FALLS CHURCH, VA. (Oct. 25, 2011) – The Irrigation Association applauds the recent
announcement of the WaterSense program’s intent to remove the 40 percent turfgrass
restriction from the single-family new home specification. WaterSense’s announcement
culminates three years of the Irrigation Association’s efforts to remove this option from
the new homes specification.
Released in December 2009, the final specification of the WaterSense single-family new
home labeling program that enabled a new home to qualify for a WaterSense label
contained two options for landscape design: 1) adhere to a water budget tool, or 2)
restrict the use of turfgrass to 40 percent of the landscapable area. With the recent
announcement by WaterSense, the only requirement for builders wishing to be eligible
for this labeling would be to adhere to the water budget tool.
“This announcement by WaterSense is a huge win for the irrigation industry,” said IA’s
Federal Affairs Director John Farner. “IA’s volunteers, staff and green industry partners
should celebrate this move.”
The WaterSense notification of intent identifies the process for stakeholder input
regarding the decision to remove the turfgrass restriction, along with several other
changes to the single-family new home specification, including the requirement to use
labeled weather-based irrigation controllers.
“We look forward to WaterSense implementing these recommendations within the
revised new home specification,” continued Farner. “With these recommendations, the
Irrigation Association looks to be a strong partner in supporting and promoting
WaterSense labeled products, irrigation professionals and programs.”
To view the official WaterSense notification of intent, please visit
information about IA's position on WaterSense labeling, please contact IA Federal Affairs
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About The Irrigation Association
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation
companies and professionals. Together with our members, we are committed to
promoting efficient irrigation and to long-term sustainability of water resources for future
generations. IA works to improve industry proficiency, advocate sound water
management, and grow demand for water-efficient products and services. For more