WaterSense
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
WaterSense is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program designed to encourage water efficiency in the United States through the use of a special label on consumer products. It was launched in June, 2006.[1]
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[edit] Background
The purpose of the WaterSense program is to make it easy for consumers to differentiate among products that use water. Products that display the WaterSense label must satisfy two requirements. First, WaterSense-labeled products must perform as well or better than their competitors. Second, WaterSense-labeled products must be water efficient, using at least 20 percent less water than their inefficient competitors.[2] Achieving both goals communicates to consumers that saving water is easy and doesn't require any change in the way they live.
However, safety does not seem to be of concern, especially with respect to shower heads. One must balance water flow through these with regard to temperature control and misting. Else, risk scalding when an adjacent toilet's water closet is filling; or risk having Legionella bacteria in the mist.
It would seem that efforts for conservation would be better placed elsewhere, given that only 2.5% of the fresh water in the U.S. is used for bathing or washing bodies. Low flow will probably have many households to take longer showers, or just replacing these shower heads.
WaterSense is not a regulatory program, but a voluntary program. EPA develops specifications for water-efficient products through a public process. If a manufacturer makes a product that meets those specifications, the product is tested by a third party to ensure conformance to EPA’s criteria. If it passes the test, the manufacturer is rewarded with the right to put the WaterSense label on that product.[3]
[edit] Products
High-efficiency toilets (HETs), bathroom sink faucets (and accessories), and irrigation professionals who have undergone training by WaterSense-labeled certification programs are already available to consumers.
[edit] Partners
To help get products on shelves and spread the word about WaterSense, EPA is recruiting partners. Many types of organizations are eligible to join as WaterSense partners. In addition to manufacturing firms, retailers, and product distributors, the program includes promotional partners who endorse and publicize the program among their constituents. Promotional partners include utilities, state and local governments, trade associations, and other non-governmental organizations.[4] Landscape irrigation professionals who are certified by WaterSense-labeled certification programs can also become partners.[5]
[edit] Specifications
EPA’s first specification, released in January, 2007, was written for High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs). Specifications have also been written for bathroom sink faucets and certification programs for irrigation professionals. Specifications for showerheads and irrigation control technologies are currently under development.
