United States Office of Water EPA-832-F-94-004
Environmental Protection 4204 September 1994
Agency
The Most Commonly Asked Questions About
US. EPAs Voluntary Water-Efficiency Program
What is WAVE?
WAVE (Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency) is a non-regulatory water-efficiency partnership created
and suppored by U.S. El "A WAVE'S mission is to encourage commercial businesses and institutions to
reduce water consumption while increasing efficiency, profitability and competitiveness.
Why did EPA create the program?
WAVE is part of EPAs long-term effort to prevent pollution and reduce demands on the nation's water
and energy infrastructure As supplies shrink and demands rise, competition among industrial,
agricultural and domestk users lor available water resources is increasing. Through WAVE and other
programs, EPA seeks to ensure that adequate U.S. water resources remain available to support both
human and environment,'! needs.
Can joining WAVE actually benefit the environment?
Yes. WAVE helps to protect the environment and sustain wildlife habitats by reducing water use, waste-
water discharges and energy use. Less wastewater and reduced consumption means less energy is
needed to heat, pump, and process water. This, in turn, helps cut polluting power plant emissions. If
every eligible establishment participates, the lodging industry could save 32 billion gallons annuallly (or
enough water to supply 2 ^0,000 average sized households). The related energy savings could be one
trillion BTU (heating units) per year.
How many types of WAVE membership are there?
Three: Partners, Supporters and Endorsers. Partners include hotels, motels, inns and other commercial
and institutional water users Any water sendee company; equipment supplier/manufacturer; govern-
ment agency; or water/\\ astewater utility may become a Supporter. Endorsers typically represent trade
associations, professional institutes and organizations, and industry boards.
After joining, what must I do?
New members sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), agreeing to survey water-using equip-
ment, and where profitable, install water-efficient upgrades within a pre-arranged time frame. Members
also agree to design all new facilities with water-efficient equipment. Progress reports and program
results are reported to EPA.
What support will I receive?
EPA is committed to helping all WAVE members publicize their water-efficiency programs. Support
includes: Nationwide public service advertising; in-room promotional materials; press releases and
public appearances. Members also receive FREE water-use analysis software1, technical support and
access to a nationwide help line.
How much can I expect to save?
Water-efficiency measures, like those proposed by WAVE, can reduce water and sewer costs by up to
30%. Significant savings in energy, chemical and maintenance expenses are also possible. The typical
payback period is less than 3 years.
Who else has joined WAVE?
Charter members, those first to join WAVE, represent some of lodging's most recognizable names,
including: Westin, Hyatt, ITT Sheraton, Outrigger and the Saunders Hotel Group. Collectively, these
Partners control 584 U.S. hotel properties and over 210,000 guest rooms.
How do I join?
Water Alliances For For more information, please contact: WAVE Program Director, U.S. EPA, 401 M St. SW—Mail Stop 4204,
voluntary Efficiency Washington, DC 20460. Or call (202) 260-7288. Fax: (202) 260-1827
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