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WaterSense Labeled Homes: The Basics

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  • Version 2.0 Update: As of January 1, 2022, homes must meet the requirements of the WaterSense Specification for Homes, Version 2.0 to earn the WaterSense label. Learn more about the specification.

Green building has grown from a niche market to a savvy business strategy. WaterSense labeled homes meet consumers’ demand for a whole-house solution to help them save water, energy, and money while maintaining a high level of performance. Some of the benefits of WaterSense labeled homes may include:

  • Savings that Perform—WaterSense labeled fixtures are independently certified to use less water and perform as well or better than standard models.

  • Peace of Mind—Trained professionals conduct independent inspections to ensure that WaterSense labeled homes meet EPA’s criteria, so you can be sure the homes perform well and save water.

  • ​Faster Hot Water—Efficient plumbing distribution systems get hot water to the tap faster, so you waste less time, water, and energy.   ► Learn more about Hot Water Distribution Product and System Design Solutions.

  • Outdoor Ease—High-performing landscapes are designed to be low-maintenance and water-efficient without sacrificing curb appeal. WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers help homeowners water smarter.  ► Learn more about Landscape Design and Irrigation Solutions.

What's in a WaterSense Labeled Home?

WaterSense labeled homes must be at least 30 percent more water-efficient than typical new construction. Under the Homes Certification System, a home is verified and certified to meet EPA’s Mandatory Checklist and achieve EPA’s water efficiency criteria demonstrating that the home will use at least 30 percent less water than a typical home. Each Home Certification Organization (HCO) uses its own WaterSense Approved Certification Method (WACM) to measure this. When paired with a mandatory checklist, the requirements of the WACM ensure that a WaterSense labeled home is both water-efficient and high-performing.  Learn more about the types of water-efficient fixtures, systems, and practices that a WaterSense labeled home can include in our Technical Reference Manual. Some of the features EPA evaluates when approving a WACM include: 

Delivering on Efficiency Across the Country 

The flexibility offered by the WaterSense specification means that labeled homes can deliver on water efficiency anywhere in the country. WaterSense labeled homes can serve as a strategic tool for land use planners, water district managers, and others seeking to protect existing water resources while meeting new housing needs. EPA developed the following fact sheet to illustrate how WaterSense labeled homes can be used as a tool for water and land use planning.

WaterSense labeled homes maximize efficiency at the lowest-cost intervention point (i.e., when the home is designed and built). Builders can choose from many indoor and outdoor water-efficient features to meet the 30 percent efficiency threshold. EPA has developed fact sheets to communicate the benefits of WaterSense labeled homes and how they deliver on water efficiency and performance in different regions across the country. Builders, water utilities, community planners, and other interested parties can learn how much water a WaterSense labeled home can save in the following regions compared to a typical home or one that only installs WaterSense labeled products.

The Journal AWWA featured the results of a pilot study conducted in collaboration with the Southern Nevada Water Authority of water use in WaterSense labeled homes in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. The pilot results showed that WaterSense labeled homes are indeed saving water – an average of 44,000 gallons per year per household, which translates to a reduction in water use of 45 percent. Read more about the study in an article from the May 2022 issue - Assessing Water Use in WaterSense-Labeled Homes and Quantifying the Savings (pdf) (8.96 MB) (Reprinted from Journal AWWA, Vol. 114., No. 4 May 2022, by permission). Copyright 2022, American Water Works Association. Permission to reproduce this document is granted for informational purposes only and does not represent or imply approval or endorsement by AWWA of any particular product or service.

Ready to Get Started?

​Adding the WaterSense label—an independent certification for both water savings and performance—helps assure home buyers in a competitive market where third-party certifications matter and consumers are looking for a choice in efficient homes. You can open the door to savings with WaterSense labeled homes. Here’s how:

  1. Partner with WaterSense: Partnership is free and required for any builder who wants to earn the WaterSense label. Join with WaterSense.

  2. Collaborate with Your Team: Work with your trades, vendors, and verifiers or inspectors to make sure your home will meet the WaterSense specification. WaterSense provides tools and resources to help.

  3. Build, Get Verified, and Earn the Label: Discuss WaterSense with your existing verifiers, energy raters, and/or certification providers—they might already be able to provide technical assistance, plan your verification, and help you get the home certified to earn the WaterSense label. Learn more about the WaterSense labeled homes specification and the benefits of verifying and certifying your home under the Homes Certification system.

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Last updated on September 12, 2024