Across the country, our growing population is putting stress on available water supplies. Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population nearly doubled. However, in that same period, public demand for water more than tripled! A typical American now uses an average of 100 gallons of water each day—enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses! This increased demand has put additional stress on water supplies and distribution systems, threatening both human health and the environment.

 

There's a reason that water has become a national priority. A recent government survey showed at least 36 states (including Georgia) are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013. But by using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations, save money, and protect the environment. In 2009, HRWC completed the required paperwork to become a WaterSense Promotional Partner.

 

WaterSense is a relatively new program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designed to make it easier for Americans to save water. The goal of the WaterSense program is to reduce unnecessary water consumption, thus reducing water and wastewater infrastructure costs and preserving our water resources for future generations. Much like EnergyStar, the WaterSense program labels products that are more efficient. WaterSense, however, labels products that conserve water and helps raise awareness of the importance of water efficiency. In the case of hot water, saving water also means saving energy!

 

Products that are already sporting the WaterSense label include bathroom sink faucets, showerheads, high-efficiency toilets and urinals, and certain landscape irrigation systems. Guidelines are currently under development for pre-rinse spray values used for dishwashing in commercial kitchens.

 

Visit EPA’s WaterSense web site for more information: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/

 

Other Resources:

 

HRWC WaterSense presentation (3.7 MB pdf)

Water Conservation Fact Sheet (pdf)