California Toilet Law 2026: What GPF Is Required?

The Drake II earns its reputation by combining a perfect MaP 1,000-gram flush score with a 1.28 GPF rating, making it fully California-compliant while delivering exceptional flushing performance that rivals many older 1.6 GPF models.

Published specs confirm the Drake II uses TOTO's G-Max flushing system, which uses a larger 3-inch flush valve and a wider trapway than many competitors. Owner reviews on retailer sites consistently praise clog resistance and the ability to handle heavy waste loads without double flushing, which is a common complaint among households switching from 1.6 GPF to lower-flow models.

The TOTO CeFiONtect ceramic glaze is applied to the bowl surface at the manufacturing stage and reduces particle adherence, meaning the bowl stays cleaner between washes. This detail is especially relevant in hard-water areas of California such as the Inland Empire and Central Valley, where mineral deposits tend to accumulate faster.

The Cadet 3 brings American Standard's evergreen toilet platform into California compliance at a lower cost than premium brands, with a MaP 1,000-gram rating and WaterSense certification confirming reliable performance at 1.28 GPF.

The Cadet 3 uses American Standard's PowerWash rim scrubbing action, which directs water across the bowl surface before the main flush cycle. Owner reviews from California buyers note the rim wash reduces staining frequency, which is a practical consideration for households with hard water common across the state.

Replacement parts including flappers and fill valves are standard Fluidmaster-compatible sizes, meaning repairs do not require proprietary components. This makes the Cadet 3 a practical choice for rental property owners and landlords who need a California-compliant toilet that is easy to maintain without calling a plumber for minor repairs.

The TOTO Aquia IV improves on earlier Aquia generations with a fully skirted design, updated dual-cyclone flushing, and an EFV of approximately 0.99 GPF, making it one of the most water-efficient toilets available while remaining California-legal and high-performing.

The Aquia IV's dual-cyclone system uses two nozzles instead of the traditional rim holes to create a swirling water flow that covers the bowl surface efficiently at lower volumes. This engineering approach addresses the historical weakness of dual-flush designs, where the partial flush sometimes struggles with light waste removal.

Published TOTO specifications confirm the Aquia IV meets ANSI/ASME A112.19.2 and CSA B45.1 standards and carries EPA WaterSense certification. For California households in drought-prone regions like San Diego or Marin County, the approximately 0.99 GPF effective flush volume translates to meaningful annual water savings, particularly in multi-person households.

The Woodbridge T-0001 offers a contemporary one-piece skirted look with a dual-flush system averaging well below 1.28 GPF, making it a California-legal option for buyers who prioritize design aesthetics alongside water compliance.

Note that the Woodbridge T-0001 uses a 1.6 GPF full flush and a 1.0 GPF partial flush. Because it is a dual-flush model, California law evaluates it on the EFV formula rather than the single-flush maximum. The EFV of approximately 1.2 GPF falls within the 1.28 GPF state limit. Buyers should confirm the specific SKU they are purchasing carries the EFV documentation required for California sale.

Owner reviews note that the full flush performs reliably for solid waste while the 1.0 GPF partial flush handles liquid waste without staining in most household water conditions. The included soft-close seat and concealed trapway design are frequently cited as the primary reasons buyers choose this model over more utilitarian options.

The Kohler Cimarron in its 1.28 GPF Comfort Height configuration carries a MaP 1,000-gram rating and EPA WaterSense certification, making it fully California-compliant while offering the taller ADA-friendly seating position that many adults prefer.

Kohler's AquaPiston technology replaces the traditional flapper mechanism with a canister valve that opens from all sides, providing a more complete flush by allowing water into the bowl faster than a standard flapper allows. Published performance data from Kohler shows this design contributes to the Cimarron's MaP 1,000-gram score, which is the maximum achievable rating in the MaP testing program.

The Comfort Height seat at 16.5 inches off the floor meets ADA requirements and is notably popular with older buyers and taller adults in California who replace older standard-height toilets during bathroom remodels. California building codes for commercial buildings and new residential construction with accessible units may require ADA height compliance in addition to the 1.28 GPF standard.