Webinars

Using Advanced Metering Infrastructure to Reduce Facility Water Use
November 20, 2024, 2:00 pm Eastern
Registration

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) offers frequent (e.g., hourly) water use data that facility managers can monitor to understand water use patterns, identify leaks before the bill comes in, and improve overall water management. Find out how to access, understand, and optimize water consumption data to better manage your facility. Featured speakers Dave Wallenstein and Alan Aki with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in California will share case studies illustrating how EBMUD uses its AMI system to identify and resolve large leaks - from toilets to cooling towers - for its commercial and institutional customers, saving facilities significant water and utility costs. 

Manage What You Measure: Using Portfolio Manager® to Understand Water Use Intensity
October 23, 2024
Recording

You can't manage what you don't measure! Commercial and institutional facilities can use ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager to track metered water use and water use intensity (WUI), or gallons per square foot per year, over time. Jonah Schein with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program will discuss how tracking water use data is an important first step in water management, helping you understand how your facilities and operations use water and where water use can be reduced. He'll also discuss observed WUI for different facility types and how to use WUI to benchmark facilities across your portfolio.   

Minimizing Water Use for Building, Process, and Equipment Cooling
September 18, 2024
Recording

Facilities with extensive building, process, and equipment cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. During this webinar, learn how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water, which will help save your facility water, energy, and money. Featured speaker Scott Reilly, Executive Director of Maintenance and Engineering Services for St. Joseph's Healthcare System in New Jersey, will share water-saving successes from several in-patient and outpatient healthcare facilities. He'll discuss how his facilities stopped using water for equipment cooling, how they began relying on air handler condensate for cooling tower make-up, and more. 

Saving Water and Costs in Restrooms With WaterSense
August 28, 2024
Recording

Water use in restrooms can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a commercial and institutional facility! Learn about water-efficient operations and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms. Find out how using WaterSense labeled products can significantly reduce your facility's operating costs while ensuring product performance. In addition, featured speaker Alan Aki from East Bay Municipal Utility District in California will share results from restroom projects identified using their advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system.  

Beat the Peak - Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Spaces
July 31, 2024
Recording

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Sarah LaVoy with EPA's WaterSense program will provide information on how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Featured speakers will include Frank Kinder from Northern Water in Colorado, who will introduce the water district's water-wise landscape programs, and Mike Kocsis from Fairway Ridge Homeowner's Association (HOA), who will talk how they used a grant from Northern Water to transform part of their community's common landscapes from water-intensive turf into water-efficient gardens. Mr. Kocsis will also discuss how his HOA works with their landscape contractor and manages their irrigation system to save water and utility costs year over year. 

Workforce Development in the Water Sector
June 25, 2024
Recording

Each day, communities and businesses rely on America's water infrastructure. From drinking water in homes to irrigation for lawns and gardens, thousands of skilled personnel help provide water for a growing population. As the shifting goals and needs of the water sector evolve with climate change, it is important to employ educated and climate-conscious individuals to meet public water needs while reducing water waste and protecting water resources for future generations. Join EPA’s Green Infrastructure Program, the Qualified Water-Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program, and the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as they share how their workforce development strategies create a knowledgeable workforce to combat the dynamic demands of the water sector.

This webinar is part of the WaterSense and Alliance for Water Efficiency outdoor webinar series.

Conducting a Water Assessment from Start to Finish
June 12, 2024
Recording

Water assessments are a key component of water management planning. Water assessments are used to account for water used within a facility and identify opportunities to improve water efficiency and reduce operational costs. Hear about the tools and resources developed by the EPA's WaterSense program and its partners to help tackle your water use. Come away with tips and project ideas you can start using today to maximize your water, energy, and cost savings.

Achieving Water and Cost Savings in Capital Improvement Projects
April 17, 2024
Recording

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Reducing Costs with Quick Water Wins
March 20, 2024
Recording

Reducing utility costs for your facility doesn't have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water and cost savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements.

Irrigation After Landscape Conversions
February 20, 2024
Recording

Landscape conversions are an excellent tool to reduce water use outdoors, but simply removing turf or planting new adaptive plants in a landscape is not enough to maximize the benefits from a landscape conversion. Most landscapes require some degree of supplemental water during establishment or periods of drought to remain healthy and vibrant. It is important to use the right irrigation tools after a conversion to maintain the investment in a new landscape that also saves water. During this webinar, the Southern Nevada Water Authority highlighted trends in outdoor water use after landscape conversions and the irrigation tools they implement to realize water savings.

Effective Submetering Strategies for Commercial Properties
December 6, 2023 
Recording 

With hundreds of water-use endpoints spread across irrigation, cooling, and building systems, commercial properties can struggle with efficient water management. Submetering can provide the operational information needed to improve efficiency and maintain it over the long term if done correctly. In this presentation, Annikki Chamberlain of Mimir Water covers submeter options, installation nuances, data management systems, and real-world case studies.

Minimizing Water Use in Mechanical/HVAC Systems
October 23, 2023, 2:00 pm Eastern
Recording 

Facilities with extensive heating and cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. Optimizing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency will help save your facility water, energy, and money. ERG’s Robbie Pickering will teach you how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water.

Water-Energy Nexus in Action
November 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm Eastern
Recording 

In recent years, efforts to transition the economy, meet local and state policy objectives, and comply with ESG reporting requirements have led to an increasing interest in decarbonizing facility operations. At the same time, the U.S. has experienced persistent and recurring drought conditions paired with steady growth, leading businesses to become more aware of the need to manage water efficiently. But with significant amounts of energy used to extract, move, treat, and distribute both water and wastewater, these two objectives can’t really be separated.

