Buying a home is an investment in the future—not just yours, but the planet's too. That's why builders across the country are partnering with the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Water- Sense® program to offer homes that save you water—inside and out. And while you're at it, you'll save energy, reduce utility bills, and benefit from products that have been tested and certified for performance. WaterSense labeled homes not only feature quality products and workmanship, they are designed to use 20 percent less water than the average new home. Living in a house that has earned the WaterSense label allows you to do more using less water and feel good about preserving water for future generations. X About AA/aterSense WaterSense is a partnership program spon- sored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water. For more in- formation about WaterSense, visit www.epa. gov/watersense. EPA WaterSense > Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Process Chlorine Free Recycled Paper. December 2009 EPA-832-F-09-015 EPA WaterSense A Smart Investment with WaterSense ------- Residential water use accounts for more than half of the publicly supplied water we use as a nation. Each American uses an average of 100 gallons of water each day, but that number can be a lot lower if you live in a Water- Sense labeled home. The good news is, if you're in the market for a new home, using less water can be easy—especially if your home does it for you. Buying a WaterSense labeled home means mak- ing an investment in the future-an investment that saves water and energy in your community, protects resources for future generations, and saves your family at least $100 in utility bills each year compared to other new homes. And com- pared to existing homes, you could save more than $200 per year on water and energy bills! Owning a WaterSense labeled home means you can enjoy all the comforts of a new home, with added benefits. Hot Water-When You Need It Efficient hot water delivery systems are designed to bring you hot water faster, so you don't waste water—or energy—while you're waiting for a hot tub or scrub. With this feature alone, you can save enough electricity to power your television for a whole year. Bathroom You can have a luxurious bathroom with Water- Sense labeled plumbing fixtures that have been independently certified to perform well and save nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year compared to the average new home's bathroom. Kitchen If a dishwasher and clothes washer are installed in your home, they will be ENERGY STAR® qualified models that use less energy and water while han- dling your toughest loads. Landscaping Outside, landscaping is designed to create a healthy, beautiful front yard that uses less water. Plantings will thrive in your local climate with mini- mal maintenance and less frequent watering. The WaterSense Label The WaterSense label can be found on products, new homes, and programs that have been independently certified to meet EPA's criteria for efficiency and performance. WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures use at least 20 percent less water and per- form as well as or better than standard models. In addition to products and new homes, Water- Sense labels professional certification programs that focus on water efficiency. EPA partners with certified irrigation professionals who design, install, maintain, and audit water-efficient systems for WaterSense labeled new homes. Let the WaterSense label bring you confidence and peace of mind. Backed by the credibility of EPA, Water- Sense labeled homes are independently inspected by green home professionals and certified by li- censed certification providers to meet EPA's criteria for efficiency and performance. And that's some- thing you can feel good about every time you turn on the tap. Your wisest investment should be an energy- and water-efficient one: Make it one that uses Water- Sense. For more information about WaterSense la- beled new homes, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. "We love this house. Living here has enabled us to do good things for the environment, without drastically changing our lifestyle." Jennifer Bowman, homeowner of the first WaterSense labeled home Chapel Hill, North Carolina ------- |