United States	Office or Water	£PA 9CO- .- OC -02 3-
EnvironmantaJ Protection	WH-556	December 1992
Agency
SEPA
\7trrt Statement of Principles on
Efficient Water Use
in order to meet the needs of existing and future populations and
ensure that habitats and ecosystems are protected, the nation's
water must be sustainable and renewable. Sound water resource
management, which emphasizes careful, efficient use of water, is
essential in order to achieve these objectives.
fctticient water use can have major environmental, public health,
and economic benefits by helping to improve water quality,
maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources.
As We face increasing risks to ecosystems and their biological
integrity, the inextricable link between water quality and water
quantity becomes more important. Water efficiency is one way of
addressing water quality and quantity goals. The efficient use of
water can also prevent pollution by reducing wastewater flows,
recycling industrial process water, reclaiming wastewater, and
using less energy.
The US. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water
strongly encourages all sectors, including municipal, industrial,
and agricultural, to achieve efficient water use.
EPA recognizes that regional, state, and local differences exist
regarding water quality, quantity, and usage.Differences in climate,
geography, state institutions, and laws favor a prudent approach in
which water efficiency programs are tailored for sDedfir loralp*
To promote efficient water use, EPA's primary role is to provide
technical assistance and infonriation concentrating on 1) improved
management practices, 2) better science, 3) effective planning and
coordination, 4) market incentives, and 5) public education. To
accomplish these ends, EPA will:
Statement of
Principles

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Foster Improved
Management
Practices/Pollution
Prevention
Advance Better
Science
Promote Effective
Planning and
Coordination
Encourage Market
Incentives
Support Public
Education
Stimulate the adoption of Water use efficiency Driru-inlpc in
Federal facilities and programs;
Encourage and assist local governments to consider water
efficiency in their decisions about water supply and wastewater
treatment through a voluntary partnership program with
utilities, municipalities, and industries;
Encourage states to consider water efficiency in their water
quality and quantity actions;
Provide information to assist all water use sectors to evaluate
and implement water efficiency programs;
Advocate accurate metering of water use;
Promote State and local adoption of water efficient plumbing
and landscaping standards;
Encourage leak detection and repair and other measures that
reduce losses, eliminate wasteful use, and enhance efficient
treatment, storage, and .delivery;
Advocate beneficial water revise and wastewater reclamation
consistent with public health and environmental standards;
Encourage agricultural and urban landscaping practices that are
water efficient and protective of the environment;
Identify, develop, and demonstrate innovative technologies and
techniques used to achieve water efficiency;
Foster research and development of new and improved
methods to analyze the results of water efficiency progra ms;
Research the public health and environmental impacts
associated with wastewater reclamation and reuse;
Promote integrated resource planning for future water needs
that incorporates demand management, fully addresses surface
water and ground water needs and environmental impacts, and
allows participation by all affected parties;
Support the establishment of a national clearinghouse of
information on efficient water use;
Foster clear, timely coordination of water efficiency efforts
among all levels of government;
Promote pricing structures which reflect the full cost of water
and encourage efficient use;
Advocate billing based on metered use;
Encourage water transfer practices that achieve more efficient
use of the resource and address environmental impacts and
benefits;
Develop public education initiatives to promote an ethic of
efficient water use; and
Provide informational support to state and local public
education programs.

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