Water-Efficient Spray Sprinkler Nozzles Residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for nearly 8 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 evaporation, wind, runoff, and overwatering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. EFFCIENCY THROUGH COVERAGE A spray sprinkler nozzle is a component of a spray sprinkler used for landscape irrigation. It is provided in combination with a spray sprinkler body to distribute water to the landscape. To help improve irrigation efficiency and decrease outdoor water waste, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a draft specification for spray sprinkler nozzles to earn the WaterSense label. Based on field studies, EPA estimates that some models of spray sprinkler nozzles use approximately 10 percent less water than traditional spray sprinkler nozzles on the market These nozzles have lower application rates and higher distribution uniformity when compared to other models on the market. Additionally, these models offer matched precipitation rates, which allows each nozzle, regardless of spray pattern, to apply the same amount of water within a specified run time. The draft specification sets water efficiency and performance criteria centered around these attributes. SAVING WATER OUTDOORS EPA is adding spray sprinkler nozzles to its suite of WaterSense labeled landscape irrigation products to help further reduce water waste from residential and commercial landscape irrigation systems. Along with WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers and WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler bodies, labeled sprinkler nozzles will provide consumers with a variety of irrigation technology options that can reduce water waste outdoors and promote plant health. EPA anticipates that, once the specification is finalized and these products can earn the WaterSense label, installing new WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler nozzles or replacing existing ones throughout an in- ground irrigation system can save more than 2,400 gallons of water annually on the average-sized residential landscape. In the future, replacing traditional nozzles in all irrigation systems across the United States with these water-efficient nozzles that earn the WaterSense label could save more than 63 billion gallons of water each year. LOOK FOR THE WATERSENSE LABEL IN THE FUTURE! Once EPA finalizes its specification for spray sprinkler nozzles, homeowners and irrigation professionals can look for WaterSense labeled nozzles to heip save water outdoors! For more information, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/sprav- sprinkler-nozzles. PHONE (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSlTEwww.epa.gov/watersense EMAlLwatersense@epa.gov A rn/y EPA-832-23-020 OCrVA November 2023 ------- |