News Releases from Region 09

10 Years of EPA’s WaterSense Program Results in Savings of More than a Trillion Gallons of Water and Billions on Utility Bills

SAN FRANCISCO — Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the WaterSense program 10 years ago, Americans have saved $32.6 billion in water and energy costs. WaterSense has also helped save 1.5 trillion gallons of water, which is more than the amount needed to supply all of the homes in California with water for a year.

In the Pacific Southwest, more than 350 utilities, local governments, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, builders, and other organizations have partnered with EPA to produce and promote water-efficient products, programs, and homes.

“WaterSense partners are ambassadors spreading the water-efficiency message,” said Tomás Torres, EPA’s Water Division Director for the Pacific Southwest. “As we endure a fifth year of drought in the West, it’s more important than ever for consumers to choose and use water efficient products.”

WaterSense labeled products, which are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water and perform as well or better than standard models, have been on the market since 2007. Toilets were the first products to be labeled. Since then, more than 16,000 items have been added to the program, including products for residential and commercial bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and outdoor irrigation.

A partner since 2012, the Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership is proud to promote the WaterSense label and water efficiency.

“Having the WaterSense stamp on our program materials reassures our customers that the products and services we provide are of the highest water efficiency,” said Carrie Pollard, Principal Programs Specialist at the Sonoma County Water Agency. “That reassurance helps engage our community to save water.”

A partner since 2011, the San Francisco Public Utility Commission (SFPUC) uses WaterSense promotional materials and provides rebates for WaterSense labeled products.

“WaterSense’s simple and effective messaging has helped our community save water during this drought,” said SFPUC’s General Manager Harlan L. Kelly, Jr. “Happy Anniversary, WaterSense!” 

“WaterSense has been an excellent partner in reaching the public with key information on how to save water,” said Jennifer Persike, Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs for the Association of California Water Agencies. “Through our public education program, Save Our Water, we will continue to collaborate with WaterSense to make water conservation part of the California lifestyle.”

In addition to saving water, WaterSense labeled products save the energy associated with treating, pumping, and heating water. Since 2006, WaterSense labeled products saved energy equal to the amount used to power 19.4 million homes for a year, while preventing 78 million metric tons of associated greenhouse gas emissions. 

Learn more about WaterSense at www.epa.gov/watersense

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