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WaterSense
Revised Draft Inspection Guidelines for WaterSense(
Labeled New Homes
May 8, 2009
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Revised Draft Inspection Guidelines for WaterSense Labeled New Homes
Section Page
I. BACKGROUND 3
II. GENERAL SITE AND INSPECTION INFORMATION 3
III. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 4
IV. INDOOR WATER EFFICIENCY CRITERIA 5
Leaks (Section 3.1) 5
Service Pressure (Section 3.2) 5
Hot Water Delivery System (Section 3.3) 6
Toilets (Section 3.4) 6
Bathroom Faucets (Section 3.5.1) 7
Kitchen Faucets (Section 3.5.2) 7
Showerheads (Section 3.6) 8
Dishwashers (Section 3.7.1) 9
Clothes Washers (Section 3.7.2) 9
Evaporative Cooling Systems (Section 3.8.1) 10
Water Softeners (Section 3.8.2) 10
Drinking Water Treatment Systems (Section 3.8.3) 11
V. OUTDOOR WATER-EFFICIENCY CRITERIA 11
Landscape Design (Section 4.1) 11
Option 1 (Section 4.1.1.1) 11
Option 2 (Section 4.1.1.2) 12
Turfgrass (Section 4.1.2) 12
Slopes (Section 4.1.3) 12
Mulching (Section 4.1.4) 13
Pools/Spas (Section 4.1.5) 13
Ornamental Water Features (Section 4.1.6) 13
Irrigation System Design and Installation (Section 4.2) 14
VI. HOMEOWNER EDUCATION CRITERIA 14
Operating Manual (Section 5.1) 14
VII. DEFINITIONS 15
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The WaterSense new homes program is a national, voluntary labeling program sponsored by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes the design and construction of
water-efficient single-family new homes. Homes built to EPA's specification will be designed to
be about 20 percent more efficient than similar new homes being built today. With WaterSense,
homebuilders can differentiate their homes as meeting the only national water-efficient home
specification and homebuyers can readily identify water-efficient homes.
The Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification has three topic areas:
1. Indoor water use, including plumbing, plumbing fixtures and fittings, appliances, and
other water-using equipment;
2. Outdoor water use, including landscape design and irrigation systems, if installed; and
3. Homeowner education.
New homes must be built by a WaterSense builder partner, be certified by an EPA-licensed
provider, and meet all of the applicable criteria in the specification to become a WaterSense
labeled new home.
The third-party verification of WaterSense labeled new homes is intended to confirm that the
builder has met the criteria of EPA's specification for water-efficient new homes. This document
explains how inspectors shall verify that the criteria have been met and must be followed in
conjunction with the specification. All definitions and applicable criteria in the specification apply
to this document.
At the beginning of each inspection the inspector shall:
• Confirm the address of the house on the WaterSense Labeled New Home Inspection
Checklist with the address of the house to be inspected.
• Take a digital photograph that shows the front of the home being inspected and its
landscape.
• Fill in the inspection date and start time on the inspection checklist.
At the end of each inspection the inspector shall:
• Fill in the time the inspection was completed.
• Sign the inspection checklist.
• Provide a copy of the inspection checklist to the builder.
• Submit the completed signed inspection checklist, required documentation, and digital
photograph to their provider.
Every home submitted to the EPA-licensed provider by the builder for certification must be
inspected unless the provider offers sampling. Providers may offer builder partners the
opportunity to participate in a sampling protocol if they intend to certify multiple homes within the
same subdivision or planned community. If the provider offers sampling, the inspector must
directly inspect and the provider must certify the builder partner's first seven homes within the
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subdivision or planned community. After the first seven homes are inspected and certified, the
inspector shall institute the following process:
Randomly select one home for sampling from every batch of seven homes that
are scheduled for completion within 30 days of one another;
Inspect the sample home in accordance with the procedures described in this
document; and
For every home with an irrigation system installed, the inspector shall verify that
the builder partner has had the irrigation system audited by a WaterSense
irrigation partner, regardless of whether the home is being directly inspected or
certified as part of the sampling protocol.
The builder is expected to make certain documentation (listed in this guidance) available to the
inspector. This can be done onsite during the inspection or at another mutually agreeable time.
