NAHB suggestions for improving the EPA's water efficiency program were submitted as public comments to the EPA last week. Builder members of NAHB have been participating in a pilot program based on the agency's draft specification for water efficiency in new single-family homes, which will be used to designate "WaterSense" homes. (WaterSense is the two-year-old counterpart to the well-known Energy Star program, and it rates products for water efficiency).

"First and foremost, NAHB and its members believe that the WaterSense label must be clearly defined and recognized as an above-code and voluntary program," we told the EPA, adding that, "While the program can provide important incentives for builders to install water-saving devices in the homes they build, product availability, cost considerations, the availability of WaterSense partners and verifiers, and consumer demand will ultimately dictate participation."

NAHB concerns with the draft program, reported in greater detail in last week's NBN Online, pertain to water pressure issues in homes served by private well systems, cost-benefit considerations related to insulation requirements for hot water pipes, landscaping criteria that may differ from the specifications of local jurisdictions and the prohibition of ornamental water features. Our letter also requested clarification on the WaterSense certification process, on the role of WaterSense-qualified irrigation installation contractors and on storm water management issues.

NAHB now looks forward to the release of a second draft of the so-called "Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification." Contact: Calli Schmidt, 800-368-5242 x8132. [Return to top]