EPA WaterSense Program Leads to Reduced Water Use and Consumer Savings

ANSI has accredited 5 certification bodies for WaterSense certification program

According to a recent accomplishment report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPA's WaterSense program helped consumers save more than 36 billion gallons of water and $267 million on water and sewer bills in 2009. These savings, quadrupled from those in 2008, are a result of raised awareness about smart water use and WaterSense-labeled toilets, faucets, and faucet accessories.

The WaterSense program helps consumers to identify products that conserve water while maintaining high performance levels. Products certified by accredited certification bodies may carry a WaterSense label, giving consumers an easy way to identify quality, water-efficient products.

In June 2009 ANSI and the EPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mark ANSI's acceptance as an Accreditation Body (AB) to participate in the EPA WaterSense program. [see related news item] 5 certification bodies have already been accredited under this initiative.

In the accreditation process, ANSI assesses the competence of certification bodies against the requirements set forth in several documents: International Standard ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems; International Accreditation Forum - Guidance on application of ISO/IEC Guide 65; and the EPA's own requirements as defined in the WaterSense Product Certification System.

"The tremendous savings figures released by the EPA demonstrate the effectiveness of the WaterSense program in providing consumers with an easier way to save water through their purchase decisions," explained Lane Hallenbeck, ANSI vice president of accreditation services. "ANSI is proud to add value to this program through independent, third-party accreditation, as it enhances market confidence for water-efficient products, programs, and practices."

Click here to view the WaterSense 2009 Accomplishments Report.