Tools & Calculators

EPA Water Budget

In December 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the final version of its voluntary WaterSense specification for newly constructed single-family homes and townhomes. The specification defines criteria for indoor and outdoor water-use efficiency that new homes must meet to qualify for the WaterSense label.

To meet the Landscape Design Criteria (Section 4.1.1), builders must comply with one of the following options:

• Option 1 – Design the landscaped area using the WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
• Option 2 – Turfgrass may not exceed 40 percent of the landscaped area.

The water budget approach allows green industry professionals to:

• Calculate a regionally-appropriate amount of water for use in the landscape.
• Take into account plant type and water needs, precipitation, and irrigation system design and water application.
• Design a site-specific, sustainable landscape that matches the water budget.

Water Budget Resources

Use the following tools for irrigation professionals to position yourself as a resource to homebuilders and the landscape industry:

• Review EPA resources for WaterSense-labeled single-family new homes.
• Learn how to use the water budget tool.
• Download the water budget worksheets.
• Listen to an IA webinar on using the water budget, including Q&A.