First WaterSense Energy Efficient Home Completed 

The first home built to the EPA's WaterSense draft specification for new homes has been completed. The home is expected to conserve 10,000 gallons of water per year, or be at least 20 percent more water efficient than a traditional new home. 

The 2,532-square-foot concept home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was built as part of the WaterSense New Homes pilot program to inform EPA's process for home inspection and certification. Besides WaterSense labeled toilets and bathroom sink faucets, the new house includes high-efficiency showerheads and ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. It is plumbed with insulated hot water lines to prevent hot water from cooling in the pipes, a recirculating hot water system to cut down on time needed for tap water to warm, and water-efficient landscaping.

The WaterSense Current, Issue IX, Winter 2009, http://www.epa.gov/watersense/news/current/winter2009.htm#3