In a small corner of the room, there's a div with a margin of 15px on the top and bottom, and 15px on the left, with a width and height of 255px, floating to the left. This space is not just empty—it's symbolic of the growing awareness around water conservation in China.
Many citizens have started thinking about droughts in the southwest region and are making a conscious effort to save water in their daily lives. However, the high cost of water-saving toilets has made many consumers hesitant. The market for water-efficient sanitary products is caught in a tug-of-war between affordability and public interest, creating a complex situation that’s hard to resolve.
A recent public welfare initiative focused on promoting water-saving technology has sparked widespread interest. Since spring, southern China has experienced below-average rainfall, and the drought has spread beyond the southwest to areas like Guangdong, Hunan, Tibet, and Gansu. In response, a website partnered with Toto to launch a smart bathroom initiative aimed at reducing water use. This move inspired other industry leaders, including brands like Wrigley, GROHE, Kohler, Anwar, American Standard, Chenglin Gaobao, Hengjie, Dongpeng, and Yigao, to issue water-saving declarations. These companies pledged to invest in water-saving technologies and encourage consumers to conserve water.
Many businesses have launched promotions and charity auctions, supporting disaster relief while showcasing their social responsibility. These efforts also help enhance brand image and create a competitive edge in the market.
Stores have started displaying "water-saving bathroom" signs, using water efficiency as a key selling point. For example, Toto recently launched a full-year discount campaign, while Chenglin Gaobao announced a large-scale price reduction in Sichuan. Other companies, such as Hengjie and Shanggao, have organized charity sales, emphasizing the importance of water conservation.
Despite these efforts, technical challenges remain. Many consumers still question the effectiveness of water-saving toilets. Some 3/6-liter dual-flush models, though designed to save water, can actually waste more if used incorrectly. A user shared her concern: “I really want to buy a water-saving toilet, but sometimes it doesn’t flush properly and requires multiple uses, which ends up using more water than before.â€
Currently, 3/6-liter dual-flush toilets are the most popular among consumers, but some opt for even more efficient options like 4.8-liter or 4.5-liter models. While these offer better performance, they come at a higher price—often over 1,000 yuan, with premium models reaching 3,000 yuan or more. This makes them less appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Additionally, some stores market low-cost toilets as “highly water-efficient,†raising doubts among customers. Experts warn that overly aggressive claims may lead to quality issues, further eroding consumer confidence.
To address these concerns, companies emphasize that the high cost of water-saving toilets is due to advanced technology and design. Wu Zhaohui, from TOTO’s National Marketing Department, explained that the price reflects the product’s technological content, design, and structural standards. Water-saving is just one factor among many, and quality must not be compromised.
Industry experts believe that while water-saving toilets are currently pricier, long-term environmental awareness will drive demand. Zhu Maofu, general manager of Faenza’s Dongguan branch, noted that younger consumers are more environmentally conscious and willing to invest in sustainable products.
As media coverage of water conservation grows, so does public support for eco-friendly choices. Even though the initial cost is higher, the long-term benefits for both society and the environment are significant. Choosing a water-saving toilet isn’t just about saving money—it’s about contributing to a more sustainable future.
Taizhou TS HARDWARE Co., Ltd , https://www.shuwengroup.com