Statement From American Water Works Association on EPA WaterSense Specifications for High Efficiency Toilets

DENVER, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced criteria to be used to certify high-efficiency, high-performing toilets under WaterSense, EPA’s Water Efficiency Program. WaterSense, first announced during AWWA’s 2006 Annual Conference and Exposition in San Antonio in June 2006, is designed to improve the market for water efficient products and practices. Jack Hoffbuhr, executive director of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), issued the following statement in support of this program.

“We all play an essential role in respecting and conserving our water resources. An Awwa Research Foundation report showed that toilets account for nearly 27 percent of indoor water use. Households can reduce indoor water use by as much as 35 percent by employing conservation measures such installing high-efficiency toilets.

“Water consumers play an important role in assuring the continued availability of their community supplies. The devices consumers choose for indoor and outdoor water use will significantly impact the availability of water for generations to come.

“AWWA believes EPA’s WaterSense program is an innovative way to help consumers choose high-efficiency devices with confidence.”

AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.

American Water Works Association

CONTACT: Greg Kail of the American Water Works Association,+1-303-734-3410, gkail@awwa.org