Water Savings With WaterSense Labeled Homes
October 18, 2023
Recording

Changes to the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program have opened new opportunities for communities seeking to meet consumer demand for green homes. This webinar provided an overview of the WaterSense labeled homes specification and certification and shared experiences from local governments incentivizing WaterSense and water-smart homes. The session also discussed how the WaterSense Specification for Homes can be met by reducing water used outdoors.

This webinar is part of the WaterSense and Alliance for Water Efficiency outdoor webinar series.

Saving Water and Costs in Restrooms with WaterSense 
September 13, 2023
Recording

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a facility. Learn about water-efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Beat the Peak - Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Spaces
July 12, 2023 
Recording 

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Learn how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Carlos Bustos from Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority highlights a case study of water and cost savings from irrigation system upgrades at the La Paloma Apartments complex.

Achieving Water and Cost Savings in Capital Improvement Projects
June 21, 2023 
Recording

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Conducting a Water Assessment from Start to Finish
May 24, 2023

Recording

Water assessments are a key component of water management planning. Water assessments are used to account for water used within a facility and identify opportunities to improve water efficiency and reduce operational costs. Hear about the tools and resources developed by the EPA’s WaterSense program and its partners to help tackle your water use. Come away with tips and project ideas you can start using today to maximize your water, energy, and cost savings.

Planting Trees for the Future
March 30, 2023
Recording

In 2012, the USDA Forest Service published the results of an urban forest assessment that identified Albuquerque, New Mexico, as one of the worst areas for urban tree loss in the United States. In response, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority launched the “Treebate” program to promote tree care, proper watering, and tree planting among its customers. This webinar will cover incentives, education, partnerships, and irrigation guidelines the Water Authority has taken to support the restoration of the urban forest in Albuquerque.

This webinar is part of the WaterSense and Alliance for Water Efficiency outdoor webinar series.

Reducing Costs with Quick Water Wins
March 22, 2023
Recording

Reducing utility costs for your facility doesn't have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water and cost savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements.

Achieving Water and Cost Savings in Capital Improvement Projects
December 7, 2022
Recording here

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Drought Resilience Through Turf Reduction and Water Resource Management
November 29, 2022
Recording here

Like many Southwestern metropolitan areas, Las Vegas is enduring the impacts of a megadrought affecting the Colorado River. The federal government already curtailed Las Vegas' water allocation, and additional cuts are impending. Featured speaker JC Davis from the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) discussed the region's water resource challenges and the steps SNWA is taking to optimize water use and improve the community's drought resilience. This webinar is part of the WaterSense and Alliance for Water Efficiency outdoor webinar series.

Optimizing Cooling Tower Water Efficiency Using Existing Routines
November 16, 2022 
Recording here

Cooling tower water efficiency is determined by both operational settings, such as water quality set point, and the performance of mechanical equipment, such as proper valve function. One or both system components often go awry, causing acute and chronic water waste. EPA’s WaterSense Program and Annikki Chamberlain from Mimir Water will teach you how to use your existing procedures to determine your optimal cooling tower efficiency and quickly resolve inevitable mechanical problems. By incorporating these no-cost to low-cost strategies into daily routines, you can ensure the long-term water efficiency of your cooling system.

EPA’s 1-100 Water Score for Multifamily Buildings – What’s My Score and How Do I Improve It?
October 26, 2022
Recording here

Curious how your multifamily property stacks up against others in terms of water efficiency? EPA’s 1-100 Water Score allows users tracking water through Portfolio Manager to gauge how their properties compare against similar ones across the country. This webinar will cover how to generate the Score in Portfolio Manager and discuss how multifamily owners can use this new water performance metric to identify opportunities for water savings. Finally, learn about some of the best practices and tools to start saving water and improving your property’s Score.

I²SL Best Practices Guide Series: Laboratory Water Efficiency
July 19, 2022
Recording
Laboratory Water Efficiency Slides (pdf) (4.07 MB)

Laboratories can use significantly more water per square foot than typical commercial buildings, largely to support high cooling and heating loads and specialized laboratory equipment and operations. This webinar reviews current best practices related to common laboratory-specific equipment (e.g., water treatment systems, steam sterilizers, vacuum systems), cooling towers, and steam boilers. This session also highlights opportunities to reduce water use in systems that are not specific to laboratories, such as restrooms and irrigated landscapes, by looking for WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR certified products. Lastly, the presentation identifies resources available through WaterSense, I²SL, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), and others that can be utilized to support laboratory design, water management, or water auditing to improve overall efficiency. These resources include tools to evaluate potential for using alternative water sources (e.g., rainwater, air conditioning condensate) instead of potable water.

Beat the Peak - Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Space
July 13, 2022
Recording

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Learn how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Carlos Bustos from Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority highlights a case study of water and cost savings from irrigation system upgrades at the La Paloma Apartments complex.

Water Budgeting for Commercial Landscapes
June 28, 2022
Webinar Recap: Water Budgeting for Commercial Landscapes (pdf) (184.25 KB)
Recording

The commercial water user customer base is growing in Gilbert, Arizona. A large portion of that water use is in the landscape. Jeff Lee from the Town of Gilbert has built a program that provides site-specific landscape water budgets. The program has built great partnerships with stakeholders that have led to significant water savings. This webinar is part of the WaterSense and Alliance for Water Efficiency outdoor webinar series.

Reducing Costs with Quick Water Wins
June 15, 2022
Recording

Reducing utility costs for your facility doesn't have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water and cost savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements.

Saving Water and Costs in Restrooms with WaterSense 
May 11, 2022
Recording

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a facility. Learn about water-efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Find Leaks and Stop Water Waste in their Tracks
March 16, 2022
Recording

Leaks may seem small, but they can quickly add up to big water waste, costs, and property damage. Learn about common leaks and water waste found in commercial and institutional facilities and how to stop them. Discover tools and resources created by EPA's WaterSense program to help keep water waste under control and incorporate leak detection into your existing standard operating procedures. 

