General
Questions
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Why did EPA create WaterSense?
EPA realized that managing water supplies was becoming an increasingly
important issue to local markets around the country. Through this
national program, local water utilities, product manufacturers,
and retailers will work with EPA to encourage the use of water-efficient
products and practices among consumer and commercial audiences.
Why does the United States need a water-efficiency program?
Water is a finite resource. Between 70 and 75 percent of the Earth's
surface is covered with water, but only 1 percent of that is available
for human use. While both population and demand on freshwater resources
are increasing, supply remains constantthere is the same amount
of water now as there was 2 billion years ago. Water efficiency
helps preserve our water supply for future generations.
What is the goal of WaterSense?
The main goal of the program is to decrease indoor and outdoor nonagricultural
water use through more efficient products, equipment, and programs.
With its recognizable label, WaterSense helps consumers easily identify
water-efficient products in the marketplace while ensuring product
performance and encouraging innovation in manufacturing.
How will success be measured?
EPA will estimate gallons of water saved by individuals and organizations
purchasing water-efficient products instead of those that use more
water. EPA will also examine the savings that result from using
irrigation professionals that are certified in water-efficient installation
and maintenance practices and the increase in awareness of water-efficient
products and practices.
What products will be included in the WaterSense program?
Irrigation professionals and residential plumbing products are among
the first categories in the program. EPA plans to research several
options to expand product areas in the future, including additional
indoor and outdoor home products, as well as commercial products.
How will water-efficient products and programs be labeled/recognized?
EPA developed the WaterSense label to differentiate products in
the marketplace that meet EPA criteria for efficiency and performance,
as well as programs that meet EPA criteria for water efficiency.
The label will appear on product cartons and packaging, be adhered
directly to the product, be featured on in-store displays, and be
found in manufacturer literature and Web sites. EPA also maintains
a registry of labeled products on the WaterSense Web site.
How can I find more information about product certification
and labeling?
Products bearing the WaterSense label are certified to conform with
the relevant specification by a licensed certifying body that is
either accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
in accordance with the WaterSense product certification system, or otherwise approved for that purpose by EPA.
Manufacturers apply directly to the licensed certifying body for
certification.
There are several key steps involved with using the WaterSense
label. Please review the Product Certification
and Labeling Frequent Questions below or review the WaterSense
Product Certification and Labeling fact sheet for more information.
What are the WaterSense label and logos?
WaterSense has two different labels and two different logos that
have specific purposes. For more information, please visit the What
are the WaterSense Label and Logos? page.
How are specifications for products determined?
For each product under consideration, EPA conducts extensive market
research to analyze potential specifications. EPA develops specifications
with stakeholder input and prepares draft efficiency and performance
criteria as an open process, soliciting input from stakeholders
to ensure that the most appropriate criteria for each product category
is included. Once EPA finalizes the draft specification, it is available
for public comment. EPA will refine the draft specifications based
on the comments and feedback, and then release them again in either
draft or final form. The number of rounds of public review will
depend on the product schedule, and the nature and extent of comments
on the prior draft.
How does EPA ensure that products meet the criteria?
Products are independently certified by a third party to confirm
that the product meets EPA criteria for efficiency and performance.
Any product to which the label is applied must be certified to conform
to the relevant WaterSense specification by a certification body
either accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
in accordance with the WaterSense product certification system or otherwise
approved for that purpose by WaterSense.
Why did EPA choose third-party certification instead of
self-certification?
EPA chose independent certification by a third party to confirm
that the product meets the WaterSense efficiency and performance
criteria.
Is there an opportunity for public comments on proposed
specifications?
Yes. The program will strive to use a process similar to ENERGY
STAR to solicit public comments on proposed specifications. There
will be an open workshop 4-6 weeks after the draft specification
is released to receive comments. EPA will also receive written comments
from those unable to attend to meeting.
How does EPA coordinate with local water utilities?
Local water utilities have been very supportive in the development
of the program. Many utilities already have efforts in place to
increase the water efficiency of residential and commercial irrigation
systems. Utilities are encouraged to incorporate WaterSense into
their local water-efficiency and conservation efforts.
How is WaterSense similar to ENERGY
STAR®? How is WaterSense different from ENERGY STAR?
WaterSense is similar to ENERGY STAR in that both programs work
toward market enhancement and public recognition through the labeling
of products and programs. One of the main differences between these
two programs is that WaterSense requires third-party certification
of its products and services, ensuring that they comply with WaterSense's
specifications. Another major difference is that WaterSense focuses
on water-using products and services that don't require energy to
run, solely focusing on their water-efficient properties. ENERGY
STAR includes water-using products that conserve energy.
What more can I do to save water for future generations?
EPA conducts a number of activities to encourage consumers and organizations
to use less water. Information on how to use water efficiently is
posted on our Web site and available on our fact sheets and other
publications. This new program adds the product focus to our ongoing
activities.
Is water supply an issue everywhere in the United States?
There are many markets in the United States that already face water
shortages, and the number of markets facing this issue is projected
to grow in the future. A Government Accountability Office survey
of water managers across the country showed that 36 states were
anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013,
even under nondrought conditions. Water efficiency is a much more
cost-effective tool to help local markets manage water supply issues
than developing new sources.
How can water efficiency help local communities?
Water supply infrastructure is a major cost for most local markets
across the United States. In 2002, an EPA report identified a $224
billion gap in planned infrastructure investment as compared to
needs. Water efficiency is one key way that local communities can
help manage their infrastructure needs.
Which areas of the country have the largest water supply
challenges?
Water use varies greatly depending on geographic location and season,
largely as a result of differences in climate. For instance, water
use needs tend to be higher in the West and Southwest than in the
East or Midwest. However, water and wastewater infrastructure systems
across the country are being challenged by population growth and
aging components. Water efficiency can lessen the stress on these
systems and extend their useful life. Further complicating the issue
of water supply and availability is the fact that population growth
is greatest in states that have more limited water resources.
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