If there are issues associated with compliance with the specification, notify the builder and allow
for the issue(s) to be corrected. The home can then be reinspected at the builder's expense.
Any nonconformities should be noted on the inspection checklist along with the corrective
actions that were taken.
Provide this completed checklist (or other similar method of documentation) and any supporting
documents to the provider upon completion of the inspection. The provider will use the
documentation to certify qualified homes and issue the WaterSense label to the builder.
The following pieces of equipment will be needed to conduct the inspection:
• Watch with second hand or stop watch
• Digital thermometer such as a digital food thermometer
• Bucket or flow bag with volume measures marked
• Dye tablets for toilets
• Flashlight
• Digital camera
• Tape measure
• Equipment for determining slope such as clinometer or laser level
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Pre-lnspection
Verify that both the water for the home and the water heater are turned on prior to the
inspection. It is common for builders to turn off the gas and reduce the temperature setting to
"vacation" on a gas water heater or to trip the breaker.
Testing of the hot water delivery system must be conducted prior to testing the faucets and
showerheads or any other indoor water draws to obtain the most accurate response time on the
delivery of hot water.
Leaks (Section 3.1)
Requirements
There shall be no visible leaks from any water-using fixtures, appliances, or equipment.
Inspector Instructions
• Check for leaks at all visible water supply connections and valves for water-using
fixtures, appliances, and equipment. Notify the builder if leaks are detected. Some of the
specific inspection requirements included below will provide additional instructions for
checking for leaks.
Service Pressure (Section 3.2)
Requirements
The static service pressure shall be a maximum of 60 pounds per square inch (psi) (414
kilopascal [kPa]). Compliance for homes with publicly supplied water shall be achieved by the
use of a pressure-regulating valve (PRV) downstream of the water meter. All fixture connections
shall be downstream of the PRV. Compliance for homes supplied by groundwater wells shall be
achieved by use of a pressure tank.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify installation of the PRV(s) or pressure tank and that pressure is at or lower than 60
psi. Be aware that separate PRVs may have been installed for indoor and outdoor water
usage.
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Hot Water Delivery System (Section 3.3)
Requirements
The hot water distribution system shall store no more than 0.6 gallons (2.3 liters) of water in any
piping/manifold between the hot water source and any hot water fixture. Timer- and
temperature-based recirculating systems shall not be used to meet the criteria.
Inspector Instructions
• Testing of the hot water delivery system must be conducted prior to testing the faucets
and showerheads or any other indoor water draws to obtain the most accurate response
time on the delivery of hot water.
• Testing must be conducted at the fixture that is located the farthest distance from the hot
water source.
• Verify that the water heater is on.
• Check to see that connection points in the hot water delivery system do not leak.
• Check the type of hot water distribution system installed to ensure it is not a timer- or
temperature-based recirculating system. For demand-initiated hot water recirculating
systems, turn on the applicable switch or hit the control button for the hot water in the
room where you are conducting the inspection and wait about 40 seconds.
• Use a bucket or attach a flow measuring bag pre-marked for 0.6 gallons (2.3 liters) to the
hot water fixture.
• Turn on the hot water completely and place a digital thermometer in the stream of water.
Note the starting temperature.
• Once the water meets the pre-marked line (approximately 24 seconds for a bathroom
sink faucet), turn off the water and record the ending temperature.
• The temperature must increase by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toilets (Section 3.4)
Requirements
All toilets shall be WaterSense labeled high-efficiency tank-type toilets.
Inspector Instructions
• Obtain the make and model name and number of all toilets installed in the house from
the builder.
• Verify that the toilets installed match the builder's list and are on EPA's list of
WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets . If the builder provides separate model
numbers for the bowl and tank, verify that the bowl and tank combination is included on
EPA's list of WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets.
• Check the angle valve and connections for visible leaks.
• Conduct a dye tablet test to ensure the flapper is not leaking:
o Drop dye tablets into the toilet tank and wait four minutes (while waiting you may
want to test the faucets and/or showerheads).
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o Check the toilet bowl for tablet color. If color flows into the toilet, the flapper valve
is leaking and needs to be replaced.
o Flush the toilet within 10 minutes after inserting the dye tablets to avoid staining
the toilet.
• Check the water level setting:
o Remove the tank lid.
o Flush toilet.
o Ensure water level is properly set so that water does not overflow from the
overflow tube.