The Search for Water-Efficient Turfgrass
March 2, 2022
Recording
Webinar Recap (PDF)

Across the country, shifts in local climate are creating new challenges for water demand and management. The growing frequency of drought and the question of water allocation have made turfgrass and ornamental landscaping a growing issue of concern. Kevin Morris from the National Turfgrass Federation (NTF) and Geoffrey Rinehart from the NTF Grass Roots Initiative will discuss efforts to develop water-efficient turfgrasses that provide functional use to a landscape and thrive in local climates with less water.  This is part of the WaterSense and Alliance for Water Efficiency outdoor webinar series.

Achieving Water and Cost Savings in Capital Improvement Projects
December 8, 2021
Recording

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Reducing Costs with Quick Water Wins
November 2, 2021, 1:00 pm EST
Recording

Reducing utility costs for your facility doesn't have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water and cost savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements.

How to Make Water Efficiency as Routine as Recycling
October 20, 2021, 2:00 pm EST
Recording

For most of us, recycling is something we do without much thought. In other words, we have “operationalized” the routine to the point it is almost a reflex. Although society has not operationalized water efficiency to the same extent, proven success with notable Fortune 500 companies and a developing municipal water conservation program in Spokane, WA shows how a simple change in traditional water efficiency audits could be the missing link to a future where water efficiency is as common as recycling is today. Frank Burns, now the Technical Director of Mimir Water, Inc. returns to the Water Wednesday series to walk us through updating the traditional water audit approach so water efficiency can be operationalized to lower total costs and deliver ongoing efficiency results as part of daily routine.

Minimizing Water Use in Mechanical/HVAC Systems
September 15, 2021, 2:00 pm EST
Recording

Facilities with extensive heating and cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. Optimizing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency will help save your facility water, energy, and money. EPA’s WaterSense program will teach you how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water.

Saving Water and Costs in Restrooms with WaterSense 
August 25, 2021, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a facility. Learn about water-efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

When in Drought: Lessons Learned
July 20, 2021
Recording 
WaterSense-AWE Webinar Recap: When in Drought – Lessons Learned (pdf) (188.33 KB, 7/29/2021)

Krista Guerrero and Rebecca Kimitch from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California discussed Metropolitan Water District’s efforts to reduce water use in Southern California during the region’s last drought. Discussion centered around the programmatic changes that the district made to encourage water use efficiency, water conservation outreach and advertising strategies that were implemented during the last drought, and lessons learned from these implementations.

EPA’s 1-100 Water Score for Multifamily Buildings – What’s My Score and How Do I Improve It?
July 14, 2021
Recording

Curious how your multifamily property stacks up against others in terms of water efficiency? EPA’s 1-100 Water Score allows users tracking water through Portfolio Manager to gauge how their properties compare against similar ones across the country. This webinar will cover how to generate the Score in Portfolio Manager and discuss how multifamily owners can use this new water performance metric to identify opportunities for water savings. Finally, learn about some of the best practices and tools to start saving water and improving your property’s Score.

Beat the Peak - Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Space
June 30, 2021, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Learn how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Carlos Bustos from Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority highlights a case study of water and cost savings from irrigation system upgrades at the La Paloma Apartments complex.

Controlling Water Waste Across Commercial and Institutional Properties Everywhere
April 20, 2021 at 3:00 pm Eastern
Recording 

Learn how facility managers can incorporate water assessment methods into their standard procedures and daily routines to identify and stop leaks and water waste. Hear insights and lessons learned from Frank Burns (Hydro-Care International) and his decades of work with Fortune 500 companies deploying water-efficient recommendations to control the costs, property damage, and environmental impact of water waste. With an eye toward the future, we will also demonstrate how improved measurement lowers costs and simplifies implementation for complex properties and larger organizations.

Benefits of Soil Moisture Sensors
March 11, 2021
Recording 
Webinar Recap (2 pp, 196 K, About PDF)

This webinar was cosponsored by WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Michael Dukes from the University of Florida discussed best practices for soil moisture sensors (SMSs) and provided details of several studies regarding smart controller use. Evelyn Reyes from the Upper San Gabriel Valley (California) Municipal Water District discussed lessons learned from developing an SMS rebate program. WaterSense presented an overview of the final SMS specification and AWE gave an update on their Learning Landscapes program.

Navigating the Socially Distant Landscape
November 5, 2020
Recording 
Webinar Recap (2 pp, 196 K, About PDF)

This webinar was cosponsored by WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Sandra Giarde from California Landscape Contractors Association and Monica Garcia from Regional Water Authority discussed how their organizations adapted operations during the COVID crisis. Discussion topics included how these organizations kept their irrigation professionals informed, pivoted operations, and ensured their workforce had the information and advocacy needed to get back to work and stay safe during these uncertain times.

EPA’s 1-100 Water Score for Multifamily Buildings – What’s My Score and How Do I Improve It?
November 12, 2020
Recording

Curious how your multifamily property stacks up against others in terms of water efficiency? EPA’s 1-100 Water Score allows users tracking water through Portfolio Manager to gauge how their properties compare against similar ones across the country. This webinar will cover how to generate the Score in Portfolio Manager and discuss how multifamily owners can use this new water performance metric to identify opportunities for water savings. Finally, learn about some of the best practices and tools to start saving water and improving your property’s Score.

Achieving Water and Cost Savings in Capital Improvement Projects
December 2, 2020 2:00 pm EST
Recording 

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Minimizing Water Use in Mechanical/HVAC Systems
October 14, 2020, 2:00 pm EST
Recording

Facilities with extensive heating and cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. Optimizing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency will help save your facility water, energy, and money. EPA’s WaterSense program will teach you how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water.

Saving Water and Costs in Restrooms with WaterSense 
September 30, 2020
Recording 

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a facility. Join us to learn about water-efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Reducing Costs with Quick Water Wins
August 26, 2020 
Recording

Reducing utility costs for your facility doesn't have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water and cost savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements.

