Stylish Bathroom Tech: The Environmentally Sound Faucet

Chicago (IL) - Occasionally, it is interesting to look beyond traditional computer technology and it is especially interesting how much technology innovation is happening in the eco-space. We recently came across this faucet, which we consider the ultimate bathroom toy for geeks. It recharges itself from the kinetic energy of water flow.

Toto, known for not quite the cheapest faucets on the market, has come up with the Axiom EcoPower Sensor Faucet, which promises to make your bathroom more environmentally friendly, sleek, and sophisticated in appearance. The profile of the faucet is square, simple, and modern, yet aesthetically pleasing - and there is some impressive technology hidden under its skin.

The Axiom operates utilizing Toto’s EcoPower design, a newly created technology that is based on a small turbine in the faucet: It takes advantage of the kinetic energy of water to recharge a battery that powers sensors and control the flow of water. Toto claims that the battery can be kept charged by just five uses a day. Water flows when an object (such as your hand) is detected by the sensors and stops as soon as it is removed - or after 10 seconds. Additionally, the Axiom’s sensors adjust and set their own range. According to the company, less than 0.25 gallons are consumed with each use.

The Axiom requires no special install or equipment and has a single hole mount. It can be installed in both residential and commercial facilities and is ADA compliant and approved by the NSF.

The price? Well, don’t expect the faucet to be available for what you typically would pay for a unit at Home Depot. But if the simple fact that it saves energy and resources isn’t convincing enough, you could always say that the saved water will deliver some return on your initial investment over time. The Toto Axiom EcoPower faucet is priced at about $1000.