The Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program has released its 2023 Accomplishments Report, highlighting its efforts in promoting water efficiency across various sectors. The report includes several irrigation-related initiatives.
Among the key accomplishments listed are the following:
- In 2023, WaterSense certified 625 spray sprinkler bodies and 989 irrigation controllers. These products are designed to optimize water use in irrigation systems, encouraging efficient water distribution and reducing waste.
- A draft specification was released to set water efficiency and performance criteria for spray sprinkler nozzles. This new standard aims to improve water distribution uniformity in landscapes, further enhancing water conservation efforts.
- WaterSense updated its best management practices for commercial and institutional facilities, including outdoor water use.
- Several organizations were recognized for their contributions to water conservation. Irrigation industry winners include Centerville, Utah-based Smart Rain, San Marcos, California-based Hunter Industries and Bloomington, Minnesota-based, The Toro Company.
Looking ahead to 2024, WaterSense plans to launch new resources to promote outdoor water conservation. These include a dedicated webpage for homeowners associations and tools to help homeowners adopt water-efficient landscaping practices.