Washington, D.C. -- In 2009, EPA’s WaterSense program helped consumers save more than 36 billion gallons of water and $267 million on their water and sewer bills. That’s nearly four times as much water as consumers saved with WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and faucet accessories in 2008. "By raising awareness about the value of smart water use, the WaterSense program encourages consumers to take environmental action into their own hands," said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. "WaterSense labeled products provide Americans another opportunity to keep the country moving towards a green economy."

EPA created WaterSense in 2006 as a voluntary program to label products that are at least 20 percent more water efficient and perform as well as or better than standard models. WaterSense labels toilets, bathroom faucets and faucet accessories, flushing urinals, new homes, and, most recently, residential showerheads. WaterSense also certifies programs for irrigation professionals. With about 17 percent of all residential indoor water use in the United States going to showering, replacing a water-hogging showerhead with a WaterSense labeled model can save enough water each year to wash more than two months’ worth of laundry. Like all WaterSense labeled products, showerheads must be independently tested and certified to meet EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria before they can earn the label.

With the addition of showerheads, consumers can now renovate their bathrooms with a full suite of WaterSense labeled products. A bathroom remodel that includes a WaterSense labeled toilet, faucet, and showerhead will not only conserve water, but also save enough electricity each year to run a refrigerator for two months and save about $60 in utility bills.

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes and services.

More information on WaterSense labeled showerheads: www.epa.gov/watersense/products/showerheads.html

To view the WaterSense accomplishments report: www.epa.gov/watersense/about_us/program_accomplishments.html