Water Saving Homes Are Coming Soon

Washington, D.C. - June 5, 2008 -- Homeowners can save water by using WaterSense label products, and in the near future new homes can have WaterSense built into them. EPA is asking for comment on a WaterSense draft specification for water-efficient single-family new homes. Once the criteria are finalized, new homes that meet them can be certified and labeled under the WaterSense program.

"The WaterSense New Homes specification is family friendly and climate-ready," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "Homeowners will save water, money, and energy and communities will have an important new tool for sustainable growth and water efficiency."

The WaterSense label, which means both water-efficiency and performance, is on more than 160 high-efficiency toilets and over 60 bathroom sink faucets made by many different manufacturers in different styles, colors, and prices. Nationwide over 400 irrigation professionals have been trained in water-efficient design and practices and are certified as WaterSense partners. The future New Homes specification will bring into the building process these products and practices, and many more water-saving tools.

The specification is designed to ensure not only sustainable, efficient water use but also a high level of performance satisfaction. WaterSense labeled new homes will combine WaterSense labeled products with other water-efficient fixtures and practices to reduce the amount of water used by approximately 20 percent. Homes must meet criteria in three areas: indoor water use, outdoor water use and homeowner education. Indoor plumbing, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and other water-using equipment have to be water efficient. Outdoors the landscape design and any irrigation system have to be water efficient. Additionally, homeowners will be provided information on how to maintain a water efficient home. Third-party inspectors will certify that homes meet all of the criteria before they will be given a WaterSense label.

EPA is conducting an online meeting on June 18, 2008, to discuss the draft specification. To register for the meeting, please fill out and submit the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Public Meeting Registration Form by June 10, 2008. With the announcement of this draft water-efficient new homes specification, EPA is inviting all interested parties to provide comments until July 21, 2008. If you have questions about the draft specification for water-efficient single-family new homes, please contact the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367).