EPA
WaterSense
Questions & Answers
About the WaterSense® Program
Why does the United States need
a water-efficiency program?
Water is a finite resource. Between 70 and 75
percent of the Earth's surface is covered with water,
but only 1 percent of that is available for human
use. While both world population and the demand
for freshwater resources are increasing, supply
remains constant. Water efficiency helps preserve
our water supply for future generations.
Is water supply an issue
everywhere in the United States?
There are many markets in the United States that
already face water shortages, and the number of
markets facing this issue has been growing. A U.S.
Government Accountability Office survey of water
managers across the country showed that at least
36 states were anticipating local, regional, or
statewide water shortages by 2013, even under
non-drought conditions.
How can water efficiency help
local communities?
Water supply infrastructure is a major cost for most
local markets across the United States. A U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report esti-
mates that wastewater utilities will need to invest
$202.5 billion over the next 20 years to update
their infrastructure; drinking water utilities will also
need an estimated $276.8 billion by 2023. Water
efficiency is a cost-effective way that local commu-
nities can help manage their infrastructure needs.
Which regions have the largest
water supply challenges?
Water use varies greatly depending on geographic
location and season, largely as a result of differ-
ences in climate. For instance, water use tends to
be higher in the West and Southwest than in the
East or Midwest. However, water and wastewater
infrastructure systems across the country are being
challenged by population growth and aging com-
ponents. Droughts that plagued the Southeast in
2007 demonstrate the need for saving water. Water
efficiency can lessen the stress on these systems
and extend their useful life. Further complicating
the issue of water supply and availability is the fact
that population growth is greatest in states that
have more limited water resources.
Why did EPA create WaterSense?
EPA realized that managing water supplies was
becoming an increasingly important issue to all
local markets around the country. Through this
national program, local water utilities, product
manufacturers, and retailers work with EPA to
promote water-efficient products and practices
among consumer and commercial audiences.
What is the goal of WaterSense?
EPA created WaterSense to provide consumers
with a simple way to identify water-efficient
products and services. The WaterSense label helps
customers differentiate between products in the
marketplace, while ensuring product performance
and encouraging innovation in manufacturing.
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How will EPA ensure that these
products work as well as conven-
tional models?
Performance criteria are a critical component to
each WaterSense product specification developed.
To earn the WaterSense label, products must
undergo independent testing and certification by
third-party laboratories to ensure they meet EPA
performance and efficiency criteria.
What products are included in the
WaterSense program?
WaterSense labels toilets, faucets, and faucet
accessories that use less water but perform as well or
better than standard models. EPA plans to research
several options to expand product areas in the future,
including additional indoor and outdoor home
products, as well as commercial products.
How are water-efficient products
labeled/recognized?
The WaterSense label differentiates
products that meet EPA's criteria
for efficiency and performance.
This label appears on product
packaging, on in-store displays,
and in manufacturer literature and
Web sites. Shoppers can also visit
to see a registry of
labeled products.
How are specifications for
products being determined?
For each product under consideration, EPA
conducts extensive research to analyze potential
specifications. Draft efficiency and performance
criteria are developed for the specification as an
open process, and EPA solicits input from stake-
holders to ensure that the most appropriate crite-
ria are selected for each product category before
finalizing the specification.
What other benefits do WaterSense
labeled products provide?
It takes a lot of energy to pump, treat, and supply
water to your home. Using water efficiently not
only saves energy, but reduces the greenhouse gas
emissions associated with electricity generation. If
just 10 percent of American homes remodeled
with WaterSense labeled fixtures, we could save
electricity and reduce emissions equal to removing
34,000 cars from the road for a year.
How is EPA coordinating with
local water utilities?
Hundreds of water utilities have partnered with EPA to
promote WaterSense and encourage consumers to
look for the label. Many utilities already have efforts in
place to increase the water efficiency of residential
and commercial irrigation systems. Utilities are
encouraged to partner with WaterSense and use the
program as part of their local water-efficiency and
conservation efforts.
What more can we do to save
water for future generations?
You can reduce your water use by as much as 30
gallons per day by taking a few simple steps. EPA
conducts a number of activities to encourage con-
sumers and organizations to use less water.
Information on how to use water efficiently is post-
ed on our Web site, ,
where you can also sign up for the WaterSense
Current e-newsletter.
(866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) • www.epa.gov/watersense • watersense@epa.gov
June 2008
&EFA
EPA-832-F-06-009
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