NAHB is preparing comments on the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s draft specifications spelling out the new WaterSense program.

The voluntary program would label new homes that include a variety of water-efficient products, fixtures, and practices required to earn the WaterSense label.

The specifications resemble the voluntary Energy Star® program that rates homes for energy efficiency. And like Energy Star, WaterSense-rated products can earn builders and remodelers points under the National Green Building Standard.

To earn the WaterSense label, the homes would need to include WaterSense-rated rated toilets and faucets, Energy Star-rated dishwashers and clothes washers, measures to reduce maximum water flow from fixtures, and insulated hot-water pipes, according to the draft specifications.

Outdoors, the yard must be landscaped using plants requiring less water, including less turf, and any irrigation systems must be installed by a WaterSense-approved contractor.

According to an EPA press release, WaterSense-rated homes are designed to be 20% more efficient and save more than 10,000 gallons of water per year than traditional, non-rated homes.

EPA hopes to finalize the program, including third-party certification methodology, by early next year.  Additional information is available by contacting NAHB Green Building Standards Manager Kevin Morrow at 800-368-5242, ext. 8375.