Bathroom Faucets (Section 3.5.1)
Requirements
All bathroom faucets shall be WaterSense labeled high-efficiency bathroom sink faucets or
faucet accessories (e.g., aerators).
Inspector Instructions
• Obtain the make(s) and model number(s) of all bathroom faucets or faucet accessories
installed in the house from the builder.
• Verify that the bathroom faucets or accessories are on EPA's list of WaterSense labeled
high-efficiency lavatory faucets. On EPA's list, the "Type" indicates whether the product
is a faucet or an attachable accessory (i.e., aerator, laminar flow device, or spray
device).
• Check the maximum flow rate from each bathroom faucet:
o Use a small bucket or attach a flow-measuring bag pre-marked for 0.25 gallons
(1 liter) to the faucet spout.
o Turn on the water completely while depressing a stopwatch. If the faucet has two
handles, turn on both handles completely.
o After ten seconds on the stopwatch, turn off the water.
o The volume of water collected should be 0.25 gallons (1 liter) or less.
• Check the faucet, hot/cold water connection hoses, and valves for leaks.
Kitchen Faucets (Section 3.5.2)
Requirements
Kitchen faucets shall comply with federal standards for maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per
minute (gpm) @ 60 psi (8.3 liters per minute [Ipm] @ 414 kPa).1
Inspector Instructions
• Check the maximum flow rate from the kitchen sink faucet:
o Use a small bucket or attach a flow-measuring bag pre-marked for 0.4 gallons
(1.5 liters) to the faucet spout.
1 Note: Faucets with maximum flow rates of less than 2.2 gpm at 60 psi are acceptable.
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o Turn on the water completely while depressing a stopwatch. If the faucet has two
handles, turn on both handles completely.
o After ten seconds on the stopwatch, turn off the water.
o The volume of water collected should be 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) or less.
• Check the faucet, valves, and/or connection hoses for leaks.
Showerheads (Section 3.6)
Requirements
Showerheads shall comply with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which sets a maximum flow rate
of 2.5 gpm @ 80 psi (9.5 Ipm @ 552 kPa)2, when certified in accordance with ASME
A112.18.1/CSA B125.1. Showers shall also be equipped with automatic compensating valves
certified to ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 and specifically be designed to provide
thermal shock and scald protection for the rated flow rate of the installed showerhead.
The total allowable flow rate of potable water from all Showerheads flowing at any given time,
including rain systems, waterfalls, bodysprays, and jets, shall be limited to 2.5 gpm per shower
compartment, where the floor area of the shower compartment is less than 2,600 inches2 (in.2)
(1.7 meters2 [m2]). For each increment of 2,600 in.2 (1.7 m2) of floor area thereafter or part
thereof, additional Showerheads are allowed, provided the total flow rate of potable water from
all flowing devices is equal to or less than 2.5 gpm per shower compartment.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that all showers are equipped with an automatic compensating valve. Obtain
documentation (e.g., valve specification sheet) from the builder and verify that each
valve is certified to ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125forthe flow rate of the
showerhead installed in the shower.
• Check each showerhead for leaks at the shower arm and showerhead threaded
connection. Also, if it is a bath/shower combination, check the shower diverter for
minimum water seepage.
• Check the maximum flow from each showerhead:
o For a single showerhead in a shower compartment:
• Use a bucket or attach a flow measuring bag pre-marked for 0.4 gallons
(1.5 liters) over the showerhead.
• Turn on the water completely while depressing a stopwatch. If the shower
has two handles, turn on both handles completely.
• After ten seconds on the stopwatch, turn off the water.
• The volume of water collected should be 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) or less.
o For multiple Showerheads in a single shower compartment:
• Use a bucket, attach a flow measuring bag, or use another method to
capture all of the water flowing from each showerhead, either together or
individually. Measuring devices should be pre-marked in increments of
0.4 gallons (1.5 liters).
Note: Showerheads with maximum flow rates of less than 2.5 gpm at 80 psi are acceptable.
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Turn on the water completely while depressing a stopwatch. If the shower
has two handles, turn on both handles completely.
After ten seconds on the stopwatch, turn off the water.
Add the maximum flow rates of potable water from each showerhead to
determine the total flow rate.
