 When building a new home, EnviroCitizen.org has noticed that many prospective homeowners choose green, sustainable homes. Energy efficiency and sustainable materials are some areas that are highly scrutinized by environmentalists. Water use is another major area that a sustainable home is built to reduce. Water Sense labeled new homes are designed to reduce water use indoors as well as outdoors and will include tools to educate homeowners about water efficiency. When buying or building a new home, looking for a home with the EPA Water Sense label means that over 10,000 gallons of water are saved in a year.
Water wise homes will combine water conserving products with other water-efficient fixtures and practices to reduce the amount of water used. This can mean special aerated toilets and faucets. Water wise homes will incorporate a hot water distribution system that decreases the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the faucet or shower. Waiting for hot water wastes thousands of gallons of water per year. The pipes are also insulated so that heat does not escape from the pipes and therefore, less energy is used. Homes with the Water Sense label take water-saving measures a little further. Pressure regulator valves are typically installed downstream of the water meter to reduce the pressure of the water going into the home. This reduces the maximum water flow from fixtures and the likelihood of leaking pipes and hoses, saving wasted water and money.
Builders will have the option of developing an outdoor "water budget" and planning accordingly, ensuring that the landscaping is designed efficiently. Since two thirds of a home's water use is outdoors, a well-planned water wise home will use a water irrigation system that requires less water through use of ground moisture sensors and automated water timers as well as using less water intake. For a home to earn the Water Sense label on its outdoor water use, it must be installed and audited by Water Sense irrigation partners to ensure efficiency.
The Water Wise program for homes is entering its final stages. It focuses in on how much water can be saved in a home and ways to implement water conservation. Right now, the goal is 20 percent. At this level of efficiency, households can save more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. Water Sense labeled new homes will also offer significant energy savings, due to the reduced amount of hot water used. As technology and personal water usage patterns improve, water conservation tactics are improving. EnviroCitizen.org knows that water conservation is an important thing to consider when living a green lifestyle. Try looking for a Water Wise home for your next home purchase if at all possible.
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