Beat the Peak - Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Space 
July 22, 2020
Recording

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Learn how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Our featured speaker from Banyan Water will highlight their case study implementing their Irrigation Insight software on the HP campus to monitor water usage from city and reclaimed water sources daily to maximize available recycled water and minimize domestic water costs.

Your Better Yard
June 30, 2020
Recording 
Webinar Recap (2 pp, 244 K, About PDF)

This webinar was cosponsored by WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Speakers discussed plant choices and irrigation tips for a healthy landscape.

Moulton Niguel Water District’s educational programs encourage residents to swap out existing plants for California native varieties to collectively conserve water. Drew Atwater and John Lansden from MNWD discussed their Naturescape turf removal program and tips for employing natural soil amendments to optimize plant health. RainMaster, with CEO Kevin Buck, provides irrigation and lawn care services to thousands of homeowners in Eau Claire, WI and Minneapolis, MN. Through irrigation programs designed around water conservation and lawn programs focused on lawn health, RainMaster helps ensure lasting plant health for customers. Lastly, Chris Klein and Sarah Heitzman from Rachio discussed Rachio Thrive yard care treatments and how the controller supports native plants by providing real plant nutrition and the right amount of watering.

Just Add WaterSense to your Energy Efficiency Efforts
May 27, 2020
Recording 

If you’re just focusing on energy, you may be leaving money on the table. Join us to learn how to incorporate water into your energy management activities by assessing your facility’s water use and identifying areas of water waste. Find out what it takes to make your building more water-efficient from simple, low-cost changes to larger-scale improvements and how WaterSense tools can help you start maximizing your savings and building performance.

Fix a Leak with WaterSense and Beat Water Waste
March 18, 2020
Recording 

Leaks may look small, but they can add up to big water waste. Learn more about how facility managers can assess their water use with an eye toward finding and fixing leaks. We also provide information on how you can leverage the WaterSense Fix a Leak Week consumer campaign to engage staff.

Landscape Transformation Case Studies
March 12, 2020
Webinar Recap (8 pp, 578 K, About PDF)
Presentation 

This webinar was cosponsored by WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Speakers discussed their experiences implementing landscape transformation programs.

Austin Water in Austin, Texas, discussed how their WaterWise Landscape program helps consumers save water and money by converting turfgrass to native plants. The Southern Nevada Water Authority explained how their Water Smart Landscapes program helps consumers reduce turfgrass to save water. Fort Collins Utilities in Fort Collins, Colorado, discussed how their Xeriscape Incentive Program helps water customers convert their landscapes from high-water-use to low-water-use. Finally, Cobb County Water System in Cobb County, Georgia, discussed their Give them an Inch Grow a Yard program, a collaborative program with Georgia Irrigation Association that helps consumers reduce water use and increase landscape health.

Saving Water in Restrooms with WaterSense 
September 25, 2019, 1:00 pm EDT
Recording

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a facility. Join us to learn about water-efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Minimizing Water Use in Mechanical/HVAC Systems
October 23, 2019, 1:00 pm EST
Recording

Facilities with extensive heating and cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. Optimizing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency will help save your facility water, energy, and money. EPA’s WaterSense program will teach you how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water.

Efficient Irrigation Practices for Medians and Park Strips
October 31, 2019
Recording 
Webinar Recap

This webinar was cosponsored by WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Speakers discussed challenges and successes in implementing efficient irrigation practices for medians and park strips. The East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, California, discussed challenges managing drip irrigation on park strips and inclines, as well as opportunities to improve these systems’ efficiency. The Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) Utilities Department talked about how it partnered with a local non-profit and a landscape company to retrofit median irrigation systems and address high water pressure and low distribution uniformity across the median and approaches to using WaterSense labeled pressure regulating spray bodies and efficient nozzles. Finally, Denver Botanic Gardens (Colorado) discussed plant selection for median and sidewalk strips.

EPA’s 1-100 Water Score for Multifamily Buildings – What’s My Score and How Do I Improve It?
November 13, 2019, 1:00 pm EST
Recording

Curious how your multifamily property stacks up against others in terms of water efficiency? EPA’s 1-100 Water Score allows users tracking water through Portfolio Manager to gauge how their properties compare against similar ones across the country. This webinar will cover how to generate the Score in Portfolio Manager and discuss how multifamily owners can use this new water performance metric to identify opportunities for water savings. Finally, learn about some of the best practices and tools to start saving water and improving your property’s Score.

Every Drop Counts - Assessing and Evaluating Water Efficiency in Capital Improvement Projects
December 4, 2019, 1:00 pm EST
Recording

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Make a Splash with Quick Water Wins
August 7, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Managing water within your facility doesn't have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements. 

Beat the Peak - Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Space
July 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Learn how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Lower overall operating costs and prepare for outdoor water use restrictions with strategies to manage irrigation systems effectively to prevent inefficiencies and leaks.

Demonstrating the Nexus Between Water Efficiency and Stormwater: Lessons and Opportunities to Drive Innovation
June 4, 2019
Recording 
Webinar Recap

This webinar was cosponsored by EPA’s WaterSense program and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Deb Lane, Water Resources Analyst with the City of Santa Rosa, shared the results of an innovative landscape retrofit project at the City of Santa Rosa’s City Hall campus and discussed how the urban landscape provides a unique opportunity to address challenges of both water quality and supply. The City Hall Sustainable Education Garden features green infrastructure elements including bioretention, swales, the use of permeable concrete, a rainwater harvesting system, extensive turf conversion into a low water use sustainable landscape and interpretive signage throughout the project.

