CHAPEL HILL, N. Carolina - November 25 - American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation organization, today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Vanguard Homes for unveiling the nation's first water-efficient home. The WaterSense labeled home is the nation's first certified to be around 20 percent more water efficient than standard homes across the country. 

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. The WaterSense label helps consumers identify water-efficient products, just as the EnergyStar label promotes energy-efficient products. American Rivers has been an active partner with the WaterSense program serving as the only non-profit organization on its founding steering committee; supporting increased funding from its current budget of $1 million to $7.5 million (Energy Star is funded at $50 million); and advocating for the incorporation of stormwater management criteria into its WaterSense New Homes program.

American Rivers recently released the report, "Hidden Reservoir: why water efficiency is the best solution for the Southeast," calling on local governments and utilities to implement water efficient policies. Water efficiency is cost-effective, proven and timely and this WaterSense-labeled home is another great example of that. 

Peter Raabe, southeast director for government affairs and outreach for American Rivers, made the following statement:

"This water efficient home unveiled in Chapel Hill today is the home of the future. In this time of drought and economic crisis, this home is a model for how homeowners and entire communities can save both water and money."

"Water efficiency is not about asking people to shower once a week, or plant a cactus. It's about doing the same things we always do, just with less water. This home, with its low-flow showerheads, toilets, and rainwater harvesting system is a great example."

"Local communities need to follow the lead of the EPA and Vanguard Homes. In this time of economic uncertainty and tightening budgets, water efficiency is the answer for local leaders who want cheap, effective, and reliable water supply solutions.  If Raleigh implemented water efficiency it could save tens of millions of dollars. Water efficiency measures could yield up to 20 million gallons a day, a third of the region's current water consumption."

"The greatest promise for North Carolina's water supply is a policy that pursues water efficiency first and takes the necessary steps to uncover the hidden reservoirs that efficiency can provide."

"We thank the EPA and Vanguard Homes for their commitment to the WaterSense label and for helping homeowners and communities use water more wisely."