Several countries have introduced or are considering water-efficiency labeling for products as a cost-effective way of influencing purchasing decisions and changing consumers’ water
usage patterns.

In an effort to bring about a change in the kind of water-using appliances people buy and how they use water, some countries are implementing legislation, including compulsory labeling of products.

In the UK, Waterwise has launched an annual water efficiency marque to help consumers choose better products. A select number of Waterwise Marques will be awarded each year to products that demonstrate superior performance.

Waterwise director Jacob Tompkins says the need to save water has been emphasized by the two-year drought in south-east England.

“This is the first scheme in the UK to highlight water-efficient bathroom, kitchen and outdoor products. Many other jurisdictions, including other European countries, Australia and the United States already provide consumers with information on water saving, and it is time for the UK to take action.

“The Waterwise Marque, once awarded, may be used by the winner to provide clear, independently endorsed point-of-sale information to the buyer, indicating that the product is particularly water efficient, is widely available on the UK market and is of good quality and design.”

In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the WaterSense program to promote water-efficient products and services. It is aimed at developing public-private partnerships to encourage water conservation among manufacturers, developers and consumers.

Under the program, product specifications will be developed and products evaluated and independently certified by a third party to ensure conformance with EPA criteria for efficiency and performance, prior to receiving the WaterSense label. There are costs for manufacturers in obtaining product certification but not for using the label or developing partnerships.

EPA assistant administrator for water Benjamin Grumbles says the program has established specifications for high-efficiency toilets and professional certification for irrigation professionals.

“Manufacturers can receive a WaterSense label for toilets that provide a flush of 1.28 gallons or less, whereas current ‘low-flow’ toilets use 1.6 gallons and older toilets can use up to six gallons.

“Toilets carrying the WaterSense label go on sale in mid-2007, and other products will follow.

“Builders that install products carrying the WaterSense label in homes can also benefit by earning points towards green building certification, as communities around the country recognize the importance of water efficiency.”

To help consumers with their purchasing decisions, products carrying the WaterSense label will be listed on the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense

California-based environmental consultant John Koeller says there are several regional programs in the US, including WaterSmart Homes for Southern Nevada (Las Vegas), Florida Water Star, California Friendly, Build-It-Green (California), and California Water Star and WaterSmart (both run by East Bay Municipal Utility District in California).

“All of these programs except California Water Star label new homes.