Just Add WaterSense to your Energy Efficiency Efforts
June 12, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording 

If you’re just focusing on energy, you may be leaving money on the table. Join us to learn how to incorporate water into your energy management activities by assessing your facility’s water use and identifying areas of water waste. Find out what it takes to make your building more water-efficient from simple, low-cost changes to larger-scale improvements and how WaterSense tools can help you start maximizing your savings and building performance.

Fix a Leak with WaterSense and Beat Water Waste
March 20, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Leaks may look small, but they can add up to big water waste. Learn more about how facility managers can assess their water use with an eye toward finding and fixing leaks. We also provide information on how you can leverage the WaterSense Fix a Leak Week consumer campaign to engage staff.

Accelerating the Landscape Transformation
February 28, 2019, 2:00 pm EDT
Recording 
Webinar Recap

This webinar was cosponsored by EPA’s WaterSense program and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). Mary Ann Dickinson, president and CEO of AWE and project team members Dr. Thomas Chesnutt (A&N Technical Services, Inc.) and Maureen Erbeznik (Maureen Erbeznik & Associates), presentation on the Alliance’s Landscape Transformation Study. The study was the first research product of AWE’s Outdoor Water Savings Research Initiative and the most expansive and diverse assessment of utility outdoor programs to date. The team shared findings from an impact analysis of utility program data from municipalities in the United States and Canada, as well as a process evaluation consisting of customer surveys, interviews, and market analysis. 

Make a Splash with Quick Water Wins
June 13, 2018, 1:00 pm EDT
Recording

Managing water within your facility doesn’t have to involve major retrofits or renovations. Significant water savings can be achieved with small changes to operation and maintenance procedures and changes to user behavior. Learn about no- and low-cost solutions that can be implemented to start saving water in buildings right away, without the need for costly capital improvements.

Beat the Peak – Using Water Wisely for Commercial Outdoor Spaces
July 11, 2018, 1:00 pm EDT
Recording

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. Learn how to design and maintain attractive, healthy landscapes while minimizing irrigation and water losses during the dry summer months and throughout the year. Lower overall operating costs and prepare for outdoor water use restrictions with strategies to manage irrigation systems effectively to prevent inefficiencies and leaks.  Finally, learn how to manage pools to reduce water loss from evaporation, filter cleaning, mineral buildup, leaks, and splashing.

Saving Water in Restrooms with WaterSense 
September 19, 2018, 1:00 pm EDT
Recording

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 40 percent of water use within a facility. Join us to learn about water-efficient operation and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Reducing Outdoor Water Use With Microirrigation
October 11, 2018, 2:00 pm EDT
Recording
Webinar Recap

This webinar was cosponsored by EPA’s WaterSense program and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Speaker Bernd Leinauer, Professor and Turfgrass Specialist for New Mexico State University’s Extension Plant Sciences Department, discussed the benefits of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. The presentation answered some of the most commonly asked questions about SDI systems, discussed research findings regarding irrigation water use, and reviewed turfgrass maintenance when SDI is installed. WaterSense also provided information on new resources, including microirrigation guides developed to help both homeowners and irrigation professionals understand benefits and tips in installing microirrigation systems.

Minimizing Water Use in Mechanical/HVAC Systems
October 17, 2018, 1:00 pm EDT
Recording

Facilities with extensive heating and cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. Optimizing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency will help save your facility water, energy, and money. EPA’s WaterSense program will teach you how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water.

EPA’s 1-100 Water Score for Multifamily Buildings – What’s My Score and How Do I Improve It?
November 14, 2018, 1:00 pm EST
Recording

Curious how your multifamily property stacks up against others in terms of water efficiency? EPA’s 1-100 Water Score allows users tracking water through Portfolio Manager to gauge how their properties compare against similar ones across the country. This webinar will cover how to generate the Score in Portfolio Manager and discuss how multifamily owners can use this new water performance metric to identify opportunities for water savings. Finally, learn about some of the best practices and tools to start saving water and improving your property’s Score. 

Every Drop Counts - Assessing and Evaluating Water Efficiency in Capital Improvement Projects
December 12, 2018, 1:00 pm EST
Recording

Achieving significant water savings can often require going beyond the low-hanging fruit. Find out how to take the information collected during a facility water assessment to evaluate and prioritize larger-scale projects to maximizing water, energy, and cost savings. Get the information you need to include water efficiency in capital improvements through equipment retrofits and replacements during a renovation or when designing a new facility or space.

Outdoor Water Use and Green Infrastructure
June 26, 2018, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

This webinar was cosponsored by EPA’s WaterSense program and the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Speaker Stacey Eriksen, urban watershed revitalization coordinator for EPA Region 8, discussed improving the approach to stormwater management by using low impact development and green infrastructure. Topics covered included viewing stormwater as a resource, managing stormwater on-site, reducing pollutant loads, and supporting multi-functional infrastructure.

Just Add WaterSense to your Energy Efficiency Efforts
May 16, 2018, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

If you’re just focusing on energy, you may be leaving money on the table. Join us to learn how to incorporate water into your energy management activities by assessing your facility’s water use and identifying areas of water waste. Find out what it takes to make your building more water-efficient from simple, low-cost changes to larger-scale improvements and how WaterSense tools can help you start maximizing your savings and building performance.

Fix a Leak with WaterSense and Beat Water Waste
March 28, 2018, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Leaks may look small, but they can add up to big water waste. Join us to learn more about how facility managers can assess their water use with an eye toward finding and fixing leaks. We’ll also provide information on how you can leverage the WaterSense Fix a Leak Week consumer campaign to engage staff.

Working with Homeowners Associations to Budget Water
October 12, 2017, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) co-hosted a webinar focused on working with homeowners associations (HOAs) to use community water budgets. The webinar featured a speaker from the Town of Gilbert, Arizona on how they have helped HOAs budget water. WaterSense provided an overview of water-smart landscapes and the WaterSense water budget tool, as well as an update about its specification for spray sprinkler bodies. AWE shared a new resource the organization is developing to compile examples of outdoor water programs.

