Additional Key Achievements
Conferences and Meetings
• Presented at conferences and meetings,
including those at the International
Irrigation Show, the Intelligent Use of Water
Summit™ (by Rainbird Corporation at the
University of Arizona), and the North
Colorado Conservation District Field Day.
• Designed two exhibits for display at
conferences and exhibitions.
• Produced WaterSense promotional items
to give away at events.
Outreach Materials
Developed WaterSense fact sheets,
brochures, and product-specific materials.
• Developed a WaterSense marketing
presentation and briefings.
• Created a fact book and "water droplets"
(statistics related to water usage and
savings).
Generated media sound bites, question and
answer documents, and key messages.
• Authored articles about WaterSense and
water efficiency for AWWA Journal,
Water & Wastes Digest, and Water Efficiency
magazines.
• Established a daily media clip service.
• Developed a regional resources Web site.
Drafted a promotional tool kit.
New Homes
WaterSense is developing criteria for water-
efficient new homes to serve as a benchmark
and spur water efficiency in construction of new
homes. A stakeholder meeting was held in June
2006 to learn about "green" home initiatives and
to gather input on EPA's water efficiency plans
for new homes. WaterSense established a new
homes stakeholder group/sub-groups and held
planning meetings with these groups.
Looking Ahead
As WaterSense concludes its inaugural year, EPA
anticipates many exciting new initiatives for
2007 and beyond, including:
• Issuing final specifications for bathroom
faucets.
Labeling professional certification programs.
Releasing draft specifications for irrigation
controllers, soil moisture sensors, and new
homes.
• Promoting labeled toilets and faucets on
retail shelves.
Compiling a registry of WaterSense labeled
products and programs on its Web site. The
Web registry will also list partners certified
by WaterSense labeled programs.
Finalizing the third-party certification plan.
• Partnering with product manufacturers,
retailers and distributors, and promotional
partners.
• Researching additional products and pro-
grams for WaterSense labeling.
• Test-piloting promotional campaigns.
Offering new services, such as a formal
awards program, to WaterSense partners.
For more information, please visit the
WaterSense Web site at or contact the WaterSense Helpline
by calling (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or
e-mailing .
WaterSense
Every Drop Counts:
WaterSenseSM 2006 Accomplishments
"1% n anaging water supplies is a growing con-
l\ /I cern in the United States and worldwide,
I V I as demand for freshwater resources
increases while the supply remains constant.
While the population has nearly doubled in the
past 50 years, water use has more than tripled.
Using our finite water resources more efficiently
will help preserve water supplies for future gener-
ations, save money, and reduce stress on water
treatment systems and the environment.
On June 12, 2006, EPA Administrator Stephen
Johnson launched WaterSense, a partnership
program that seeks to protect the future of our
nation's water supply by promoting water efficien-
cy and enhancing the market for water-efficient
products, programs, and practices. Through this
national program, local water utilities, product
manufacturers, professional certifying organiza-
tions, retailers, and other partners work with
EPA to encourage the development and use of
water-efficient products and practices among
consumer audiences.
WaterSense experienced significant growth in its
first year, including the following activities and
achievements.
AA/aterSense Label and
Specifications
The WaterSense Label
The WaterSense label identifies
high-performance, water-effi-
cient products and profession-
al certification programs that
embrace and encourage the
use of water-efficient practices.
WaterSense labeled products use
about 20 percent less water and perform as well
or better than their less efficient counterparts. By
using WaterSense labeled products and profes-
sionals certified by labeled programs, homeown-
ers can help save natural resources and reduce
their water consumption and utility costs.
Label and Message Development
EPA conducted six focus groups (two groups each
in Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; and Portland,
Oregon) in February 2006 to help develop the
WaterSense brand and further understand water
efficiency and water-efficient product issues. The
focus groups explored purchasing behaviors
regarding water-using appliances and fixtures as
well as preferences for water efficiency promo-
tional messages and taglines.
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Process Chlorine Free Recycled Paper.
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Irrigation Specifications
EPA issued final specifications in October 2006 to
recognize certification programs for irrigation
professionals in three areas: system design,
installation and maintenance, and system audit-
ing. These types of certification programs
became the first programs eligible to bear the
WaterSense label.