Measure the area of the shower compartment.
• If smaller than 2,600 in.2 (1.7 m2), then the total allowable volume
of water collected from all showerheads during the flow test
should be 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) or less.
• If between 2,601 in.2 (1.7 m2) and 5,200 in.2 (3.4 m2) then the total
allowable volume of water collected from all showerheads during
the flow test should be no more than 0.8 gallons (3.0 liters) or
less.
• If recycled water is used, then the total allowable volume of water
collected from all showerheads during the flow test can be more
than 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters).
The following indoor water-efficiency criteria only apply if the builder has financed, installed, or
sold the appliance or other equipment listed below as an upgrade.
Dishwashers (Section 3.7.1)
Requirements
If a dishwasher is installed, it shall be ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that the installed dishwasher has an ENERGY STAR label. If no label is present,
verify that the dishwasher is on the list of ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers.
• Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
Clothes Washers (Section 3.7.2)
Requirements
If a clothes washer is installed, it shall be ENERGY STAR qualified with a water factor (WF) of
less than or equal to 6.0 gallons of water per cycle per cubic foot capacity.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that the installed clothes washer is ENERGY STAR qualified and has a WF of 6.0
gallons or less by checking the list of ENERGY STAR' qualified clothes washers.
• Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
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Evaporative Cooling Systems (Section 3.8.1)
Requirements
Evaporative cooling systems shall use a maximum of 3.5 gallons (13.3 liters) of water per ton-
hour of cooling when adjusted to maximum water use. Blowdown shall be based on time of
operation, not to exceed three times in a 24 hour period of operating (every eight hours).
Blowdown shall be mediated by conductivity or basin water temperature-based controllers. The
reservoir discharge outlet should be easily visible so the user can see if the refill valve is
leaking. Once-through or single-pass cooling systems, systems with continuous
blowdown/bleedoff, and systems with timer-only mediated blowdown management shall not be
used to meet these criteria.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that the evaporative cooling system meets the maximum of 3.5 gallons of water
per ton-hour and that the blowdown does not exceed three times in a 24 hour period by
reviewing the manufacturer's product literature or visiting the manufacturer's Web site.
Obtain a copy of the documentation as part of the inspection records.
• Verify that the evaporative cooling system controls blowdown through conductivity or a
basin temperature-based controller by reviewing the manufacturer's product literature or
visiting the manufacturer's Web site. Obtain a copy of the documentation as part of the
inspection records.
• Verify that the reservoir discharge outlet is visible.
• Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
Water Softeners (Section 3.8.2)
Requirements
All self-regenerating water softeners shall be certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 44, including
the voluntary efficiency rating standards in Section 7 - Mandatory testing for elective claims for
efficiency rated systems, which states that water softeners shall:
• Be a demand-initiated regeneration system (i.e., it must use a flow meter or water
hardness sensor to initiate regeneration; devices that use time clock-initiated
regeneration [fixed time schedule] do not qualify for the efficiency rating).
• Have a rated salt efficiency of not less than 3,350 grains of total hardness exchange per
pound of salt, based on sodium chloride (NaCI) equivalency (477 grams of total
hardness exchange per kilogram of salt).
• Not generate more than 5 gallons of water per 1,000 grains of hardness removed during
the service cycle (18.9 liters per 64.8 grams of total hardness removed).
Inspector Instructions
• Verify through the manufacturer's product specification sheet or product manual that the
softener has been certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 44, including the voluntary
efficiency rating standards in Section 7. Obtain a copy of the documentation as part of
the inspection records.
• Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
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Drinking Water Treatment Systems (Section 3.8.3)
Requirements
Drinking water treatment systems must be certified to meet applicable NSF/ANSI standards.
Such systems shall have an efficiency rating of not less than 85 percent.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify through manufacturer product literature that the drinking water treatment system
meets the applicable NSF/ANSI standard and has a minimum efficiency rating of 85
percent.
• Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
Landscape Design (Section 4.1)
Requirements
• At a minimum, the front yard shall be landscaped to meet criteria in either Option 1 or
Option 2. The front yard is defined as the area from the front of the house to the street,
curb, and/or property lines. The entire yard shall be landscaped to meet the criteria in
either option where landscaping of the entire yard is financed, installed, or sold as an
upgrade by or through the homebuilder.
