%) ''scbaC WaterSense Labeled Homes Program Draft Homes Program, Version 2.0 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its draft revision to the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program on April 18, 2019. Learn more about the proposed changes below. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND EPA is in the process of revising the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program, including the associated specification and certification system, to improve the WaterSense labeled homes program that began in 2009. Once finalized, the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program, Version 2.0 will: • Increase flexibility in meeting WaterSense's technical requirements without compromising on overall water efficiency or performance, • Improve collaboration with green building certification programs. • Allow for easier implementation and certification. EPA's revised program for homes will utilize the organizational structures and processes of existing Home Certification Organizations (HCOs) to ensure effective certification and oversight occurs for WaterSense labeled homes. SUMMARY OF REVISED PROGRAM STRUCTURE To earn the WaterSense label, homes will be required to: o o Adhere to a Mandatory Checklist (shown on the back of this page), which requires installation of WaterSense labeled plumbing products and confirmation that the home is free of visible water leaks. Be at least 30 percent more water-efficient than typical new construction. Adhering to a WaterSense Approved Certification Method (WACM) will ensure the home meets this requirement. EPA will be responsible for reviewing and approving an HCO's WACM. Therefore, to earn the WaterSense label, a home will need to meet the requirements of the Mandatory Checklist and demonstrate that it achieves the required water efficiency level (30 percent more efficient than typical new construction) using an approved WACM. WaterSense's home certification requirements, such as quality assurance, verifier training, verification protocols, and reporting, will be administered through an HCO's existing certification processes. GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS Home Certification Organization: Independent organization responsible for administering home verification and certification to the WaterSense Specification for Homes, Version 2.0. WaterSense Approved Certification Method: Methodology administered by the HCO to demonstrate that a home meets WaterSense's water efficiency requirement. Verifier: Individual trained and authorized by an HCO to verify (or rate) homes in accordance with the HCO's WACM. Designee: Party (such as a Provider*) to whom the HCO has delegated specific verification and certification responsibilities. *Provider: An organization that commits to hire or contract with inspectors, train inspectors, oversee new home inspections, and issue certification documentation for inspected homes. PHONE (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSITE www.epa.gov/watersense EMAIL watersense@epa.gov ------- MANDATORY CHECKLIST FOR WATERSENSE LABELED HOMES Item Requirements Confirmed Leaks Pressure-loss test on all water supplies detects no leaks O Yes O No Free of visible leaks from hot water delivery system ~ Yes ~ No Free of visible leaks from toiiet(s), as determined through visual assessment and by conducting a dye tablet test in each toilet to ensure the flapper is not leaking ~ Yes ~ No Free of visible leaks from bathroom faucet(s) ~ Yes ~ No Free of visible leaks from showerhead(s) ~ Yes ~ No Free of visible leaks from bathroom tub faucet(s), i.e., tub spout(s), when showerhead(s) is activated, as determined through visual assessment after the showerhead has been activated for one minute ~ Yes ~ No Free of visible leaks from kitchen and other sink faucet(s) D Yes D No Free of visible leaks from other fixtures or appliances (e.g., clothes washers, dishwashers, hose bibs, irrigation systems) at point of use or point of connection to water distribution system ~ Yes ~ No Toilets WaterSense labeled ~ Yes ~ No Bathroom sink faucets WaterSense labeled O Yes ~ No Showerheads WaterSense labeled ~ Yes ~ No WHY A 30 PERCENT WATER SAVINGS REQUIREMENT? EPA will require homes to be at least 30 percent more water-efficient than typical new construction. EPA has established this threshold to: • Maintain, and in some cases increase, household water savings relative to the current WaterSense labeled homes program. • Establish a benchmark that, while relatively rigorous, is universally achievable regardless of local building market or climate. • Provide an appropriate balance of indoor and outdoor water efficiency measures across all climates. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW? On April 18, 2019, EPA released for public comment: • WaterSense Draft Specification for Homes, Version 2.0 ' WaterSense Draft Specification for Homes Supporting Statement, Version 2.0 • WaterSense Draft Home Certification System, Version 2.0 • WaterSense Draft Technical Evaluation Process for Approving Home Certification Methods, Version 1.0 EPA will determine a roll out schedule for Version 2.0 of the final specification. In the meantime, the existing WaterSense labeled homes specification and program structure still apply. Learn more about the draft WaterSense Labeled Homes Program, Version 2.0 at www.epa.gov/watersense/homes-specification. Requests for Feedback EPA invites interested parties to provide written comments on the draft specification, certification system, and technical evaluation process by emailing watersense-programs@erg.com. ------- |