WaterSense^®

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to save water and protect the environment. Look for the WaterSense label to choose high quality, water-efficient products. Many products are available and do not require a change in your lifestyle. The WaterSense website is an excellent resource for information about water-efficient products and standards.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Florida Water Star program is a WaterSense partner and, when possible, uses the standards that WaterSense recommends to offer builders and homeowners universal standards for achieving water efficiency.

In December 2009, EPA released its WaterSense Single-Family New Home Specification, creating the first national, voluntary certification for water-efficient new homes. Having gained insights with the development of Florida Water Star, the District assisted EPA by providing input on program development and implementation. Florida Water Star differs from the national program in that it is designed specifically for Florida, where lawn and landscape irrigation can account for more than half of residential water use.

WaterSense is designed to complement existing green building programs, such as Florida Water Star. WaterSense will benefit builders and homeowners by providing additional options for those seeking to participate in a water conservation certification program. The availability of both federal and regional home water conservation certification programs creates a larger menu of choices for builders and homeowners.