Was the dual flush toilet invented in Australia?
Yes. The modern dual flush toilet was developed in Australia by Bruce Thompson of the bathroom company Caroma in 1980. It lets users choose a half flush or full flush, saving large amounts of water.
Australia is one of the driest inhabited continents, and water shortages have long been a concern. In the 1970s, the South Australian government asked for toilets that used less water, prompting Caroma's research.
The first dual flush toilets used about 11 litres for a full flush and 5.5 litres for a half flush. Modern designs use about 4.5 litres for a full flush and 3 litres for a half flush.
Saving water
Dual flush toilets became standard in Australia and are now used in many countries. Studies estimate that they can cut household water use for toilets by more than half compared with old single flush toilets.
Australia's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme rates toilets and other appliances with stars, helping buyers choose water-saving products.
During the Millennium Drought, governments offered rebates for replacing old toilets with dual flush models. The invention is often listed among Australia's most useful everyday innovations.
Did You Know?
Caroma was founded in Australia in the 1940s and became a major bathroom brand.