WaterSense* Labeled
Tvlew Homes
WaterSense
The WaterSense program is currently developing a
labeling specification for single-family residential
new homes. A draft specification has been
released for public comment; builders will be able to
label their new homes once it is finalized. The following
describes the water-saving features of a WaterSense
labeled new home of the future.
Residential water use accounts for more than half of
publicly supplied water in the United States. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established
WaterSense to protect the future of the nation's water
supply and to promote water-efficient products and
services with a simple, easy-to-identify label. EPA
encourages homeowners to replace their older, ineffi-
cient toilets and faucets with more water-efficient
models. As populations increase, our water resources
will be taxed further. The next step is to build new
homes that are designed to use significantly less
water—inside and out.
To encourage homebuilders to construct water-effi-
cient, single-family residences, EPA is developing a
specification to label new homes that will be
designed to reduce water consumption through
efficient plumbing fixtures, hot water delivery, appli-
ances, landscape design, and irrigation systems.
How Can Homes Save Water?
WaterSense labeled new homes will combine
WaterSense labeled products with other water-effi-
cient fixtures and practices to reduce the amount of
water used by approximately 20 percent. In addition
to WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets, these new
homes include dishwashers and clothes washers with
the ENERGY STAR label, if those appliances are
installed when the home is built. WaterSense labeled
new homes will incorporate a hot water distribution
system that decreases the amount of time it takes for
hot water to reach the faucet or shower—waiting for
hot water wastes thousands of gallons of water per
year. Pressure regulator valves will be installed down-
stream of the water meter to reduce the pressure of
the water going into the home. This reduces the maxi-
mum water flow from fixtures and the likelihood of
leaking pipes and hoses.
Builders will have the option of developing an out-
door "water budget"and planning accordingly, or
ensuring that the landscaping is designed efficiently.
If the home has an outdoor irrigation system, it must
be installed and audited by WaterSense irrigation
partners to ensure efficiency.
How Much Water Can They Save?
While the amount of savings that can be realized by
living in a WaterSense labeled new home is depend-
ent upon the number of people living in the home
and their water use habits, a WaterSense labeled
new home will be designed and built to be about
20 percent more efficient than similar new homes
being built today. At this level of efficiency, house-
holds can save more than 10,000 gallons of water
per year. WaterSense labeled new homes will also
realize significant energy savings, due to the
reduced amount of hot water used.
When Can New Homes Be Labeled?
EPA is in the process of finalizing its specification for
water-efficient single-family homes, including devel-
oping a system for independent, third-party inspec-
tion of homes that apply for the WaterSense label.
Once the specification is completed, EPA will start
working with builder partners, who may begin con-
structing and promoting WaterSense labeled new
homes as early as 2009. For more information, visit
.
September 2008
(866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) • www.epa.gov/watersense • watersense@epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Process Chlorine Free Recycled Paper.
&EFA
EPA-832-F-08-058
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