Washington, D.C. — EPA’s WaterSense program just released a draft specification for water-efficient single-family new homes that will help homebuyers save water inside and out. Building on the success of the WaterSense labeled products such as toilets and faucets, the draft specification provides the criteria new homes will need to meet to be certified and labeled under the WaterSense program in the future. The specification for New Homes is designed to ensure not only sustainable, efficient water use but also a high level of user performance satisfaction.

Once the draft specification is final and builders start participating, WaterSense labeled new homes could reduce homeowners’ water use by as much as 20 percent. In addition to WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets, these new homes may include dishwashers and clothes washers with the ENERGY STAR label and will incorporate a water distribution system that reduces the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach its destination — waiting for the water to warm up is one of the primary reasons that residential consumers waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Pressure regulator valves, water-saving landscaping, and efficient irrigation systems are among other WaterSense labeled new homes criteria that could allow homeowners to save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year.

In addition to water savings, WaterSense labeled new homes will increase energy efficiency and cost savings. By using more efficient products, these homes will demand less energy to pump, heat, and treat water, which translates directly into cost savings. If the 1.4 million new homes built each year in the United States followed WaterSense specifications, they could save more than 15 billion gallons of water and approximately $21 billion in energy costs annually.

The draft specification for new homes is currently undergoing public review and is expected to be finalized in the coming year, while EPA is also developing a network of inspectors to support the program. Once this happens, homebuilders and developers will be invited to partner with WaterSense and build homes that can be certified to receive the WaterSense label.

For more information or questions about the WaterSense new homes labeling specification, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/newhomes.