How does the WaterSense program work?
The WaterSense program was launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006 to promote water efficiency and conservation in the United States. The program encourages consumers to use water-efficient products and services that meet the EPA's WaterSense criteria. Here's how the program works:
1. WaterSense criteria: The program sets specific criteria for water-efficient products and services, such as faucets, toilets, showerheads, irrigation systems, and commercial kitchen equipment. These criteria ensure that these products and services meet water efficiency and performance standards, and use less water than traditional products.
2. WaterSense label: Products and services that meet the WaterSense criteria are certified by the EPA and given a WaterSense label. This label helps consumers identify water-efficient products and services and make informed purchasing decisions.
3. Partnership program: The EPA works with manufacturers, retailers, and utilities to promote WaterSense products and services. The partnership program encourages businesses to promote WaterSense products and services and provide incentives to customers who purchase them.
4. Educational resources: The EPA provides educational resources to help consumers and businesses save water and money. These resources include water-saving tips, information on WaterSense products and services, and tools to calculate water savings.
Overall, the WaterSense program aims to promote water efficiency and conservation by providing consumers with information and resources to make informed purchasing decisions and save water. By using WaterSense products and services, consumers can save money on water bills while conserving our country's precious water resources.
The WaterSense program is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes water-efficient products, programs, and practices. Here's how the program works:
1. Product Certification: WaterSense certifies a wide range of water-efficient products, such as toilets, faucets, showerheads, urinals, irrigation controllers, and more. These products must meet specific criteria for efficiency and performance to receive the WaterSense label.
2. Efficiency Standards: WaterSense sets performance criteria for various products to ensure they use less water without compromising performance. For example, toilets certified by WaterSense must use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, while faucets and showerheads must meet flow rate requirements.
3. Testing and Verification: Manufacturers submit their products to independent third-party laboratories for testing and verification. These labs assess if the products meet the WaterSense specifications for efficiency and performance.
4. WaterSense Labeling: Once a product passes the testing and verification process, it can display the WaterSense label. This label helps consumers identify products that save water without sacrificing performance.
5. Consumer Education: The WaterSense program also aims to educate consumers about the benefits of water efficiency and the availability of WaterSense-labeled products. The program provides resources, such as tips on efficient water use and a searchable database of certified products, to help consumers make informed choices.
6. Partnerships and Incentives: WaterSense collaborates with various partners, including manufacturers, retailers, utilities, and community organizations, to promote water efficiency. These partnerships can include product rebates, financial incentives, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs to encourage water conservation.
7. Continual Improvement: The WaterSense program regularly reviews and updates its product criteria and standards to ensure that technological advancements and market trends are reflected. This allows for continual improvement in water efficiency and provides consumers with the latest and most efficient products.
Overall, the WaterSense program works to promote water efficiency by certifying products, educating consumers, and fostering partnerships to encourage the use of water-saving practices and products.