Making Sense of WaterSense

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This seal indicates the product meets the Environmental Protection Agency's criteria for water-efficient products. In June 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially launched its WaterSense program. Similar to the Energy Star initiative, which deals with energy efficiency, WaterSense exists as a volunteer program encouraging the design, manufacture and implementation of water-efficient products for both commercial and residential settings. Products and systems that earn the WaterSense label are tested for water efficiency and performance. Labeled Products and Systems The WaterSense program is primarily focused on water efficiency in residential settings. The program has released official specifications for certain products and services that must be met in order for those products or services to earn the WaterSense label. Those products and services include toilets, bathroom faucets and accessories, and landscape irrigation services. To earn the WaterSense label, products undergo third-party testing as well as performance testing. The program's web site lists all the current products that have earned the WaterSense label. The best-known, water-saving fixtures are high-efficiency toilets (or HETs). Where old toilets consumed 3.5 gallons per flush, HETs that have earned the WaterSense label use a scant 1.28 gallons or less per flush. Not only are these an improvement on the 1.6 gallons per flush first-generation low-flush toilets (LFTs), certified HETs also meet strict performance standards—a response to consumer complaints about ineffective flushing operation. "Toilets are tested for the amount of water used in each flush and also the amount of waste that gets evacuated from the bowl," says Lloyd Hathcock, program development director for Niagara Conservation, a manufacturer of water-efficient products, including a number of WaterSense-certified HETs. The WaterSense program has also released their specifications for certified bathroom faucets and accessories. These products meet or exceed the 1.5 gallon per minute standard to earn the WaterSense certification. So far, nearly 50 models of faucets and accessories have been given the WaterSense label. The program suggests that a household can save up to 500 gallons a year by switching to WaterSense faucets or aerators. Additionally, the WaterSense program educates and certifies landscape irrigation contractors and companies. "In-ground residential irrigation systems are becoming more common as standard features in new homes," says Virginia Lee, team leader for the EPA's WaterSense program. "We work with the irrigation professionals and help them receive WaterSense certification for their services." Not only does the certification process educate these professionals on water efficiency, it requires that the systems they install employ certain water-saving and water-efficient components, like controllers and moisture sensors. The program's web site lists WaterSense-certified irrigation professionals country-wide.

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