• The entire yard shall also be landscaped to meet the criteria in either option when
irrigation system, pools, spas, or water features have been financed, installed, or sold by
the homebuilder.
Lots with landscapable areas equal to or less than 1,000 square feet are exempt from these
landscape criteria.
Option 1 (Section 4.1.1.1)
Requirements
Turfgrass shall not exceed 40 percent of the landscapable area.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that turfgrass does not exceed 40 percent of the landscapable area of the front yard or
entire yard if the entire yard is subject to the landscape design criteria. Landscapable area is
defined as the buildable lot area excluding the area under the roof. Buildable land excludes
public streets and other public rights-of-way, land occupied by nonresidential structures, public
parks, and land excluded from residential development by law. Septic field drainage areas,
right-of-ways, and set-backs are excluded from the definition.
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1. Determine the total landscapable area through measurement or documentation from
the builder (e.g. total lot size minus area of house).
2. Measure the turf area and surface area of any pools, spas, and/or water features
installed.
3. Divide the turf area measured in step 2 by the total landscapable area measured in
step 1.
4. The value obtained in step 3 should be 0.40 or less.
Option 2 (Section 4.1.1.2)
Requirements
Landscape design shall be developed using the water budget tool based on a 70 percent
evapotranspiration adjustment factor.
Inspector Instructions
• Obtain a complete copy of the water budget tool from the builder.
1. Verify the peak watering month, precipitation value and ET value using the sources
stated in the water budget approach.
2. Verify the areas stated for each hydrozone/landscape feature area in the water
budget tool through measurement or documentation from the builder.
3. Determine the total landscapable area through measurement or documentation from
the builder (e.g. total lot size minus area of house).
4. Measure the turf area and surface area of any pools, spas, and/or water features.
5. Divide the turf area measured in step 4 by the total landscapable area measured in
step 3.
6. Multiply the value obtained in step 5 by 100.
7. The value calculated in step 6 should not exceed the percentage of turfgrass
identified in the water budget tool.
Turfgrass (Section 4.1.2)
Requirements
Turfgrass shall not be installed in strips less than 4 feet wide.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that turfgrass is not installed in strips less than 4 feet wide.
Slopes (Section 4.1.3)
Requirements
Plantings other than turfgrass shall be installed on slopes in excess of 4 feet of horizontal run
per 1 foot vertical rise (4:1).
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Inspector Instructions
• Use a laser level, clinometer, or other method to determine if slopes are 25 percent or
greater (i.e., 4:1 slope).
• Verify that slopes of 25 percent or greater have plantings other than turfgrass.
Mulching (Section 4.1.4)
Requirements
Non-vegetative, softscape parts of the landscapable area shall include a 2- to 3-inch layer of
mulching material. Mulch shall be organic or inorganic, permeable materials that will retain soil
moisture, suppress weeds, and allow free movement of oxygen into and out of the soil.
Softscape is defined as the natural elements of a landscape, such as plant materials and soil.
Softscapes can include hard elements such as rocks.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that appropriate areas are mulched with 2 to 3 inches (in depth) of allowable
mulching material.
Pools/Spas (Section 4.1.5)
Requirements
If financed, installed, or sold as an upgrade through the homebuilder, the water surface area
shall be deducted from the turf allowance under Landscape Design Option 1 and included as
landscapable area under Landscape Design Option 2. If installed, the entire yard must meet the
landscape design criteria of either Option 1 or Option 2. All pools must have a cover.
Inspector Instructions
• Verify that the entire yard has been landscaped appropriately.
• Verify that the surface area of the pool is included as landscapable area in the
landscape design calculations and water budget calculations, if applicable. Also, verify
that the pool's surface area is included as turfgrass in the turfgrass area calculations.
• Verify that the pool has a cover.
Ornamental Water Features (Section 4.1.6)
Requirements
Water features financed, installed, or sold as upgrades by the homebuilder must recirculate
water and serve a beneficial use. The water surface area shall be deducted from the turfgrass
allowance under Landscape Design Option 1 and included as landscapable area under
Landscape Design Option 2. If installed, the entire yard must meet the landscape design criteria
of either Option 1 or Option 2. Ornamental water features are defined as fountains, ponds,
waterfalls, man-made streams, and other decorative water-related constructions.