WaterSense and Smart Water Application Technologies Webinar
June 20, 2017, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

WaterSense, the Alliance for Water Efficiency, and the Irrigation Association (IA) will co-host a webinar about the WaterSense program and IA’s Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) program.  The webinar will describe the differences between the two program and explore how water providers can take advantage of what each has to offer.  A speaker from WaterSense will be joined by Robert Reaves, water conservation coordinator for Oklahoma City Utilities and Chair of the SWAT promotions working group.  

Introducing EPA's 1-100 Water Score for Multi-family Buildings
October 18, 2017, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

EPA’s ENERGY STAR and WaterSense® programs worked together to develop a 1-100 Water Score, which allows users tracking water through Portfolio Manager to gauge how their properties compare against similar ones across the country. This webinar will cover the score development process, demonstrate how to generate the score in Portfolio Manager, and discuss how multifamily owners can use this new water performance metric to identify opportunities for water savings.

Using Mobile Technology to Communicate With Water Customers
February8, 2018, 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency co-hosted a webinar focused on using mobile technology to communicate with water customers. Speaker Charles Swanson, extension program specialist for the Landscape Irrigation Program with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, introduced the program’s Water My Yard initiative. The presentation discussed how the Water My Yard program was designed to address landscape irrigation water waste by providing users with weekly, customized ET-based watering guidelines by email and text messages.

WaterSense Sanitary Fixtures and Equipment
October 11, 2017, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording

Water use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 50 percent of water use within a facility. Join us to learn about water-efficient operations and maintenance practices and retrofit and replacements options that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. Find out how using WaterSense labeled and ENERGY STAR qualified products in these areas can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Seeking Savings Indoors and Outdoors with WaterSense
July 12, 2017
Recording 

Join us to learn about water use profiles of typical commercial facilities and areas where water is often wasted. Find out about free WaterSense tools and resources available to help facility managers and building owners identify potential water savings including water-efficient products and practices to save water during the operation and maintenance, renovation, and construction of commercial buildings. Come away with tips and project ideas to proactively manage water use and maximize building performance with water, energy, and cost savings.

Just Add WaterSense to your Energy Efficiency Efforts
September 13, 2017
Recording 

If you’re just focusing on energy, you may be leaving money on the table. Join us to learn how to incorporate water into your energy management activities by assessing your facility’s water use and identifying areas of water waste. Find out what it takes to make your building more water-efficient from simple, low-cost changes to larger-scale improvements and how WaterSense tools can help you start maximizing your savings and building performance.

Fix a Leak with WaterSense and Beat Water Waste
March 8, 2017
Recording 

Leaks may look small, but they can add up to big water waste. Join us to learn more about how facility managers can assess their water use with an eye toward finding and fixing leaks. We’ll also provide information on how you can leverage the WaterSense Fix a Leak Week consumer campaign to engage staff.

Working With Commercial Landscapes to Manage Irrigation
March 16, 2017
Recording

Speaker Markus Hogue, University of Texas (UT) Austin’s irrigation and water conservation program coordinator, introduced UT Austin’s approach to water management through live dashboard monitoring. AWE also discussed its work with large commercial landscapes, and EPA highlighted irrigation best practices for commercial and institutional buildings. (WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Tackling WaterSense – Sanitary Fixtures and Equipment
January 28, 2016
Recording 
Final Slides (44 pp, 1.57MB, About PDF)

Sanitary fixtures and equipment use in restrooms and laundries can account for nearly 50 percent of water use within a facility. During this session, attendees will learn about operations and maintenance tips, retrofit options, and replacements that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. EPA’s WaterSense program will discuss what it means to look for the WaterSense® and ENERGY STAR® labels, and how using labeled products can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Tackling WaterSense – Outdoor Water Use
March 30, 2016
Recording 
Final Slides (45 pp, 2.7MB, About PDF)

Outdoor water use peaks during the summer, raising water bills and straining water supplies. During this session, EPA’s WaterSense program will teach you how to design and maintain landscapes and irrigation systems to reduce outdoor water use. EPA will also discuss how to manage pools to reduce water loss from evaporation, filter cleaning, mineral buildup, leaks, and splashing.

Tackling WaterSense – Mechanical Systems
May 10, 2016
Recording 
Final Slides (54 pp, 2MB About PDF)

Facilities with extensive heating and cooling requirements can still be water-efficient. Optimizing your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency will help save your facility water, energy, and money. EPA’s WaterSense program will teach you how to reduce water waste in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that uses single-pass cooling water.

Just Add Water: Incorporating Water Efficiency to Take Your Energy Savings to the Next Level
July 12, 2016
Recording 
Final Slides (43 pp, 1.6 MB, About PDF)

Learn how to integrate water into your energy management planning by assessing your facility’s water use and calculating a water balance. Find ways to investigate and detect leaks throughout your facility for significant savings. Hear about the tools and resources developed by the EPA’s WaterSense program and its partners to help tackle your water use. Come away with tips and project ideas you can start using today to maximize your water, energy, and cost savings.

Tackling WaterSense – Commercial Kitchens
September 20, 2016, 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Recording
Final Slides (49 pp, 1.7 MB, About PDF)

There are many opportunities for water-savings in commercial kitchens and restaurants. EPA’s WaterSense program will discuss commercial kitchen equipment, including equipment that is ENERGY STAR® or WaterSense labeled, such as dishwashers, ice machines, pre-rinse spray valves, and steam cooking equipment. Attendees will hear about best practices related to operations and maintenance techniques, retrofit options, and replacement options for each equipment type.

