EPA Proposes Standards for Water Efficient Homes

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with its WaterSense Program have just released a draft copy of their new specifications for building water-efficient new single-family homes. Builders will be required to meet the proposed Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification (.pdf) in order to have their homes certified and labeled as WaterSense homes.

Owners of WaterSense certified homes can expect to enjoy at least a 20 percent reduction in water usage and, of course, lower water bills, according to the EPA.

"WaterSense certified homes will help homeowners save water, money and energy, and communities will have an important new tool for sustainable growth and water efficiency," said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region in a press release.

WaterSenese certified homes will be required to meet EPA criteria for indoor water use, outdoor water use, and homeowner education. Compliance with WaterSense specifications will be guaranteed by third-party inspectors.

With parts of the nation already facing water shortages, and recent predictions of widespread severe drought resulting from global warming, water conservation has become a primary concern in the planning and development of U.S. communities.

Also See: Extreme Climate Changes Coming Soon, NOAA Warns