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Inspector Instructions
• Verify that the entire yard has been landscaped appropriately.
• Verify that ornamental water features recirculate water and have a beneficial use (e.g.,
habitat for wildlife, stormwater management, cooling properties).
• Verify that the surface area of the water feature is included as landscapable area in the
landscape design calculations and water budget calculations, if applicable. Also, verify
that the water feature's surface area is included as turfgrass in the turfgrass area
calculations.
Irrigation System Design and Installation (Section 4.2)
Requirements
All irrigation systems shall be audited by a WaterSense irrigation partner. Irrigation systems
shall be designed to sustain the landscape without creating runoff or direct overspray of the
property during a minimum continuous operating duration, achieve a distribution uniformity of 70
percent or greater, be equipped with technology that inhibits or interrupts operation during
periods of rainfall, and be equipped with controllers with specified features. Sprinkler irrigation
shall not be used to water plantings other than maintained turfgrass. Two water schedules,
developed by the WaterSense irrigation partner, shall be posted at the controller and shall be
seasonal in nature. One schedule shall be designed to address the initial grow-in phase of the
landscape and the second schedule shall be designed to address an established landscape.
Inspector Instructions
• Confirm that the irrigation system was audited, and verify that the professional who
completed the audit is on EPA's list of WaterSense irrigation partners.
• Obtain a copy of the Irrigation System Design and Installation Checklist completed by
the WaterSense irrigation partner from the builder. Verify that the WaterSense irrigation
partner completed the WaterSense Labeled New Home Irrigation Audit Checklist and
that all of the components used in the irrigation system meet the minimum criteria
contained in the specification.
VI. .: :::•" :.4--.. " •:. -/.„::•• ;r".4'.. -..• " V
Operating Manual (Section 5.1)
Requirements
The builder shall develop and provide to the homebuyer a written operating and maintenance
manual for all water-using equipment or controls installed in the house and yard, including all
relevant WaterSense materials on indoor and outdoor water use. This may be a chapter or
folder in an existing manual. If clothes washers or dishwashers are not provided, general
information about water-efficient appliances shall be included. If an irrigation system is installed,
the builder shall provide the homebuyer with a drawing record (schematic) of the system and
copies of the irrigation schedules.
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Inspector Instructions
• Verify that the operating manual includes operation and maintenance information on the
following items:
o Pressure regulating valve(s)/pressure tank
o Hot water delivery system(s)
o Toilets
o Faucets
o Showerheads
o WaterSense educational materials on indoor and outdoor water use
o If installed:
• Dishwasher(s)
• Clothes washer(s)
• Evaporative air conditioner
• Water softener(s)
• D ri n ki n g wate r treatm e nt sy ste m (s)
• Irrigation system including the irrigation controller, drawing record
(schematic) of the system, and irrigation schedules
o General information on water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers if they
are not installed
VII.
Builder partner-A homebuilder who has committed to building new homes in accordance with
the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification. The builder must signify such
commitment by signing a WaterSense partnership agreement with EPA.
EPA-licensed provider - An organization licensed by EPA to hire or contract with inspectors,
oversee new home inspections, and provide builder partners of certified new homes with the
WaterSense label. More information concerning the provider's roles and responsibilities can be
found in the WaterSense new homes certification system.
Evaporative cooling system - System that cools the air using water evaporation. There are two
types of evaporative cooling systems: direct and indirect (all called "two-stage"). In a direct
evaporative cooling system, a blower forces air through a permeable, water-soaked pad. As the
air passes through the pad, it is filtered, cooled, and humidified. An indirect evaporative cooling
system has a secondary heat exchanger that prevents humidity from being added to the
airstream that enters the home. Cooling systems are defined by the temperatures they can
"hold" either in the space and/or the process or equipment, and the amount of heat they can
remove at full capacity. This heat removal is normally expressed in tons of cooling (or
refrigeration) capacity. One ton of cooling equals precisely 12,000 British thermal units of heat
removal per hour (Btu/h).
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Evapotranspiration adjustment factor - An adjustment factor used in the water budget tool to
limit the allotment of water a landscape can be designed to use. For the purposes of this
specification, EPA has set this level at 70 percent of reference evapotranspiration (ET0). This
means that the landscape must be designed to require a maximum of 70 percent of the amount
of water required by an equally sized landscape composed entirely of turfgrass.
