WaterSense: ENERGY STAR for Water Conservation

In June, the US Environmental Protection Agency launched WaterSense, an initiative similar to its very successful ENERGY STAR program. Like ENERGY STAR, WaterSense is a voluntary public-private partnership that aims to educate consumers and commercial water users about available conservation technologies, and to label products that make the most efficient use of the resource. While the program is still researching products for certification, its web site notes that, once operational, consumers will be able to look for the WaterSense label on the following classes of products:

Bathroom faucets
Weather-based irrigation controllers
Soil moisture sensors
Drip irrigation
Commercial toilets, faucets, laundries, etc.
Autoclave water valves

While products recommendations aren't available, information is: the WaterSense site has numerous practical tips available for anyone looking to reduce their water consumption (and, perhaps, their water bill). Additionally, users can play with a game/quiz that tests knowledge of water conservation within the context of a Pac-Man-like maze chase. As water conservation is becoming a critical issue for many US communities, its good to see the EPA adding this resource to the growing body of information on the topic tailored to consumers. ::EPA WaterSense