Quantity Quotes website 

Veronica Blette from WaterSense will provide a broad overview of the WaterSense program, explaining how the program promotes water efficiency and water-efficient products. Stephanie Stern from StopWaste.org will introduce the new and improved Quantity Quotes, a bulk-purchasing platform where housing managers can find WaterSense-labeled showerheads, lavatory faucets, toilets and other water and energy efficient products.

Communicating the Need for Water Efficiency
Recording 
Final slides (28 pp, 10.7 K, About PDF)

The WaterSense program has a variety of consumer campaigns that can be used to amplify water conservation messages and help consumers adopt water-efficient behaviors. Veronica Blette will review the WaterSense program’s campaigns and associated promotional materials. Joanna Ladd of the Chinatown Community Development Center—which owns and manages twenty five properties throughout San Francisco and provides affordable housing to over 2400 low income families and seniors—will speak about their water efficiency work and the importance of education and outreach efforts.

WaterSense and LEED Housing Programs
Recording 
Final Slides (44 pp, 10.2 MB, About PDF)

A WaterSense labeled home includes WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, a hot water delivery system that gets hot water to the tap faster, water-smart landscape design, and other water-efficient features. These features allow the home to use 20 percent less water than typical homes. Jonah Schein will introduce the New Homes specification, reviewing the criteria and its applicability to newly constructed single-family and multi-family homes. Asa Foss, Technical Director for LEED for Homes, will provide information on their water efficiency programs and requirements for LEED-certified residential units.

Water Efficiency Best Management Practices for Multi-unit Property Managers
Recording 
Final Slides (57 pp, 11 MB, About PDF)

Learn about WaterSense BMPs for facilities and examples of how property managers have assessed their water use and made changes to improve efficiency. The webinar will also feature practices that help address outdoor water use through landscaping choices and more efficient irrigation practices. Veronica Blette from WaterSense will describe the BMPs and practices that help address outdoor water use through landscaping choices and more efficient irrigation practices. Russ Horner, from Water Management Inc., will discuss several case studies describing how housing agencies have identified and taken action to increase savings.

Tracking Water & Energy Savings
Recording 
Final Slides (53 pp, 4.7 MB, About PDF)

In order to effectively manage water use, it is critical to monitor and track its use. Andrea Schnitzer from the ENERGY STAR® program will highlight how recent changes to Portfolio Manager, which properties can use to track their energy use, allow it to also be used to track water use. A guest speaker will share how they use Portfolio Manager and other tools to track their progress in water efficiency.

Greywater Reuse—Is it Right for Your Facilities?
Recording 
Final Sides (57 pp, 17.7 MB, About PDF)

Some are starting to look to greywater reuse as a strategy to reduce potable water use by reusing water used onsite for another purpose, such as laundry water for landscape irrigation. While the ability of a property manager to use greywater may depend on their jurisdiction, it is smart to get educated on the topic. Charlotte Ely from Region 9 EPA introduces greywater, while Megan Pier, from Hyphae Design Laboratory, and Rene Rodriguez, from Abode Communities, provide more information and case studies on what goes into planning and implementing a greywater system.

Incorporating Green Infrastructure into Housing and Community Development Projects
Recording 
Final Sides (57 pp, 17.7 MB, About PDF)

Designing landscapes to hold water on site has the dual benefit of reducing the need for supplemental irrigation and reducing runoff that can cause flooding and impair water quality. An EPA speaker will talk about tools to help property managers integrate green infrastructure into their developments. Daniel Ransom of Tucson Water will provide an overview of the agency’s rainwater harvesting rebate program, including an initiative working with low-income residents to install and maintain passive earthworks systems. Andy Lipkis of Tree People will discuss Elmer Avenue, a neighborhood in Los Angeles NE San Fernando Valley that was transformed from a flood hazard zone into a model of sustainability. Neal Shapiro of the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability & the Environment will discuss how their City is implementing an innovative rainwater harvesting system in their new public library as well as a green parking lot.

Take the Plunge! Introducing the WaterSense H2Otel Challenge 

Are you ready to save water, energy, and operating costs at your hotel? WaterSense walks through the basics of the H2Otel Challenge, from getting a handle on your hotel's water use to putting best management practices to work for your bottom line. This introductory webinar familiarizes participants with the available technical and outreach tools EPA has developed as part of the Challenge. Hotel operators and facility managers will learn how to make the most of EPA's free resources to ACT: assess, change, and track water use in the hospitality sector. After this webinar, you'll be ready to take the plunge into savings for your hotel!

A for Assess: Conducting a Water Assessment and Using WaterSense's WaterUSE Tool 
Guest Speaker: Arnold Solognier, Sustainability and Certification Manager, Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts, Aruba (Case study begins at 1:15:50 in the recording).

Learn how to conduct a facility water assessment, one of the most important steps in water management planning. WaterSense also demonstrates its Water Use and Savings Evaluation (WaterUSE) Tool. The WaterUSE Tool uses information collected during a facility water assessment to identify potential water-saving projects and operational best management practices for hotels. It estimates water, energy, and cost savings for identified projects to help hotels create a prioritized project list. Following this training session, participants will be ready to take the first step in managing their facility water use.

A for Assess: Setting Goals and Developing a Water Management Plan 
Guest Speaker: Kara Pho, Program Manager, New York City Department of Environmental Protection (Case study begins at 1:01:29).

Find out how to take the information collected during a facility assessment to establish water use reduction goals and develop a water management plan. A water management plan helps facilities stay on track with projects, reduction goals, and water, energy, and operational cost savings. Following this webinar, you’ll be ready to prepare your water management plan by incorporating realistic goals—which is the next step in managing and reducing your water use.

C for Change: Implementing Your Water Management Plan and Other Best Management Practices
Guest Speaker: Rodney Schauf, Director of Engineering, Sheraton Seattle Hotel (Case Study begins at 1:09:52).

