Big plumbing change awaits governor’s pen

A big change to Colorado bathrooms and kitchens has cleared the state Legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.

A bill to phase out water-wasting faucets, toilets and showerheads was approved 35-28 Friday. The bill already passed the Senate.

The measure would prohibit the sale of water-wasting plumbing fixtures by 2016. It makes it illegal to sell new faucets, showerheads and toilets that aren’t certified by the federal government as efficient “WaterSense” fixtures.

Supporters said the plumbing change can save up to 13 billion gallons of water by 2050. Many Republicans opposed the bill, calling it an unwarranted intrusion by government.