Every drop counts. Going Green: What you need to know PHCC October 3, 2008

What Is WaterSense?  Voluntary partnership and labeling program launched by EPA in What Is WaterSense?  Simple way for consumers to identify products that save water and perform well.  Labels products that use 20 percent less water.  Backed by EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria.  Independently certified.  Nearly 300 organizations and utilities, 60 manufacturers, and 60 retailers and distributors have joined as partners thus far.

The WaterSense Label  The WaterSense label: Identifies products and programs that meet EPA’s criteria for both efficiency and performance. Only products certified by an approved, third-party certification body to meet the WaterSense criteria are allowed to bear the label.  In order to be considered for a label, a product area must: Perform as well as or better than standard counterparts. Be about 20 percent more water-efficient than average products in that category. Realize water savings on a national level. Provide measurable results. Achieve water efficiency through several technology options. Be independently certified.

Schedule for Evaluating WaterSense Products & Programs Completed: 2006/2007 Planned: 2008 and Beyond NOI Released? Irrigation Certification for Irrigation Professionals Moisture Sensors Drip Micro Technology Smart Controllers -- Yes; April 2007 Residential Plumbing Toilets Faucets Showerheads Water Softening Systems Yes; Aug Commercial Plumbing Flushometer Valve Toilets Pre-rinse Spray Valves Urinals -- Yes; May 2008 Other New Homes Draft Spec Autoclaves Medical Vacuums Additional Professional Certifications --

WaterSense Labeled Fixtures  Independent Certification To earn the WaterSense label, products must pass independent, third-party testing.  Toilets 200+ labeled models  Faucets 260+ labeled models  Find Products

High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs)  WaterSense labeled HETs are independently certified to meet EPA criteria for both performance and efficiency: Solid waste removal must be 350 grams or greater. Uses no more than 1.28 gpf.  Toilets account for nearly 30% of indoor water use.  WaterSense labeled toilets use about 20% less water than a standard 1.6 gpf toilet.

High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucets and Faucet Accessories  WaterSense labeled lavatory faucets and faucet accessories are also independently certified to meet EPA criteria for both performance and efficiency. Maximum flow rate of faucets and aerators at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), tested at a flowing pressure of 60 psi. Minimum flow rate of 0.8 gpm, tested at a flowing pressure of 20 psi.  Faucets account for more than 15 percent of household water use—1 trillion gallons per year.  High-efficiency faucets and accessories such as aerators can reduce flow by more than 30 percent without sacrificing performance.

New Homes Program  Draft specification WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets Showerheads, hot water delivery ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers and clothes washers Landscape design, irrigation system from WaterSense partner (if installed) Homeowner education

How Can I Promote and Work With WaterSense?  Learn more about the program, and talk to your peers and colleagues about WaterSense  Recommend or specify WaterSense labeled products  Encourage distributors to carry WaterSense labeled products  Become part of the specification development process

WaterSense Plans for Plumbers  Talk to plumbers Attitudes and beliefs towards water-efficient fixtures Messaging  Develop materials Training modules Fact sheets/brochures/customer leave-behinds  Identify training opportunities Works with partners to capitalize on existing training opportunities  Seek involvement in the specification development process Relay research needs Solicit data on product performance for specification development Provide multiple opportunities for input and comments

Learn More  For a full registry of WaterSense labeled products, visit  WaterSense Information: Web site: Toll-free Helpline: (866) WTR-SENS ( )

Every drop counts.