I agree with Al Gore on this one: the problem of water shortages will only grow in the future. As such, those old toilets that used five gallons every time you took a whiz are more than archaic -- they're dangerous.

A few years ago, the governmented mandated low-flow toilets at 1.6 gallons per flush. Since then, people like Dave Barry have complained incessantly that 1.6 gallons isn't enough to push down their monster logs. They've rallied against low-flows, never mind the ecological benefits.

However, American Standard's new toilet should make them all shut up. Thanks to Tori Anus for sending this in.
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The latest revolution in low-flow plumbing, American Standard's Champion toilet, comes with a 10-year "worry-free" warranty.

The key to the success of the new toilet, American Standard says, is an enlarged siphon trapway -- 2 3/8 inches, a quarter-inch larger than Toto's Drake model, long considered the most reliable low-flow on the market.

The toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and this can't be adjusted. So far, according to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, which establishes testing protocols, only pressure-assisted low-flow toilets use just 1.6 gallons.

The tests? One flush took care of 31 synthetic sponges. Another flush took 16 cloth napkins, still another 41 rubber tubes, and, finally, 47 wadded up balls of toilet paper.

They also flushed 29 golf balls. There's a water hazard that would test Tiger Woods.

The first Champion model will retail for $400. They will be widely available after Jan. 1.