EPA Intends to Remove 40-Percent Turfgrass Option for WaterSense Label

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a notification of intent to remove the option for buildings to receive a WaterSense label if turfgrass covers less than 40 percent of the landscaped area.

The EPA released its final specification of the WaterSense single-family new home labeling program in Dec. 2009 with two options to receive the label: Design the landscaped area using the WaterSense Water Budget Tool or use turfgrass in no more than 40 percent of the landscaped area. The EPA said the turfgrass limitation option was retained in the final specification to harmonize WaterSense with other codes and green building programs. However, because the option has been used only in areas where local or state laws and ordinances have been the driving force behind landscape design and installation choices, the EPA believes the Water Budget Tool is a viable alternative, and the final landscape would continue to be driven by adherence to local code and ordinance.

“This announcement by WaterSense is a huge win for the irrigation industry,” said John Farner, Federal Affairs Director for the Irrigation Association. “IA’s volunteers, staff and green industry partners should celebrate this move.”

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EPA Intends to Remove 40-Percent Turfgrass Option for WaterSense Label

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