EPA Extends WaterSense New Home Comment Period

Landscape and irrigation professionals who have not yet had a chance to comment on the WaterSense program's draft specification for single-family new homes now have more time. Officials have extended the public comment period for the draft specification for single-family new homes an additional 45 days.

Green industry association leaders have encouraged contractors to review and comment on the specifications because the proposed criteria -- including reducing lawn sizes, requiring specific irrigation components and prohibiting ornamental water features -- may affect their businesses.

The draft specification for water-efficient single-family new homes provides the criteria new homes will need to meet to be certified and labeled under the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program. WaterSense-labeled new homes will combine WaterSense-labeled products with other water-efficient fixtures and practices to reduce the amount of water used by approximately 20 percent, the EPA says. Homes must meet criteria in three areas: indoor water use, outdoor water use and homeowner education. The agency will give homes a WaterSense label based on assessments by third-party inspectors.

To comment on the draft specification, e-mail watersense-newhomes@erg.com. All comments become part of the public record.