Front yard - The area from the front of the house to the street, curb, and/or property lines.
Irrigation system audit - Procedure to collect and present information concerning the uniformity
of application, precipitation rate, and general condition of an irrigation system and its
components.3
Landscapable area - Buildable lot area excluding area under roof. Buildable lot area is the
portion of a site where construction can occur. Buildable land excludes public streets and other
public rights- of- way, land occupied by nonresidential structures, public parks, and land excluded
from residential development by law. Septic field drainage areas are also excluded from the
definition of landscapable area.
Lower quarter distribution uniformity (DU^o) - Distribution uniformity is the measure of uniformity
of applied irrigation water over an area. DULQ is the ratio of the average of the lowest 25 percent
of measurements to the overall average measurement, often determined through the use of
catch cans or soil moisture probes that evaluate the coverage of one or more sprinklers or drip
systems.4
Microirrigation system - Method where water is applied at or below the soil surface at low
pressure and low volume.5
Mulching material - Organic and/or inorganic permeable materials that will retain soil moisture,
suppress weeds, and allow free movement of oxygen into and out of the soil.
Ornamental water feature - Includes fountains, ponds, waterfalls, man-made streams, and other
decorative water-related constructions. To meet the criteria, these features shall recirculate
water and serve a beneficial use (e.g., habitat for wildlife, stormwater management, cooling
properties).
Rated flow rate - The flow rate of the showerhead when tested in accordance with ASME
A112.18.1/CSAB125.1.
3 Irrigation Association. 2005. Landscape Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management.
4 Irrigation Association. 2005. Landscape Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management.
5 Irrigation Association. 2005. Landscape Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management.
Version 1.0 16 May 8, 2009
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Revised Draft Inspection Guidelines for WaterSense Labeled New Homes
Softscape - The natural elements of a landscape, such as plant materials and soil. Softscapes
can include hard elements such as rocks.6
Sprinkler irrigation - Type of irrigation using mechanical devices with nozzles (sprinklers) to
distribute the water by converting water pressure to a high velocity discharge stream or
streams.7
Static service pressure - The pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water is not
flowing.
Water budget - A water budget is used to calculate the amount of water a landscape needs,
taking into account the inputs and outputs of water to and from the root zone. Inputs, such as
precipitation, are subtracted from outputs, such as evapotranspiration, to calculate the water
needs of the landscape. Many factors are taken into consideration when calculating a water
budget, such as plant type and irrigation system efficiencies.
Water factor - The quotient of the total weighted per-cycle water consumption divided by the
capacity of the clothes washer.
WaterSense labeled bathroom sink faucet - These faucets have a flow rate that does not
exceed 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) (5.7 Ipm) at a pressure of 60 psi (414 kPa) at the inlet
when water is flowing, and is not less than 0.8 gpm (3.0 Ipm) at a pressure of 20 psi (1.38 kPa)
at the inlet when water is flowing. The WaterSense high-efficiency bathroom sink faucet
specification can be found at www.epa.gov/watersense/specs/faucet final.htm and a list of
labeled faucets and faucet accessories can be found at
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/lists/find faucet.htm.
WaterSense labeled tank-type high-efficiency toilet - These toilets have a flush volume that
does not exceed 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters), have a solid waste removal of 350 grams or greater,
and conform to the adjustability and other supplementary requirements included in the
WaterSense high-efficiency tank-type toilet specification. This specification can be found at
www.epa.gov/watersense/specs/het.htm and a list of labeled toilet models can be found at
www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/find het.htm.
U.S. Green Building Council. LEED for Homes Reference Guide, First Edition, Washington, D.C. 2008.
Irrigation Association. 2005. Landscape Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management.
Version 1.0 17 May 8, 2009
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Revised Draft Inspection Guidelines for WaterSense Labeled New Homes
WaterSense irrigation partner - These professionals are certified through WaterSense labeled
programs for their expertise in water-efficient irrigation technology and techniques. The
specifications for professional certification programs can be found at
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/cert programs.htm and a listing of irrigation partners by state
can be found at www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/irrprof.htm.
Version 1.0 18 May 8, 2009
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IR<
Site Information
Builder Name:
Lot Number/Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Inspection Information
Date:
Time Started:
Time Ended:
Sampling Protocol Information
Is this home being submitted as part of a sampling protocol for
multiple homes in a planned community or subdivision?
Were the first 7 homes in this planned community or subdivision all
directly inspected and certified?
Was this home randomly selected for sampling from a batch of 7
homes that are scheduled for completion within 30 days of one
another?
Yes
No
By affixing my signature below, I do hereby declare that I have inspected the home in
accordance with the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification, the Inspection
Guidelines for WaterSense Labeled New Homes, and the WaterSense New Home Certification
System. If requested, I will provide the necessary supporting documents.
Inspector Name:
Company:
Signature:
Date:
Version 1.0
May 8, 2009
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Item
Criteria
Yes
No
Nl*
Indoor Water-Efficiency Criteria
Leaks
Service pressure
Hot water delivery
system
Toilets
Bathroom faucets
Kitchen faucets
Showerheads
Dishwashers
Clothes washers
Evaporative cooling
system
Water softeners
Drinking water treatment
systems
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.6
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.8.3
No leaks from hot water delivery system
No leaks from toilets
No leaks from bathroom faucets
No leaks from kitchen faucets
No leaks from showerheads
No leaks from other fixtures or appliances
Installation of PRV or pressure tank upstream of
fixtures; pressure reading < 60 psi
Acceptable system type - no timer- or
temperature-based recirculating systems
Measured volume < 0.6 gallons with 10°F temp.
change
WaterSense labeled
WaterSense labeled
Measured flow rate - max. 1 .5 gpm @ 60 psi
(0.25 gal in 10 sec)
Measured flow rate - max. 2.2 gpm @ 60 psi
(0.40 gal in 10 sec)
Measured flow rate - max. 2.5 gpm potable water
per shower compartment < 2,600 in. (0.40 gal in
10 sec)
All showers equipped with automatic
compensating valve that is certified for rated flow
rate of installed showerhead
ENERGY STAR qualified
ENERGY STAR qualified
Water factor < 6.0
Acceptable system type - no once-through, single
pass, continuous blowdown/bleedoff or timer-only
mediated blowdown systems
Max. 3.5 gal/water/ton hour cooling, max. 3 blow-
downs in 24 hours
Controls blowdown through conductivity or a basin
temperature-based controller
Visible discharge outlet
Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 44, including
voluntary efficiency rating standards in Section 7
NSF/ANSI certified, min. efficiency rating 85%
Doc*
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Notes on indoor water-efficiency criteria
Not installed
Documentation to be provided by the builder
Version 1.0
May 8, 2009
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Item
Criteria
Yes
No
Nl*
Doc*
Outdoor Water-Efficiency Criteria
Landscape design
Landscape design
option 1
Landscape design
option 2
Turfgrass
Slopes >4:1
Mulching
Pools/spas
Ornamental water feature
Irrigation system design
4.1
4.1.1.1
4.1.1.2
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.2.1
Minimum of front yard landscaped
Turfgrass < 40% landscapable area
Water budget tool calculations provided &
accurate
Landscape complies with water budget design
Not installed in strips less than 4 feet wide
Plantings other than turfgrass
Non-vegetated softscape areas have a 2- to 3-
inch deep layer of mulch
Entire yard is landscaped
Cover is provided
Water surface area deducted from turfgrass
allowance for landscape design option 1 or
included as landscapable area under landscape
design option 2
Entire yard is landscaped
Recirculates water
Serves beneficial use
Water surface area deducted from turfgrass
allowance for landscape design option 1 or
included as landscapable area under landscape
design option 2
System audited bv WaterSense irriaation partner
Irrigation System Design and Installation Checklist
completed by WaterSense irrigation partner
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Notes on outdoor water- efficiency criteria
" Criterion 4.2. 1 must be verified for all homes, regardless of sampling protocol. If sampling is applied, attach a
separate irrigation audit checklist for each home.
Homeowner Education Criteria
Operating manual
5.1
Written operating and maintenance manual (or
chapter) for all water-using equipment/controls
installed in house and yard
WaterSense information on efficient water use
General information on water-efficient
dishwashers and clothes washers if they are not
installed
Notes on homeowner education criteria
Version 1.0
May 8, 2009
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