WaterSense and Landscape Water Use: What's Next?

Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. As much as half of that is lost or wasted due to evaporation, wind, or improper irrigation design, installation, maintenance, and scheduling. An efficient irrigation system requires not only water-efficient products, but also proper design, installation, and maintenance.

To address these issues and improve water efficiency in landscapes, WaterSense is now labeling certification programs for irrigation system designers, installation/maintenance professionals, and auditors. In the coming months, in addition to signing partnership agreements with certifying organizations and reviewing their applications for the WaterSense label, EPA will be inviting irrigation professionals certified through WaterSense labeled programs to become WaterSense partners.

WaterSense recognizes that landscape irrigation is only one part of saving water outdoors. It is equally important to consider aspects such as water-efficient landscape design, water-efficient plant palettes, and landscape professional certification programs. EPA plans to evaluate other professional certifications that impact landscape water use in the near future.

Future Opportunities for Product Labeling

WaterSense is also conducting research on multiple water-efficient irrigation technologies. The first product categories for labeling will be irrigation control technology and soil moisture sensors.

Advanced irrigation control technology uses local weather and landscape conditions to tailor irrigation schedules to actual conditions on the site or historical weather data. Instead of irrigating according to a preset schedule, advanced irrigation controllers allow irrigation to more closely match the water requirements of plants.

Soil moisture sensors increase the water efficiency of irrigation systems by allowing them to operate only when irrigation is actually needed. Soil moisture sensors are placed beneath the soil surface to measure the amount of moisture in the soil and water when plants need it.

With these new technologies we have the potential to greatly reduce water use across the country without sacrificing our beautiful landscapes. A WaterSense label on such products will make it easy for consumers to identify the most efficient technologies and know that not only are they helping save the environment but also saving money on utility bills.

This document is also available in PDF (1 pp, 78K, About PDF).