look for WaterSense3 Labeled Irrigation Controllers Residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for nearly 9 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of this water is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. Irrigation control technologies can significantly reduce overwatering by applying water only when plants need it. SMART WATERING WaterSerise labeled irrigation controllers, which act like a thermostat for your sprinkler system by telling it when to turn on and off, use local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual conditions on the site. Instead of irrigating using a controller with a clock and a preset schedule, WaterSense labeled controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants' water needs. With proper installation, programming, and maintenance, homeowners and businesses can use WaterSense labeled controllers instead of standard clock-timer controllers on their existing systems, and no longer worry about wasted water. WATERSENSE SAVINGS Replacing a standard clock timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 8,800 gallons of water annually. If every home in the United States with an automatic irrigation system installed and properly operated a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, we could save $435 million in water costs and 120 billion gallons of water across the country annually from not overwatering lawns and landscapes. That's equal to the annual household water needs of nearly 1.3 million average American homes. WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants' needs. LOOK FOR THE WATERSENSE LABEL! To earn the WaterSense label, landscape irrigation controllers must be able to adequately meet the watering needs of a landscape without overwatering. As with all other WaterSense labeled products, WaterSense labeled controllers are third- party certified to ensure that they meet the WaterSense criteria for efficiency and performance. For more information or a list of WaterSense labeled products, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. KNOW WHAT MAKES IT GROW For more water-smart landscaping tips, please visit www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor/landscaping_tips.html. PHONE (866) VVTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSITE vwvw.epa.gov/watersense EMAIL watersense@epa.gov A rQA EPA-832-F-11-001 February 2013 ------- |