 WaterSense
Labeled
New Homes
The WaterSense program is currently developing a labeling specification
for single-family residential new homes. A draft specification has
been released for public comment; builders will be able to label
their new homes once it is finalized. The following describes the
water-saving features of a WaterSense labeled new home of the future.
Residential water use accounts for more than half of publicly supplied
water in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) established WaterSense to protect the future of the nation's
water supply and to promote water-efficient products and services
with a simple, easy-to-identify label. EPA encourages homeowners
to replace their older, inefficient toilets and faucets with more
water-efficient models. As populations increase, our water resources
will be taxed further. The next step is to build new homes that
are designed to use significantly less water—inside and out.
To encourage homebuilders to construct water-efficient, single-family
residences, EPA is developing a specification to label new homes
that will be designed to reduce water consumption through efficient
plumbing fixtures, hot water delivery, appliances, landscape design,
and irrigation systems.
How Can Homes Save Water?
WaterSense labeled new homes will combine WaterSense labeled products
with other water-efficient fixtures and practices to reduce the
amount of water used by approximately 20 percent. In addition to
WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets, these new homes include
dishwashers and clothes washers with the ENERGY STAR label, if those
appliances are installed when the home is built. WaterSense labeled
new homes will incorporate a hot water distribution system that
decreases the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the
faucet or shower—waiting for hot water wastes thousands of
gallons of water per year. Pressure regulator valves will be installed
downstream of the water meter to reduce the pressure of the water
going into the home. This reduces the maximum water flow from fixtures
and the likelihood of leaking pipes and hoses.
Builders will have the option of developing an outdoor "water
budget" and planning accordingly, or ensuring that the landscaping
is designed efficiently. If the home has an outdoor irrigation system,
it must be installed and audited by WaterSense irrigation partners
to ensure efficiency.
How Much Water Can They Save?
While the amount of savings that can be realized by living in a
WaterSense labeled new home is dependent upon the number of people
living in the home and their water use habits, a WaterSense labeled
new home will be designed and built to be about 20 percent more
efficient than similar new homes being built today. At this level
of efficiency, households can save more than 10,000 gallons of water
per year. WaterSense labeled new homes will also realize significant
energy savings, due to the reduced amount of hot water used.
When Can New Homes Be Labeled?
EPA is in the process of finalizing its specification for water-efficient
single-family homes, including developing a system for independent,
third-party inspection of homes that apply for the WaterSense label.
Once the specification is completed, EPA will start working with
builder partners, who may begin constructing and promoting WaterSense
labeled new homes as early as 2009. For more information, visit
<www.epa.gov/watersense>.
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