Trump EPA to overhaul WaterSense program

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin said his agency under the Trump administration intends to overhaul the WaterSense labeling program for water-efficient products.

 

"The Biden Admin weaponized energy efficiency rules to restrict consumer choice with home appliances,” Zeldin wrote on X on Feb. 14, adding that his agency will modify the program in an effort to help reduce the cost of living and appliance prices for Americans.

 

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA, and is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for encouraging and assisting in conservation.

 

The WaterSense program was launched in 2006. At the time, former EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, led efforts to get the program started.

WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. The program has resulted in more than 45,900 labeled toilets, faucets, faucet accessories, showerheads, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies; and more than 10,000 WaterSense labeled homes.

 

More than 2,200 utilities, communities, manufacturers, home builders, retailers, and other organizations have partnered with WaterSense to create and promote toilets, faucets, showerheads, spray sprinkler bodies, irrigation controllers, and homes that are independently certified to use less water while maintaining performance.

 

Canada does not have it’s own water efficiency labeling program, and instead recognizes the WaterSense label. CWWA’s water efficiency committee has long supported the labeling system, and are monitoring the situation and will work with partners at the Alliance for Water Efficiency to promote the continuation of the program in whatever way we can.