Evanston Becomes Partner in EPA's WaterSense Program

Evanston is one of 16 Illinois communities to take part in the Community Climate Change Initiative which the EPA launched in 2009, calling on communities to join one of six EPA climate change partnership
programs: Energy Star Challenge, WasteWise, WaterSense, Combined Heat
and Power, Green Power Partnership, and Landfill Methane Outreach
Program.

Evanston became an official partner by joining the Energy Star Challenge as well as the new WaterSense Program. WaterSense is a new program developed by the EPA. 

“Being part of the WaterSense program is a logical step for the City of Evanston due to our deep commitment to sustainability,” said Dave Stoneback, Superintendent of Water. “This program will help
residential and business customers alike conserve water and save money
doing so.”

Similar to EnergyStar, which is for energy efficient appliances, WaterSense applies to water efficient fixtures.  However, the WaterSense rating does not just mean “low-flow”, all products are
rigorously tested to be high performance as well.

In 2008, consumers saved 9.3 billion gallons of water and 1 billion kWh through use of WaterSense labeled products which equated to a $55 million savings just on water bills alone.

"Replacing an older existing toilet with a WaterSense labeled toilet can save over 4000 gallons per year," explained Stoneback. "At our current water rates, that is $29 a year." 

Installing a WaterSense faucet can save 500 gallons a year over a conventional faucet.  Not only will you save on your water bill, but you will save on electricity or gas from not having to heat the
extra water. There are over 430 labeled models of toilets and 1500
labeled models of faucets. Calculate your own potential water savings
by using the WaterSense Savings Calculator.