WaterSense The Next Decade Stephanie Tanner U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense Lead Engineer International Emerging Technology Symposium May 11, 2016
EPA and WaterSense the why and what Water shortages expected in 40 states Communities face major infrastructure investments Consumers challenged by rising utility bills Much of water used outdoors is wasted 2006 Identify high-performing technology Promote water efficient behavior/action Help consumers save money Reduce need to expand infrastructure capacity Save water for critical needs
Savings Add Up! 2006 through 2014 3
WaterSense Resources Facility level water savings with BMPs for design, O&M, retrofit, and replacement phases Practices Specific fixtures and technologies save water Products People Partners reach users to change behavior
WaterSense Labeled Products More than 17,000 Labeled Product Models Flushing Urinals Lavatory Faucets Irrigation Controllers Pre-rinse Sprayers New! Flushometer- Valve Toilets Tank-Type Toilets Showerheads New Homes Water factors are also included in many ENERGY STAR qualified products
Water Scarcity is a Reality Weather patterns change, but drought continues Apr 2015 Apr 2016 Apr 2014
The Need for Water Efficiency Our national thirst for water is increasing Demand coupled with climate change will increase stresses on water supplies Water utilities may need to invest more than $700 billion to update aging infrastructure in the next 20 years
Incidence of Water Bourne Illness Etiology of 885 drinking water associated outbreaks, by year United States, 1971 2012* Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6431a2.htm 5/12/2016 8
Historical Lessons Learned Sick Building Syndrome Oil embargo drove energy efficiency improvements Building envelopes were made more airtight Ventilation rates were reduced HVAC systems were redesigned or replaced Unintended Consequences Led to high VOC and other pollutant levels in indoor work spaces Occupants began feeling sick or fatigued New IAQ strategies were needed to address the unintended consequences Low VOC materials Improved ventilation standards 9
Can we avoid a water Syndemic Synergistic Intertwining of Problems 10
Addressing the Challenges Developing an integrated approach to balance water efficiency, health and safety, and viability of plumbing and building systems Evaluating reducing efficiency of existing WaterSense specifications Coordinating with California regarding appliance efficiency regulations Chairing an ASME/CSA committee to discuss implications of minimum flow rate requirements for lavatory faucets Evaluating minimum flush volumes and flow rates Co-chairing an ASME/CSA committee with a variety of stakeholders to evaluate the need for minimum efficiency standards for plumbing products 11
WaterSense Specifications v. 2.0? Product Category WaterSense Commission California Energy Tank-Type Toilets 1.28 gpf with at least 350 grams of waste removed Lavatory Faucets Showerheads 1.5 gpm at 60 psi (no less than 0.8 gpm at 20 psi) 2.0 gpm at 80 psi (no less than 60% of maximum flow rate at 20 psi) 1.28 gpf with at least 350 grams of waste removed 1.2 gpm at 60 psi 1.8 gpm at 80 psi Flushing Urinals 0.5 gpf 0.125 gpf Kitchen Faucets N/A 1.8 gpm at 60 psi, with optional temporary flow rate up to 2.2 gpm 12
RP3 Schedule for Product Evaluation Complete 2016/2017 2018 and Beyond Irrigation Weather-based Controllers Soil Moisture-based controllers High-efficiency nozzles Professional Certification Programs Pressure Regulating Bodies Residential Products Tank-Type Toilets Faucets Tub Spout Diverters Kitchen Faucets Tank-Type Toilets v2.0 Showerheads v2.0 Showerheads Lavatory Faucets v2.0 Commercial Products Flushing Urinals Flushometer-Valve Toilets Metering Faucets Flushing Urinals v2.0 Dipper Wells Pre-Rinse Sprayers Other Single and multifamily Homes Additional Professional Certifications 13
Slide 13 RP3 Stephanie, a chart similar to this was included in the last IETS slides. Would you like us to keep this in? I updated it based on what we discussed will be over the next few years, but not sure if you want to actually say anything about toilets and showerheads. Robert Pickering, 5/2/2016
End Uses of Water Domestic 56% of U.S. Public Water Supply Commercial 17% of U.S. Public Water Supply Toilets, 16% Faucets, 13% Showers, 13% Clothes washers, 11% Leaks, 9% Outdoor, 33% Bath, 2% Other, 3% Dishwasher, 1% Adapted from Water Research Foundation Residential End Uses of Water, Version 2, 2016 and USGS s Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2010 14
Introduction to the Systems Strategy Products Systems WaterSense Label Best Management Practice Design-Driven System Integrated System Outreach and marketing materials, fact sheets. Design guidance Integrated approach 15
Design Driven Systems Examples include: Hot water distribution systems Commercial food disposals Vehicle wash systems Xeriscaping Micro(drip) irrigation Prioritize based on: Maturity of existing guidance Potential national water savings Research and promote existing design guidelines prepared by other stakeholders Develop new design guidelines, if appropriate
Integrated Systems Some complex water using systems may not be conducive to labeling, but provide significant opportunity for water savings, e.g.: Heating Cooling Graywater systems Pool/spas Vehicle wash systems Water use may be influenced by multiple aspects such as: Initial design Multiple components working together Control and monitoring User operations and maintenance 17
Integrated Approach to Integrated Systems How do we influence the influencers of water use? Utilize integrated approach and existing framework WaterSense labeled products BMP development and promotion Design guidance Professional certifications Other technical training and education Framework for engaging and educating utilities and other promotional partners 18
Cooling Case Study Influencers of water use: Design of the system Design of the facility Component selection Control mechanisms Operations and maintenance
Cooling System Case Study Promote and develop design guidance for systems and facilities Build on existing guidance, coordinate with engaged stakeholder base (ENERGY STAR, ASHRAE, Cooling Tower Institute, etc.) Integrate health and safety considerations Promote efficient components and controls Drift eliminators Overflow alarm Effective valves Engage and educate professionals Conductivity controller Make-up meter Blowdown meter Chemical feed controller Trainings, CEUs, labeled professional certification programs 20
Water Use Optimization Strategy Products Systems WaterSense Label Best Management Practice Design-Driven System Integrated System Outreach and marketing materials, fact sheets. Design guidance Integrated approach Buildings Benchmark 21
Program Challenges How do we: gauge program success? quantify impact and savings? manage health and safety impacts? engage system influencers? collect data to benchmark other sectors? develop other metrics of efficiency? 22
Questions? E-mail: tanner.stephanie@epa.gov Website: www.epa.gov/watersense Helpline: (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) 23