Opportunities to Reduce Water Consumption in New Construction Homes
With rising water costs, more prevalent and longer droughts, and lack of access to water as a limiter to growth water conservation is a key topic for Colorado.
Published June 21, 2023
Take the First Step on Your Water Conservation Journey
Below are 5 steps that any home builder can take to reduce water consumption in new homes across Front Range Colorado.
1. Install ENERGY STAR Appliances
ENERGY STAR labeled products are known for saving customers energy but they are also designed to save water in the process. ENERGY STAR clothes washer use 30% less water than a typical clothes washer for over 2,000 gallons in annual savings for a typical family1. ENERGY STAR dishwashers use less than 3.5 gallons of water per cycle and can save over 3,800 gallons over its lifetime compared to a typical dishwasher.2 Combined these appliances can provide significant energy and water savings to home buyers with minimal cost increases.
2. Structure Plumbing to Reduce Hot Water Waste
An average home wastes more than 3,600 gallons per year waiting for hot water to arrive at the point of use.3 Reducing the distance between the water heater and fixtures will not only reduce the amount of water and energy wasted it will also reduce the amount of time a client has to wait. Focusing on reducing distances, pipe sizes, and volume of water stored in pipes can impact all of these areas. Impacting hot water distribution is something that must be focused on during design and in construction to make sure that the shortest possible pipe runs are installed in the home. EnergyLogic recommends looking at the WaterSense Guide for Efficient Hot Water Delivery System to learn more about improving hot water delivery.4
3. Limit Turf Area and Maximize Native or Adapted Plants
Outdoor water use can significantly dwarf indoor water use for homes in the arid West. Colorado’s low and infrequent annual precipitation requires irrigation for any meaningful landscaping installed at homes. Reducing turf area and looking towards native or adaptive plants can meaningfully reduce the necessary irrigation. Working with a landscape architect to minimize landscaping water needs while also providing a beautiful and functional outdoor environment is a great way to reduce water consumption.
4. Install Smart Irrigation Equipment
Smart irrigation equipment can measure soil moisture or connect to local weather data to inform the frequency and timing of irrigation. The EPA estimated that replacing a standard clock-based irrigation controller with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually.5 This is significant savings for the future homeowner.
5. Certify Homes Under the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program
The whole home WaterSense label provides a holistic approach to home water savings. At approximately more than 30% more efficient than a typical new home, a combination of water efficiency features work together to provide on average more than 50,000 gallons of water per year.6 EnergyLogic provides home labeling under the WaterSense program to provide 3rd party quality assurance on water savings. This label can prove to both future homeowners and municipalities that homes are design and constructed to save water.
Reach out to a business development manager at EnergyLogic to learn more about the WaterSense Labeled Homes.
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