EPA Water Efficiency Initiative
August 2006
In the summer of 2002, the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) began to investigate ways to enhance the market for water-efficient
products as a potential program to respond to the growing demands placed on
America's water supplies and water infrastructure systems. The plan was developed
to create specific steps towards advancing a national, voluntary, market-based
program for promoting water-efficient products, beginning with a series of
meetings of key stakeholders.
Desert Spring Products was invited to speak at one of these meetings that
took place in Seattle April 13-14, 2004. Our CEO, Peter VanderPlaat made
a presentation centered
on creating the link for action between humidifiers and water conservation.
The presentation also demonstrated the large gap in water efficiency between
traditional flow-through units and our own Rotary Disc technology.
On June 12, 2006 USEPA administrator Stephen Johnson announced the launch
of WaterSense, the agency’s new voluntary public-private partnership
with a mission to promote and enhance the market for water efficient products
and services. According to the EPA, “The WaterSense program aims to
raise awareness about the importance of water efficiency, ensure the performance
of water-efficient products and provide good consumer information. The WaterSense
label will be easily identified on products and services that perform at least
20 percent more efficiently than their less efficient counterparts.”
While its initial focus is on water efficient toilets and household irrigation
systems, humidifiers are on the list of products identified for certification
to future EPA criteria for water efficiency and performance. In addition,
products will be independently tested to ensure EPA specifications are met.
For more information on WaterSense contact Jennifer Wood, (202) 564-4355 /
wood.jennifer@epa.gov
Desert Spring Products is committed to being an active member in this
process as it moves forward. We encourage you to write us and let us
know your thoughts.
Send your comments to: waterefficiency@desertspringproducts.com
