Building a new home is the perfect opportunity to go green from the start. A water-efficient design cuts utility costs, conserves resources, and supports a more sustainable future.
Water-efficient homes:
Reduce your monthly bills
Use resources responsibly
Often qualify for rebates or incentives
Add long-term value to your home
Smart water use starts with WaterSense
The Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label works like Energy Star – but for plumbing. Products with this label meet strict efficiency standards without sacrificing performance.
| Faucets = ~15 to 20% of indoor water use | Showers = ~17% of indoor water use | Toilets = ~30% of indoor water use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard flow: 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) | Standard head: 2.5 gpm | Current standard: 1.6 gallons |
| WaterSense flow: 1.5 gpm – using 30% less water | WaterSense head: 2.0 gpm – saving up to 14,000 gallons a year | WaterSense: 1.28 gallons or less |
| Annual savings: ~700 gallons per home – equal to 40 showers | Older models: up to 6 gallons per flush | |
| Bonus: Lower energy use with less hot water. | Bonus: Offers modern styles and great water pressure. | Bonus: Dual-flush systems use less water for liquid waste. |
Tankless-On-Demand Water Heaters
Tankless, or “on-demand,” systems heat water only when needed – no more waiting for hot water or wasting energy reheating a full tank. They’re ideal for efficient new builds and come in both gas and electric models.
Reuse what you can: Greywater systems
“Greywater” is gently used water from sinks, showers, and laundry. You can redirect it to:
Flush toilets
Irrigate lawns and gardens
Systems range from simple to sophisticated – but even basic setups save thousands of gallons a year.
Smart landscaping
Your yard design is just as important as your plumbing.
Choose native plants that thrive naturally in your region
Install drip irrigation for precise watering
Consider xeriscaping – using drought-tolerant plants for color and texture with minimal watering
Capture rainwater to reduce demand on municipal water.
Bottom line
Designing a water-efficient home starts before you move in. Work with your builder to choose WaterSense products, reuse water, and plan smart landscaping for sustainable living.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.