Water is essential for life, yet it is a limited resource that we cannot take for granted. As populations grow and climate change threatens water supplies, it is more important than ever to use water efficiently. The WaterSense program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helps consumers like us make smart water choices that save money and preserve water supplies for future generations.

Why Water Efficiency Matters

The average American household uses over 300 gallons of water per day. About 70% of this water usage occurs indoors for activities like showering, washing dishes, and flushing toilets. Small changes in our water use habits can make a big difference in the amount of water we consume.

Here are some important reasons why water efficiency matters:

  • Conserves a precious resource: Less than 1% of the world’s freshwater is readily available for human use. Being efficient helps ensure adequate water supplies.
  • Saves money: Reduced water use directly translates into lower utility bills. Water-efficient fixtures and appliances also save energy and reduce costs.
  • Supports sustainability: Water conservation helps preserve water in rivers, lakes, and groundwater for wildlife habitat and future generations.
  • Allows water systems to better meet demand: Efficient use alleviates strain on water supply systems, especially during periods of drought.

The Benefits of WaterSense

The WaterSense program makes it easy to find water-efficient products and services. When you see the WaterSense label, you know that product or service has been independently certified to use at least 20% less water than average while still delivering high performance.

Choosing WaterSense-labeled models for items like toilets, faucets, showerheads, irrigation systems, and more provides significant benefits:

  • Saves water: WaterSense fixtures reduce water use by 20% or more without sacrificing performance or quality.
  • Saves money: Lower water bills add up to real savings. Water-efficient products also use less energy.
  • Reduces strain on water systems: Lower water usage helps prevent water shortages, especially in arid climates.
  • Provides peace of mind: WaterSense labels take the guesswork out of identifying efficient products and services.
  • Helps the environment: Efficient water use preserves our lakes, rivers, and groundwater. It also reduces water treatment costs.

WaterSense at Home

There are many easy ways to work WaterSense into your daily routines and home improvements to reduce your water footprint. Every small effort makes a difference!

In the Bathroom

The bathroom offers multiple opportunities to save water. Some easy ways to increase bathroom water efficiency:

  • Install WaterSense labeled models: When replacing toilets, faucets, and showerheads, choose WaterSense approved fixtures that use at least 20% less water.
  • Take shorter showers: Cutting your average shower time by just a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons per month.
  • Turn off water when not using it: Avoid letting water run when you are not actively using it, such as when lathering hands or brushing teeth.
  • Check for leaks: A small drip from a worn toilet flapper can waste 30 gallons or more per day. Take action to stop leaks.
  • Reduce toilet tank water level: If your toilet tank has an adjustable fill valve, lower the setting to reduce the volume per flush.

In the Kitchen

It is very easy to waste water in the kitchen. Follow these tips to run an efficient kitchen:

  • Use a dishwasher: Hand washing dishes uses much more water than an Energy Star certified dishwasher. Only run full loads.
  • Choose an efficient faucet: Look for the WaterSense label when purchasing any new kitchen faucets.
  • Defrost food in the fridge: Avoid wasting water to thaw frozen foods. Plan ahead and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Soak pots and pans: Letting heavily soiled cookware soak in the sink for a bit before washing can save gallons of water.
  • Maintain appliances: Check for any leaky connections under kitchen sinks and behind major appliances. A small leak over time can waste hundreds of gallons.

In the Laundry Room

You can also boost the water efficiency of your laundry routines:

  • Wash only full loads: Washing smaller loads uses just as much water as larger ones. So refrain from running the washer until you have a full load ready to go.
  • Select the proper wash cycle: The heavy duty and permanent press cycles use more water. Opt for light or normal settings whenever possible.
  • Check hoses for leaks: Inspect the hoses connecting your washer periodically and replace any that are cracked or worn. Small leaks add up over time.
  • Consider a water-saving washer: Look for the WaterSense label if your laundry equipment needs replacement. Efficient models cut water use by over 20%.

Outdoors

Landscape irrigation accounts for a significant share of residential water use. To make your outdoor water use more efficient:

  • Water early or late: Schedule irrigation for early morning or evening hours when evaporation loss is lower. Avoid midday watering.
  • Install smart controllers: WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers use local weather data to tailor watering schedules and avoid over-watering.
  • Choose drought-tolerant plants: Replace lawn areas and plant beds with low-water varieties appropriate for your climate zone.
  • Use soil amendments: Adding compost or other amendments to soil helps retain moisture so plants need less frequent watering.
  • Check systems for problems: Inspect sprinkler heads, pipes, and valves regularly. Repair clogs, breaks, and malfunctioning equipment immediately.
  • Sweep instead of hosing: Use brooms and rakes to gather debris from driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them off with water.

WaterSense Savings

The WaterSense program estimates that Americans have saved over 4.4 trillion gallons of water since 2006. That incredible number translates into real costs savings and environmental benefits.

The average family can save $900 per year in utility bills and energy costs by using WaterSense fixtures and employing water-efficient practices. Those savings will continue year after year while also preserving water availability.

Nationwide, WaterSense has helped:

  • Conserve enough water to supply all American households for 320 days.
  • Avoid the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 15 million cars from the road.
  • Save enough energy to power over 350 billion smartphones for an entire year.

By choosing WaterSense labeled products and services for your home improvement and daily routines, you ensure that every drop of water you use packs the biggest possible punch. Small changes add up to real savings and a more sustainable future. Visit the WaterSense website to find products, compare fixtures, view rebate information, and get additional water efficiency tips. Every gallon counts, so make every drop count by choosing WaterSense.

Frequently Asked Questions About WaterSense

What is WaterSense?

WaterSense is a program sponsored by the EPA that labels water-efficient products and services. The labels make it easy to find items that save at least 20% on water use while still delivering high performance.

How do products earn the WaterSense label?

Manufacturers must have products certified by a third-party testing organization. Testing verifies that products meet the EPA’s water efficiency and performance criteria.

What types of items can be WaterSense certified?

Many products can carry the WaterSense label, including toilets, faucets, showerheads, irrigation equipment, and services like irrigation professionals and new home construction.

Where can I find WaterSense labeled products?

WaterSense models are available from most major retailers that sell plumbing fixtures, appliances, and irrigation equipment. You can search for specific items on the WaterSense website.

How much money can WaterSense fixtures save?

Savings vary based on local water rates and usage levels. However, the average family saves about $90 per year for each WaterSense labeled toilet and $70 annually for an efficient showerhead.

Are WaterSense products more expensive?

In most cases, WaterSense items have a similar upfront cost as less efficient models. The water savings start immediately, recouping any small price difference through lower utility bills.

Does the WaterSense label indicate other product attributes?

No. The WaterSense certification focuses solely on water efficiency. Other factors like design, comfort, or safety are outside its scope. You must evaluate those aspects separately.

How else can I increase water efficiency in my home?

In addition to WaterSense products, adjusting everyday usage habits – like taking shorter showers or only running full loads of laundry – is an easy way to use less water.

Conclusion

Water may seem abundant, but its limited availability makes efficiency vital. The WaterSense program offers an easy way to identify products and services that provide significant water savings. Choosing WaterSense models for common household items like toilets, faucets, showerheads, and washing machines guarantees you are doing your part to reduce water waste.

Small daily measures like turning off the tap, taking quicker showers, using appliances efficiently, and watering outdoors responsibly also provide major savings. When everyone makes simple changes to use water wisely, it has a big collective impact on preserving this precious shared resource while saving money. Visit the EPA’s WaterSense website to learn more and take the pledge to use water efficiently at home.