Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resources Use Act ... - Iapmo

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Codification allows EPA program managers and supporters to call on resources to expand program activities. ➢ DIRECTS T
Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resources Use Act of 2015 WaterSense is an EPA partnership program that seeks to secure the future of our nation's water supply by offering consumers an easy way to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services. The program simplifies consumers’ ability to locate and purchase water-efficient products by awarding a label backed by third party certification. WaterSense-labeled products are 20 percent more water-efficient and perform as well as or better than standard models. It is estimated that if one in every 10 homes in the United States installed WaterSenselabeled faucets or faucet accessories in their bathrooms, it would amount to 6 billion gallons of water saved and would reduce energy costs to supply, heat, and treat that water by more than $50 million. The WaterSense program allows us to realize water savings on a national level and achieve water efficiency through multiple technologies.

Key Components of the Legislation  FORMALIZES AND CODIFIES EPA’s WATERSENSE PROGRAM  Formalizes the WaterSense program and directs the EPA Administrator to establish and maintain water-efficiency standards, promote the WaterSense label, review and update WaterSense specifications, and provide information to the public.  Codification allows EPA program managers and supporters to call on resources to expand program activities.

 DIRECTS THE FEDERAL PROCUREMENT OF WATER-EFFICIENT PRODUCTS  Directs federal agencies to procure products labeled under EPA’s WaterSense program or designated under DOE’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP).  Codifies existing policy requirements, providing certainty and greater permanence to federal agencies’ role in moving towards water-efficiency.

 WATER-EFFICIENT PRODUCTS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS  Authorizes the EPA to provide assistance to state, local, or tribal governments; wastewater, water, or energy utilities; or nonprofit organizations to support incentive programs for residential water-efficient products or services.  Incentivizes consumers to purchase and install residential water efficient products or services  Authorizes $450 million over 5 years.

Background WaterSense is a voluntary labeling and recognition program created by EPA in 2006 as a companion to Energy Star, which is a similar program administered by EPA and the DOE. While Energy Star is authorized by law (Energy Policy Act of 2005; 42 U.S.C. § 6295), WaterSense remains an EPA administrative initiative with recent appropriations equaling less than $5 million annually. While other legislative efforts have previously attempted to codify the WaterSense program and provide similar incentive programs, this bill actually provides the statutory mandate for federal procurement of water-efficient products and will authorize incentive programs at sustainable funding levels. Supporting Organizations: High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition, Alliance for Water Efficiency; American Rivers; River Network; International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), StemHero, WaterDM *If you have any questions or wish to cosponsor this legislation, please contact Daniel Greene in Rep. Matt Cartwright’s office at x-55546 or [email protected].