Revised Draft Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification
EPA released a draft specification for water-efficient single-family
new homes on May 22, 2008. Based on substantial feedback and significant
revisions, EPA released a revised draft specification on May 8,
2009.
This specification establishes the criteria for water-efficient
new homes under EPA’s WaterSense program. When finalized,
it will be applicable to newly constructed single-family homes and
townhomes, three stories or less in size.
In addition, to meet the Landscape Design Criteria (Section 4.1.1),
the builder may choose to comply by completing a water budget. EPA
has developed a tool to guide these calculations. The first version
of the tool, released on November 20, 2008, was based on methodology
developed by the irrigation industry as described in Irrigation
Association’s Landscape Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management
(2005). This second version incorporates additional research and
recommendations suggested by stakeholders as part of the public
comment process.
The third-party verification of WaterSense labeled new homes is
intended to confirm that the builder has met the criteria of EPA’s
specification for water-efficient single-family new homes. The inspection
and irrigation audit guidelines explains how inspectors verify that
the criteria have been met and must be followed in conjunction with
the specification. These guidelines have been revised to incorporate
revisions to the specification criteria and methods by which they
will be tested.
EPA is interested in obtaining input from all interested parties
on the revised draft specification materials. The public comment
period is open for 60 days and ends on July 7, 2009. Please send
any comments or suggestions regarding the revised draft specification
materials to <watersense-newhomes@erg.com>.
All comments become a part of the public record.
In order to facilitate the consistency and utility of comments
received, please submit your comments using the Template
for Public Comment Submission (MS Word) (1 pp, 50K). You may
either download and save this document template and directly insert
your comments, or attach your comments in your own document, provided
that you clearly reference the text/section in question, your recommended
changes, and why you think these changes are needed.
Additionally, WaterSense will be conducting a public comment meeting
in June 2009. Additional information will be posted as it becomes
available.
For more information about the water-efficient single family new
home specification process, including the first draft, public comments,
and EPA's response to the public comments of the specification and
water budget tool, please see the Water-Efficient
Single-Family New Home Specification Background Materials page.
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