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Making Sense of WaterSense: What It Is and How It Works

When looking for more efficient plumbing fixtures, knowing which options provide the best value for the environment and your utility bill is sometimes tricky. What’s a WaterSense toilet anyway, and will it help you save on your water bill?

Finding a WaterSense label on faucets and other fixtures indicates a high-quality faucet that meets federally recommended low-flow and performance standards. This information is invaluable in regions that have strict water conservation regulations. 

What Is WaterSense?

WaterSense is a voluntary program spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program helps consumers choose water-efficient products that save water and energy. When you purchase a WaterSense showerhead, toilet, or other fixture, you can be confident that the product's water-saving features won’t interfere with performance. 

How Does the WaterSense Program Work?

Companies that wish to label their products as WaterSense-compliant sign an agreement with the EPA to produce water-efficient products. Faucets, showerheads, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures must exceed the average water flow rate by at least 20% and meet third-party certification to verify the company’s claims. The arrangement is similar to the Energy Star program for appliances and electronic devices.

The required efficiency level may change as new water-conserving innovations become available. As of 2016, the EPA listed faucets that put out no more than 1.5 gallons per minute as sufficient for a WaterSense label. The average flow rate for faucets then was 2.2 gallons per minute.

Types of WaterSense Products

WaterSense products include household faucets and irrigation products. Examples of WaterSense products include: 

  • Toilets: A WaterSense toilet uses 1.2 gallons per flush or less. Find out more here. 
  • Showerheads: WaterSense showerheads have a maximum flow rate of 2.0 gallons a minute at 80 PSI. 
  • Faucets: Faucets with a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gpm meet WaterSense standards. 
  • Aerators: Designed to reduce water flow, WaterSense aerators can be installed on existing faucets. 
  • Commercial Urinals: WaterSense urinals use 0.5 gallons or less per flush. 

Benefits of Choosing WaterSense-Labeled Products

WaterSense products boast a 20% boost in water efficiency, but what does this translate to in real life? Here’s a look at the impact of WaterSense on the average family home:

  • By improving their water efficiency by 20%, the average family can cut its annual water consumption by 700 gallons.
  • If WaterSense fixtures were the norm, the collective reduction in water consumption across the U.S. could total $1.2 billion in savings each year.
  • The EPA estimates a potential national savings of $350 million on water utility bills as the use of WaterSense products increases. 

Products bearing the WaterSense label:

  • Perform as well or better than their less water-efficient counterparts.
  • Are 20% more water efficient than average products in that category.
  • Realize water savings on a national level.
  • Provide measurable water savings results.
  • Achieve water efficiency through several technology options.

How to Identify WaterSense Products

Only WaterSense products can use the WaterSense label on their packaging. Look for the label on toilets, showerheads, faucets, and irrigation equipment. 

How to Maximize Water Efficiency

WaterSense products do an excellent job of improving your water efficiency, but you can reduce your water usage even more by following these simple tips: 

  • Regularly check for and repair leaks from toilets, faucets, and pipes. 
  • Turn off the water as you brush your teeth or shave. 
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. 
  • Only flush toilet paper and human waste. 
  • Water gardens early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation.
  • Use drip irrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots. 
  • Use a bucket instead of a hose for washing cars.
  • Plant drought-resistant plants.
  • Monitor your water bill to identify water use. Smart water monitors make this easier. 

WaterSense Just Makes Sense

WaterSense helps people meet local water conservation requirements while saving money on their utility bills, all without compromising performance. It’s a win-win for anyone who needs to improve their water efficiency. If you need help installing a WaterSense toilet, showerhead, or other fixture, call a plumber from Roto-Rooter- we’ll help you control your water usage!

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