The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to revise its criteria and process for labeling water-efficient homes.

First launched in 2009, the WaterSense New Home Specification was designed to encourage builders and buyers to choose water-saving products and designs that ensure top performance. The WaterSense homes program also incorporates third-party certification to ensure that labeled homes meet EPA’s water efficiency and performance standards.

Based on feedback from stakeholders, years of operational knowledge, and changes in the home building marketplace, EPA has decided to re-examine the specification and certification process for WaterSense labeled homes.

With this announcement, EPA is releasing a Notice of Intent (NOI) to revise and improve the existing homes specification. The NOI details possible changes in technical and efficiency requirements, as well as potential changes in the certification and labeling process. The NOI includes specific questions for which the program is seeking feedback.

EPA is interested in getting your input! If you have comments or suggestions for revising the WaterSense Homes Program, please contact us at watersense-programs@erg.com.

Additionally, please forward this email to any of your stakeholders or customers who might be interested in commenting on the NOI. On March 14, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern, EPA will host a webinar with stakeholders to discuss the NOI.
Webinar access information and NOI materials will be sent to registered participants via email prior to the meeting date.

Register for the Homes NOI Webinar

For any questions regarding the WaterSense program in general, please contact the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or watersense@epa.gov.

Read more about the WaterSense program.