AWE, EPA Open Water Efficiency Library
The Alliance for Water Efficiency, a national non-profit organization that promotes the efficient and sustainable use of water, announced the formal launch of a comprehensive Web-based Water Efficiency Resource Library, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is a major partner and is providing funding.
The Resource Library is at www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org.
"Water is America's greatest liquid asset, and citizen awareness is the most powerful tool to protect it," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA assistant administrator for water. "EPA commends the Alliance for Water Efficiency for increasing public understanding, spreading the ethic of efficiency, and building partnerships to sustain the water planet."
The Resource Library has been under construction for nearly two years. "We were very pleased that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided funding and support to assist us with this important project," said Carole Baker, chair of the Alliance for Water Efficiency Board. "The nation needs the kind of detailed information that the Resource Library will provide to help address increasing water shortages, while saving the utilities and consumers money at the same time."
The Resource Library is intended as a one-stop shop for water-efficient product and program information. Library sections cover residential plumbing and appliances, toilet testing, landscape and irrigation, commercial and industrial water conservation, water rates and rate structures, water loss control, codes and standards, drought planning, and numerous other topics. Research reports, published documents, and case studies are included, providing a comprehensive picture of what water efficiency measures prove to be the most successful, and how water utilities and consumers can best achieve water efficient use. Upcoming features being added to the site are state-by-state summaries and an on-line discussion forum.
"We are thrilled to finally have such a nationwide resource on water efficiency and sustainable water use," said Mary Ann Dickinson, executive director of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. "We view the Resource Library to be a very significant step toward promoting greater water efficiency, which will help water utilities reduce the costs of needed infrastructure and help avoid the need for new and more expensive water supply options."
Information will continue to be added to update the web site on a daily basis.