Saving Resources Makes WaterSense

Living on a planet that is comprised of 70 percent water, it’s hard to imagine running out. However, only about one percent of the water is fit for human consumption and sustaining this natural resource will take a concerted effort at conservation. One of the newest methods to conserve water comes from a program called WaterSense that is similar to how Energy Star used to save electricity.

WaterSense, pushed by the Environmental Protection Agency, is a partnership with manufacturers, distributors and retailers that make water efficient products available to the public to help not only conserve water but also to save consumers money on their water bills. Additionally, the program targets the technology of the products manufactured for gardeners and irrigation companies in an effort to reduce the amount of water they use.

The primary goals of the WaterSense program are to:

Promote the need for water efficiency
Provide easy and convenient water saving tools
Provide incentives to manufacturers
Conserve this natural resource and its infrastructure

The need for water efficiency is not high on everyone’s list with some believing that there is an endless supply of water available. This program is designed to help people realize the importance of saving water.

Labels Identify WaterSense Products

Many consumers are interested in saving water, and the money this will also save, but may not be aware of the new products available. All products manufactured that meet the program’s requirements will be labeled with the WaterSense certification, making it easier for consumers to identify the products they need. In addition to the label, information is packaged with the products to provide information on the most efficient means of saving water.

Manufacturers have not always had the incentive to create new products that help consumers save water, since not all consumers recognize the need to conserve. With conservation programs developed and consumers more interested in conservation, more are looking for these products to save them money as well as to conserve water.

In addition to saving water, with less being in demand the burden on the present infrastructure can be reduced. The technology of the new products has improved over the past few years and in order for them to earn the WaterSense label must reduce water consumption by at least 20 percent. As a result of this effort it is estimated that over 125 billion gallons of water has been saved since the program began in 2006, with an estimated savings of about $2 billion to consumers.