As Californians wrestle with how to reduce their individual water use by 25%, MTI Baths has a new solution to help achieve that goal. Known for its made-to-order custom tubs, MTI wants customers to know that they can adjust the height of their tubs' overflows to reduce the amount of water used in the tub. The option lets homeowners cut their water use, without giving up the luxury of a bath, even in water-restriction situations.
The standard overflow height varies for every MTI tub model, and the company says there's no limit to how low the overflow can be placed. The exceptions are baths with integrated or slot overflows, and those outfitted with whirlpool jets, which require at least one inch of water above the jets during operation.
"Realistically, our customers could lower the overflow on our tubs by 50% and still have a good amount of water to enjoy a comfortable soak or whirlpool," says director of marketing Michael Kornowa. "Every tub is different and every bather is different. If you area smaller person or you want to bathe in less water, you can just fill it less. Or if you want us to lower the overflow to prevent you from filling it higher, we can do that."
The variety of shapes and contours in MTI's bathtub offerings makes it difficult for the company to say how much water can be saved for every inch that the overflow is lowered. That said, the savings can be significant with one gallon of water comprising 231 cubic inches. See our calculations at right for the Savannah 1 tub model pictured above.
Other water-saving options are also available from MTI, including 22 compact tub models in different shapes, ranging from 42 to 60 inches long with heights ranging 16 to 19 inches. The shallower bathing wells mean less water used when stepping in for a soak. And less water need not mean less enjoyment in the tub. Users can continue to specify whirlpool jets and air bath features for their tubs, since both types of jets are mounted either very low in the bathing well, or in the tub floor.
“We take pride in our ability to respond quickly to industry needs especially when it comes to water consumption,” said Russell Adams, MTI's president and chief designer. “Sometimes a seemingly small change, like the lowering of an overflow design, can make a significant difference in customers’ purchasing decisions, allowing them to meet local water consumption guidelines for future enjoyment of their tub.”
