WASHINGTON, DC — An updated version of the popular “WaterSense” energy-saving program has been released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the government agency announced.
The EPA recently released Version 2 of its WaterSense Labeled Homes Program, allowing homeowners to reduce consumption of water and energy, while saving money on utility bills.
The updated program, which includes both a revised specification and certification system, continues to promote water efficiency in homes but it has made the WaterSense home certification process easier and more flexible for home builders and others in the residential construction trade, according to the EPA.
Compared to a typical new home, on average, EPA estimates a WaterSense-labeled home can save families more than 50,000 gallons of water and $700 in water and electricity costs annually.
Under Version 2 of the program, WaterSense labeled homes must be at least 30% more water-efficient than a home with characteristics typical of new construction. The update allows construction professionals the flexibility to include a variety of water-saving features in their WaterSense-labeled homes, the EPA said.
The updated WaterSense-labeled homes specification requires construction professionals to install WaterSense-labeled toilets, showerheads and bathroom faucets, and confirm that the home is free from visible water leaks.
Additional information about the program is available by visiting www.epa.gov/watersense/homes-specification.