Making Sense of WaterSense

A high-efficiency toilet from Niagara Conservation. Photo courtesy of Niagara Conservation. Incentives A home that uses WaterSense products can see a dramatic decrease in water usage and a lower water bill. Homeowners can also enjoy a clearer conscience, knowing they have taken steps to preserve the planet's most important resource. While there are currently no federal or state incentives to implement WaterSense or water-efficient products in a home, such a step may not be too far in the future. "Tax rebates and incentives are not up to the EPA," says Lee, who noted that developments in the WaterSense program have shown similarities to those of its predecessor, Energy Star, a virtual household name synonymous with energy efficiency. Although it may be consumer demand for WaterSense products that drives the label toward greater recognition, acknowledgment of the program's legitimacy must start at the top—and it already has. In January 2007, the President issued an Executive Order pertaining to federal energy, environmental and transportation management. One piece of the order required that federal agencies purchase WaterSense-labeled products and choose WaterSense-certified irrigation contractors, when applicable. Implementation of WaterSense products and services at the federal level will certainly push the program toward greater national recognition. Forecast Only a year-and-a-half old, The WaterSense program is still in its infancy. It has yet to finalize specifications on all water-related products. "We are currently developing specifications for showerheads," says Lee. To develop a final specification, the program issues a draft specification that is evaluated, commented upon and amended. In addition to the forthcoming showerhead specifications for WaterSense certification, the program will look to issue specifications for irrigation control technology (such as local weather forecasts, historic weather data and actual landscape water needs rather than simply operating on a pre-set schedule), drip irrigation systems and commercial products like urinals and steam sterilizers. The program also plans to establish a set of criteria to certify a WaterSense house. "This will be similar to an Energy Star house," says Lee. An Energy Star home is built to be at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code and takes into account a number of energy-related factors in a new home, including insulation, windows, ducts and efficient heating and cooling systems. In order to implement a WaterSense Home certification, builders, plumbers and the irrigation industry will need greater education on water-efficiency in the home. "We are working to educate these industries," adds Lee. "Creating a national standard for water-efficiency is a big step. It brings consistency across the board."

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