High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixture
Specifications
In April 2006, EPA released
a draft specification for
high-efficiency toilets
(HETs), the first product cat-
egory under consideration.
The specifications outline
both performance and effi-
ciency requirements that
must be met to earn the label. Final specifica-
tions were issued in January 2007.
In February 2007, EPA published draft specifica-
tions for high-efficiency bathroom sink faucets.
Like the MET specifications, the draft faucet spec-
ifications include both performance and efficien-
cy requirements. EPA is currently accepting com-
ments and meeting with stakeholders to obtain
feedback on the draft.
Independent Third-Party Certification
EPA established a draft certification scheme
wherein accredited third-party organizations
certify that products conform to EPA specifica-
tions, before they can bear the WaterSense label.
Upcoming Specifications
In 2006, EPA also began evaluating additional
product categories such as irrigation controllers,
moisture sensors, and showerheads for future
WaterSense labeling.
EPA considers both
market and technical
factors when reviewing
product categories to
determine those cate-
gories eligible to receive the WaterSense label.
To be considered for the label, EPA evaluates
the water savings potential, cost effectiveness,
ability to measure product water savings and
performance, and the state of technology
development. Product categories that rely on
a single, proprietary technology will not be
included in the program.
Partnership Program
In fall 2006, WaterSense
invited two categories of
partners to join the pro-
gram: 1) promotional
partners, such as utilities,
state and local govern-
ments, nonprofits, and
trade associations that
work to promote the
WaterSense program and
water efficiency, and 2) professional certifying
organizations that provide certification pro-
grams for irrigation professionals.
Partner Resources
EPA is developing resources to assist partners in
promoting water efficiency and the WaterSense
brand. Promotional partners, such as utilities and
state and local governments, receive a partner
tool kit upon
joining the pro-
gram. The tool
kits include tips
for leveraging
the WaterSense
brand, sample materials (e.g., press releases, bill
stuffers for utilities, magnets), and suggestions
for working with local media. EPA is also working
on additional resources for partners such as a
password-protected Web site, webcasts on top-
ics of interest, and news bulletin updates.
Additional Key Achievements
• Developed program infrastructure and tools,
including the WaterSense Web site, data-
base, and helpline.
• Established program guidelines for partners.
Finalized partnership agreements and logo
and label use guidelines.
Outreach
EPA developed fact sheets, posters, bill inserts,
public service announcements, and other mate-
rials as part of an extensive outreach campaign
to educate consumers about the value of water
and water-efficient products.
Web Site
In 2006, WaterSense launched its Web site:
www.epa.gov/watersense. In addition to general
information on water efficiency, facts, and water
efficiency tips, the site includes an interactive
online quiz, "Test Your WaterSense." Publicized by
national media, including the USA Today and The
Weather Channel, the quiz is an entertaining way
for adults and children to learn more about their
own water usage and how they can be more
water-efficient at home.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Three WaterSense PSAs encourage water effi-
ciency with consumer audiences, and a fourth
encourages organizations to join the program.
To date, the PSAs have been placed in the
Irrigation Association's Show Guide and Water
Environment & Technology magazine, and
several other publications have expressed
serious interest.
IMAGINE
YOUR KIDS
RUNNING
THROUGH THE
WATER SPRINKLER.
MINUS THE WATER.
Media Coverage
WaterSense has received media coverage from
its outreach efforts. Approximately 35 local
newspapers printed articles about WaterSense;
more than 40 articles ran in trade publications;
at least 75 Web sites highlighted WaterSense; six
television stations featured WaterSense online;
and seven television stations aired stories about
WaterSense. The articles alone reached a circula-
tion of more than 8 million, and the ad value of
the outreach efforts totaled nearly $1.3 million.
It's a ract the average person unknowingly wastes up to 30
gallons of water every day. But there is something we can do.
Just practkx' si m pie water saving actions, and that will go a long
way in ensuring an adequate water {and sprinkler) supply in
the future. I Jke to learn more? Visit v»Fvipw.epagov/\v3ter5ense,
EPA
WaterSense
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