Look for the WaterSense Label and Save

The WaterSense label on faucets, shower heads and toilets means they are at least 20% more efficient than average.

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By Dan Shapley

When shopping for faucets, toilets and shower heads, look for the WaterSense label from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Like the better-known Energy Star label, the WaterSense label is all about conserving resources. Instead of energy, the focus here is on saving water. You'll find the label on a variety of plumbing equipment from some of the biggest manufacturers in the business: Kohler, Delta Faucet, Hansgrohe, American Standard and Crane. While only faucets, shower heads and toilets (including urinals) are rated for efficiency now, the EPA is setting standards for water softeners, pre-rinse spray valves and landscape irrigation controllers.

And, of course, you'll save money, as well as water. The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, according to the EPA, which estimates that you can cut that bill by one-third by conserving water. In many states, there are rebates available for purchasing WaterSense products that can cut the upfront cost of replacing a fixture.

According to the EPA, the average American home uses more water for flushing the toilet than running the shower. A family of four could save 16,000 gallons of water a year by replacing its traditional toilet with a high-efficiency model, a big savings in dollars as well as droplets. All WaterSense products are at least 20% more efficient than the average product in their category.

search for WaterSense products at epa.gov/watersense.

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