WaterSense is a new program developed by the EPA. Launched in 2006, WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. The City of Evanston is an official partner of the WaterSense program.

What is WaterSense?

Similar to Energy Star, which is for energy efficient appliances, WaterSense applies to water efficient fixtures. However, the WaterSense rating does not just mean "low-flow", all products are rigorously tested to be high performance as well!

What types of products are WaterSense labeled?

Currently, for residential users there are WaterSense rated fixtures available in toilets and bathroom faucets. The EPA is working on developing the product rating for showerheads, but because of the rigorous testing of products for performance, they will not be available until later this year.

On the commercial side, WaterSense labeled products are already available for urinals and pre-rinse spray valves and more are in the pipeline.

WaterSense has also recently released a specification to certify new homes and technology for irrigation systems is under development.

Will WaterSense products really save me money?

In 2008, consumers saved 9.3 billion gallons of water and 1 billion kWh through the use of WaterSense labeled products. That's $55 million just on water bills!

Replacing an older existing toilet with a WaterSense labeled toilet can save over 4000 gallons per year. At our current rates, that's $29/year!

Installing a WaterSense faucet can save 500 gallons/year over a conventional faucet. Not only will you save on your water bill, but you will save on electricity or gas from not having to heat the extra water.

There are over 430 labeled models of toilets and 1500 labeled models of faucets.

Where can I get more information?

More information can be found at the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense.