 |
Presented in partnership
|
New EPA program looks to make sense of water efficiency
|
More than a decade after taking aim at improving energy efficiency in products ranging from washing machines to light bulbs, the EPA has turned similar attention to the issue of water efficiency — and golf courses are clearly in the agency’s sights.
WaterSense, a program launched by the EPA last June, intends to raise awareness about the importance of water efficiency and ensure the performance of water-efficient products. They’ll do this, most notably, through a labeling program for those products — which inevitably will include products dear to the hearts of superintendents, like irrigation systems and pump stations — similar to the EPA’s successful Energy Star program.
Launched in 1992, Energy Star established a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy efficient products. Computers and monitors were the first products targeted, but the list has now expanded to include most major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics and more. It’s difficult to wander through a Home Depot or Lowe’s without seeing the familiar Energy Star logo plastered on microwaves, refrigerators and household lighting.
Those behind WaterSense are hopeful this program will enjoy similar acceptance. “Efficient products and informed consumers lead to smart water use,” EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said when the program was launched last year. “(This) program will provide water solutions that are a win-win for our wallets and our environment.”
The program is clearly in its infancy. It has laid the groundwork for product labeling by first issuing WaterSense labels to a pair of Irrigation Association certification programs — the Certified Irrigation Designer and Certified Irrigation Contractor programs (see this month’s “Industry news” on Page 135 for more details).
The EPA also has set forth final specifications that high-efficiency toilets must meet to receive labeling, and has draft specifications for high-efficiency faucets currently in a review period that ends early this month.
So how and when will WaterSense make its way into the professional lives of superintendents? The first question might be easiest to answer. Clearly, superintendents facing upcoming irrigation installations can make the WaterSense label a priority when reviewing potential irrigation designers and contractors during the RFP process. And it’s logical to assume that all manner of irrigation equipment and pump stations will eventually vie for WaterSense labeling, although that process will probably first begin in the consumer markets before making its way into commercial markets.
The “when” remains a little more nebulous. When contacted about this story, officials with the EPA politely declined comment at this time, citing uncertainty about the message they wanted to convey to the golf industry about WaterSense.
But golf clearly will be a priority for this program as it matures. GCSAA officials participated in WaterSense planning discussions with the EPA in early 2006, prior to the program’s launch, and the same officials who were mum on the program for this story have promised full disclosure in GCM once they’ve finalized WaterSense’s road map for the golf industry.
Stay tuned.
In an effort to promote health and fitness to its employees, Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial joined P.F. Chang’s Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona marathon and half-marathon competition, which encourages businesses and organizations to form teams of participants. Hundreds of Ewing employees have formed corporate teams for the event over the past three years, the company says. Company employees participating in this year’s event wore the marathon slogan, “Will Rock for Water,” to promote the issue of water conservation. Other companies involved in the challenge include Honeywell and Motorola. The EPA has created a new awards program designed to recognize leadership and innovation in water efficiency. The first Water Efficiency Leader Award winners were chosen recently by a panel of national water experts based on leadership, innovation and water saved. The honored winners, which represent a wide array of industries, include the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s Smart Water Program, awarded for its initiative in conservation programming, progressive policies, aggressive education and substantial incentive programs. The State of Florida’s Water Reuse Program also was recognized for its efficient use of water on a statewide level, according to a release issued by the EPA. |
RECENT issues
 |
 |
April |
March |