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WaterSense, an EPA partnership program launched in 2006, seeks to enhance the market for water-efficient products and services by building a national brand for water efficiency. If you have questions about WaterSense or labeled products, please contact the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or e-mail watersense@epa.gov.
Congress Moves on Water Efficiency Legislation The Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act (H.R. 2368) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives May 12, 2009. The bill calls for $50 million in funding for state and local rebate and incentive programs that encourage the adoption of water-efficient products and services. Additionally, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the Water Infrastructure Financing Act (S. 1005) May 14, 2009. This bill contains increased investment in the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds and expanded eligibility for funding stormwater management,
water conservation, and efficiency projects. For more information on the Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act (H.R. 2368) visit: For more information on the Water Infrastructure Financing Act (S. 1005) visit:
 More Than 1,000 WaterSense Labeled Products AvailableTo access the quickly growing list of WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and faucet accessories, visit the WaterSense web site.
New Homes Revised Draft Specification Released The revised draft specification for single-family new homes was released for public comment on May 8, 2009. Incorporating further research and key stakeholder comments, the specification promotes water efficiency through the adoption of products, systems, and designs that decrease the amount of water wasted in today's new homes. Interested parties may comment on the specification through July 7, 2009, and information on the public comment meetings that will be held in June is now available. Additionally, the WaterSense New Home Certification System is under final review and will be posted next
month.
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High Efficiency Flushing Urinal Draft Specification Today WaterSense announced a draft Specification for High-Efficiency Flushing Urinals that provides the criteria that flushing urinals will need to meet to earn the WaterSense label. The specification is designed to ensure not only sustainable,
efficient water use but also a high level of user performance satisfaction. To meet the draft specification, the maximum flush volume of flushing urinal fixtures and their pressurized flushing devices (flushometer valves) cannot exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (gpf). By installing these high-efficiency flushing urinals, facilities will be able to save more than 2,300 gallons of water per fixture each year! Once the specification is finalized, manufacturers of these products can apply for product certification. Pressurized flushing devices, urinal fixtures, or complete urinal systems meeting the final specification will bear the WaterSense label. This will help purchasers and specifiers to easily identify flushing urinals that perform well while still saving water.
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How to Locate WaterSense Labeled Products
Having trouble finding WaterSense labeled products in stores near you? Don't panic! Follow these pointers to find and order WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures:
Be Froogle. Visit Froogle, Google's product search engine, at http://www.google.com/products and search "WaterSense." You'll find a variety of WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets, which you can purchase with just a few clicks of the mous
Buy Locally. Visit a WaterSense retailer or distributor partner in your own backyard. Case-in-point: distributor Ferguson Enterprises, http://www.ferguson.com/index.shtml, has 1,500 service centers and six distribution centers across the United States and can usually ship products to customers within two to three business days. Start your research on WaterSense's Meet Our Partners page, http://www.epa.gov/watersense/partners/partners.htm.
Once you find your product, make sure you follow these tips:
Think Twice. Many high-efficiency toilets are sold in two parts. Make sure both the bowl and the tank are WaterSense labeled.
Get the Specs. If you're searching for a specific product, be sure you know the model name and number. You can find all the specifics on the Find a Product portion of the WaterSense Web site, http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/index.htm. Remember, for most toilets you'll need two numbers—one for the tank and one for the bowl.
Be Particular. WaterSense partner Kohler lets you refine your search for WaterSense labeled toilets by bowl shape, flushing technology, and compliance to the Americans With Disabilities Act. On Kohler's home page, http://www.us.kohler.com/index.jsp, select the drop down menu "Bathroom Products" and select "Toilets." From there you can limit your search to high-efficiency toilets with exactly the features you're looking for.
Remember, the best way to bring WaterSense labeled products to your neighborhood is to ask for them! Let retailers and distributors know that water-efficient products just make sense.
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Every Drop Counts
Did you know that the average American uses 100 gallons of water every day? But we can all reduce our water use by as much as 30 percent by taking a few simple steps, such as installing high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and using water efficiently in our yards.
The Westford Water Department is committed to protecting the future of our national and local water supply through water-efficient practices, products, and services. That is why we are partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bring to you WaterSense, a national program that offers people a simple way to make product choices that use less water—and perform as well or better than your existing products.
Why Should You Care?
Using water efficiently will conserve supplies for future generations.
Protecting and preserving the nation’s water supply is critical to our economic future and human health.
WaterSense labeled products and services offer equivalent or superior performance.
Purchasing WaterSense labeled products can help you protect the environment and help you save money on utility bills.
Test Your WaterSense
Think you know everything there is to know about water? You can’t be sure until you’ve played EPA’s new “Test Your WaterSense” online quiz! [www.epa.gov/watersense/quiz] Maneuver the hero Hydro through water pipes and answer water-efficiency questions while avoiding water-wasting monsters such as Sogosaurus and Drainiac.
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