Working with Customers

In 1992, the U.S. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) was signed into law. At that time it was anticipated that over the next 20 to 25 years, water utilities in the U.S. would realize decreased demand for water from customers as a result of the national water efficiency requirements that were set by the EPAct.

Among other things, the EPAct requirements set maximum water use levels for toilets at (1.6 gallons per flush), urinals (1 gallons per flush), showerheads (2.5 gallons per minute) and faucets (2.5 gallons per minute). These efficiency standards applied to plumbing fixtures in new and renovated residential and non-residential facilities.

These EPAct standards will have a cumulative and long term impact on lowering future indoor water usage, as existing plumbing fixtures are gradually replaced. American Water has already seen savings on indoor residential water consumption in the range of 10 to17 percent over the last 12 years.

American Water works with customers to educate them on how to use water wisely both inside and outside their homes and businesses. Some of the ways we do this include conservation education at community events and schools and distribution of conservation newsletters to customers.

We provide free water audits for customers in states where such programs have been approved by the state utility commission. During an onsite visit, an American Water conservation specialist assists customers to identify ways to save water, detect leaks and provides help to install free low-flow fixtures.

Customers are also eligible for rebates on high-efficiency appliances in states where such programs have been approved by state regulatory agencies. Rebate programs allow customers to replace high-water use appliances and fixtures such as clothes washers and toilets with newer, more efficient models that use up to 20% less water. In addition, they can also stop by our local offices for water-saving hose nozzles, low flow showerheads, leak detection kits, moisture meters, and other free conservation devices.

In some of our local districts, we collaborate with community partners to develop water-efficient gardens using drought-tolerant plants. Local residents are able to see the beauty of these landscapes and obtain plant lists  and other information on water efficient gardens.

American Water is also a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, which aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of water efficiency, ensure the performance of water efficient products and promote the use of WaterSense labeled products, which are at least 20% more efficient than standard toilets, faucets and irrigation equipment.

Visit our other sections
Conservation Tips
Larkfield Newsletter
Leak Detection Kit
Larkfield Garden Brochure
Larkfield Drought-Tolerant Plant List
WaterSense Program Home Page
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Food Service Technology Center
Water Use it Wisely
Capturing Rain Water