the same fixture. Not only does this make Gerber and our customers’ businesses more efficient by reducing the product to produce and keep in inventory, it allows our commercial customers the opportunity to switch existing installed urinals to a lower flush volume by merely changing the flushometer valve and not changing the fixture itself. 

The Wholesaler: What are the sustainability or water conservation goals your company has set, and how do your products align with these objectives? 

Laura Marshall, vice president, AcornVac, a Morris Group International Brand: At MGI, we believe meaningful impact comes through innovation rather than arbitrary targets. Our mission has always been about revolutionizing how buildings and communities access and manage water, driving real-world sustainability through groundbreaking solutions. You see this across our portfolio. 

For example, AcornVac vacuum plumbing systems dramatically reduce water consumption in large-scale projects. MGI Controls BASyC digital mixing valves assist with water conservation and safety goals by offering whole-building control and awareness of water usage and system sanitization features. Each innovation aligns with our broader vision of creating more sustainable infrastructure without compromising performance or safety.

The Wholesaler: How do your products help customers, including builders and end-users, achieve water conservation goals or earn certifications such as WaterSense or LEED points? 

Marshall: At MGI, our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our premium solutions that fundamentally change how buildings use water and energy. From our Acorn Master-Trol electronic water management system that justice facilities rely on to manage their water consumption to the innovative Chronomite point-of-use tankless water heaters that eliminate standby energy waste, we consistently push the boundaries of efficient design.

The 400 Westlake building in Seattle was recently recognized as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly office spaces of its size; this achievement is due in part to its AcornVac vacuum plumbing system. Our technologies help visionary projects achieve exceptional sustainability goals.

Francis: Gerber has lower flow aerators available for all bathroom faucets. Our alternative flow rates are available for use in areas of the country that require greater water conservation or need to meet the specification for LEED points, or for homeowners who wish to reduce their water bills. Our Alternative Flow Rate Program provides customers with compatible 1.0 gpm and 0.5 gpm flow aerators. 

The Wholesaler: What trends are driving demand for water-saving solutions? 

Jim Graves, vice president, MGI ConTrols, a Morris Group International Brand: While drought conditions and rising utility costs certainly drive interest in water conservation, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how building owners and operators think about water systems. They are looking beyond simple low-flow fixtures to comprehensive water management solutions that can actively monitor, control and optimize their entire water infrastructure. 

This trend aligns perfectly with the integrated approach we use at MGI — our smart mixing valves, vacuum plumbing systems and advanced filtration technologies work together to deliver immediate savings and long-term sustainability for our wholesaler partners’ customers.

McJoynt: Beyond local and national regulations, influencing elements for conservation include our consumers, residential and commercial builders/developers. Consumers are driven by cost and a desire to conserve the precious resource of water. The professional community is primarily driven by cost — saving water saves money, and companies who can deliver effective products that are also efficient are successful. 

The Wholesaler: What advancements is your company planning to address the growing need for water conservation in residential, commercial or industrial applications? 

Graves: We’re in the business of solving problems, and that takes an entrepreneurial spirit because the issues are constantly changing. Our extensive engineering capabilities and in-house manufacturing expertise allow us to do things such as smart water management solutions. This is not just because it’s the right thing to do, but it also gives our wholesale partners powerful tools to help their customers succeed in an increasingly water-conscious market.

Despite the engineering complexity involved, the end-user is always top of mind. So, we always try to make solutions that are low maintenance, easy to install and provide a good return on investment. The bottom line is that we all win when end-users reduce their water consumption through our innovations. Facilities save on operating costs, our wholesale partners build stronger relationships and, together, we make a meaningful impact on water conservation.