Water Fixtures

Low-flow water faucetIn June 2023, the City of Dunwoody adopted new rules that are intended to improve and encourage responsible water conservation. These rules were drafted as part of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s 2022 Water Resources Management Plan. The Water Planning District was created in 2001 to preserve and protect water resources in the 15-county metropolitan Atlanta area; all participating counties and municipalities are required to implement water conservation standards set by the Water Planning District. 

The new water conservation rules apply to all NEW water fixtures, like faucets, showerheads, toilets, and landscape irrigation systems. Existing water fixtures are not affected. Water fixtures for residential homes are also subject to different standards than water fixtures for commercial businesses. A summary of the new regulations is provided below. For a more complete and detailed list of the regulations, please view the updated ordinance using this link.

Any questions regarding these regulations can be directed to the City of Dunwoody’s Community Development Department, 678-382-6800.

Residential regulations for new or replacement water fixtures:

Plumbing Fixture or Fitting Maximum Flow Rate  
Bathroom faucet or aerator WaterSense* Labeled & 1.2 gallons per minute (gpm) at 60 psi
Showerhead Must be WaterSense Labeled & 2 gpm at 80 psi
Toilet 1.28 gallons per flushing cycle
Kitchen faucet or aerator 1.8 gpm at 60 psi

*WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping you save water. You can learn more about WaterSense here: WaterSense | US EPA

Commercial regulations for new or replacement water fixtures:

Plumbing Fixture or Fitting                            Maximum Flow Rate  
Bathroom faucet or aerator (metered) .25 gallon per metering cycle
Bathroom faucet or aerator (other than metered) .5 gallon at 60 psi
Urinal .5 gallon per flushing cycle
Toilet 1.28 gallons per flushing cycle

Landscape irrigation systems must adhere to certain design standards that help avoid water waste. These standards include:

  • Not installing sprinkler heads near impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and roads
  • Installing rain sensors to avoid overwatering
  • Installing water pressure-regulating devices