An ordinance amending Section 16.12.130 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to allow the installation of plumbing fixtures designed to reduce or eliminate water consumption.

WHEREAS, according to figures supplied by the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services, approximately 183 gallons of water is treated for each person every day; and

WHEREAS, water conservation effects the amount of wastewater produced, which has a direct impact on the performance and life of the wastewater system; and

WHEREAS, numerous enhancements in plumbing fixture technology are enabling builders to construct more environmentally friendly buildings; and

WHEREAS, a recent development known as the "non-water urinal" uses a specialized cartridge in the drain that allows waste fluid through while preventing odors from entering the room; and

WHEREAS, the use of non-water urinals would save an average of one gallon of water per flush; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a coalition of building industry leaders working to promote environmentally responsible buildings, encourages the use of low-water usage fixtures, including non-water urinals; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council encourages the use of water efficient plumbing fixtures; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the residents of the Metropolitan Government that plumbing fixtures designed to reduce or eliminate water consumption be allowed as part of the Metropolitan Plumbing Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Section 16.12.130 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by amending Section 315, "Basic Principles", by adding the following provision at the end of Section 315.13 Principle No. 13:

"Exception: Fixtures, devices, appliances and appurtenances specifically designed to reduce or eliminate water consumption that do not require a supply of water to function properly, and which meet all other requirements of this chapter, shall be allowed. All such water efficient plumbing fixtures shall conform to the 2004 edition, or subsequent editions, of the International Building Code."

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mike Jameson