EPA Seeks WaterSense Proposal Comments
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting and enhancing the market for water efficient products through the WaterSense program, now for new single-family homes, according to a recent press release.
The specification will create standards that new homes must meet to be certified and labeled as WaterSense homes.
"WaterSense is a common-sense ethic of efficiency for protecting water, America's most important liquid asset. WaterSense certified homes will help homeowners save water, money, and energy, and communities will have an important new tool for sustainable growth and water efficiency," said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region.
The specification is designed to ensure sustainable, efficient water use, as well as a high level of performance and customer satisfaction. WaterSense-labeled new homes will combine with other water-efficient fixtures and practices to reduce water usage by approximately 20 percent.
Homes earning the WaterSense label must meet criteria for indoor water use, outdoor water use, and homeowner education. Third-party inspectors will certify that homes meet all the required criteria.
EPA is inviting public comment on the draft specification by July 21. Send comments or suggestions to watersense-newhomes@erg.com .
For more information or to obtain a copy of the draft specification for water efficient single-family new homes, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/specs/homes.htm .