Discover some of the most cost-effective projects and biggest water savers that can be implemented at your facility. WaterSense provides an overview of water-efficient operating procedures, retrofits, and replacements in private use restrooms, public restrooms, commercial kitchens, mechanical spaces, and outdoor landscapes. Following this webinar, participants should come away with new ideas and more details about water-saving projects to implement at their facility. 

T for Track: Tracking Water Savings and Recognizing Success 
Guest Speaker: Andrea Schnitzer, National Program Manager for EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program (Case Study begins at 39:16).

Learn how to track your facility’s ongoing water use to verify savings from implementing projects and best practices. WaterSense introduces ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager, an online tool that can help facilities track water and energy use. WaterSense also provides ideas for recognizing water management achievements and spreading the word to consumers about your water savings success.

WaterSense H2Otel Challenge 2014 Highlights and 2015 Preview

Learn about WaterSense's H2Otel Challenge plans for 2015! This webinar also features highlights from 2014, including how many hotels signed up for the Challenge, the top 10 water efficiency opportunities for hotels, and an overview of the tools WaterSense created to help hotels save water.

Assess, Track, and Realize Payback
Guest Speaker: Rob Morris, Corporate Manager, Utilities & Engineering, Caesars Entertainment Corporation (Case study begins at 57:22 in the recording).

Learn the seven steps to water management planning: making a commitment; assessing facility water use; setting goals; creating and implementing an action plan; evaluating progress; and recognizing achievements. Rob Morris from Caesars Entertainment describes how assessing water use and implementing projects have saved water and operating costs.

Demonstrating WaterSense's WaterUSE Tool

Learn how to use WaterSense's Water Use and Savings Evaluation (WaterUSE) Tool and associated Water Assessment Worksheets, which were designed to help hotel operators and facility managers identify and prioritize cost–effective water efficiency projects and best management practices to reduce water and energy use and save money. The webinar also features a discussion about the water use tracking capabilities of ENERGY STAR®'s Portfolio Manager® tool.

Washing 101: A Plumbing and Laundry Efficiency Primer
Guest Speaker: Brandon Leister, Conservation Planner, San Antonio Water System (Case study begins at 38:21 in the recording).

Learn operations and maintenance tips, retrofit options, and replacements that can help reduce water use in restrooms, guest rooms, and laundries. Brandon Leister from San Antonio Water System discusses plumbing and laundry projects completed at three local hotels as part of its WaterSaver Hotel program.

Make a Splash With Outdoor Water Savings
Guest Speaker: Richard Restuccia, Director of Water Management Solutions, ValleyCrest Companies, Inc. (Case study begins at 37:47 in the recording).

Learn how to design and maintain hotel landscapes to reduce water use and how to manage pools to reduce water loss from evaporation, filter cleaning, mineral buildup, leaks, and splashing. Richard Restuccia from ValleyCrest Companies, Inc. presents a case study on landscape and irrigation improvements at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California, to illustrate how making changes outdoors can result in significant hotel water savings.

Minimize Water Use in Mechanical/HVAC Systems 
Guest Speaker: Randy Childers, Senior Director of Engineering, Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Case study begins at 50:00 in the recording).

Learn how to use water efficiently in cooling towers and steam boilers, optimize chilled water systems, and address equipment that is using single–pass cooling water. Randy Childers from Hyatt Regency Atlanta discusses how his hotel increased its cooling tower cycles of concentration, began using air handler condensate as make–up water, replaced water–cooled equipment with air–cooled models, and implemented other best practices in its mechanical systems.

What's Cooking: Commercial Kitchen Savings
Guest Speaker: Ray Dennis, Associate Vice President Auxiliary Management/Business Services, Loyola Marymount University (Case study begins at 37:00 in the recording).

Learn how to identify water–savings potential for commercial kitchen equipment, including dishwashers, ice machines, pre–rinse spray valves, food disposals, and steam cooking equipment. WaterSense discusses operations and maintenance techniques, retrofit options, and replacement options for each equipment type. Ray Dennis from Lair Marketplace at Loyola Marymount University describes the water and energy savings initiatives implemented in his establishment.

Let's Talk About Education and Outreach
Guest Speakers: Dr. Wesley Schultz, Professor of Psychology, California State University, San Marcos; and Alec Bartolai, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Interpretive Manager, Kalaloch Lodge (Case study begins at 31:46 in the recording).

This training reminds you how important it is to educate employees, guests, and management about your water-saving efforts, from reporting leaks to changing wasteful practices. WaterSense addresses some of the best management practices hotels have used for education and outreach including educating employees to make changes in daily operations, communicating with guests, and making the most out of signage. Dr. Wesley Schultz from California State University, San Marcos, summarizes his work on social norms and the potential for behavioral changes among hotel guests, and Alec Bartolai from Kalaloch Lodge in Forks, Washington, presents an informative case study on education and outreach initiatives at his hotel.

The Energy-Water Nexus: Using ENERGY STAR and WaterSense to Maximize Results
Presented on June 16, 2015 by Tara O’Hare and Andrea Schnitzer, EPA.
Recording 

As the U.S. experiences an increase in drought conditions, businesses are becoming more aware of the need to manage water efficiency. Learn why water efficiency matters to you, and about how good energy and water management practices are often complementary. The webinar will also detail opportunities for improving water efficiency, and provide an overview of key EPA ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense® resources, including best management practices and water and energy efficient products.

Water-Saving Strategies for Commercial Buildings 
Presented on June 4, 2015 by Robert Pickering, ERG.

A CI water efficiency primer as part of the BUILDINGS VIP Smart Sustainability Series. The webinar covers CI facility water management planning, water efficiency BMPs for CI facilities, and real-world case studies.

Water: Benchmarking and Best Practices from WaterSense
Presented on November 20, 2013 by Cindy Jacobs and Tara O’Hare, EPA.

Organizations can track their facilities’ water use along with energy use in Portfolio Manager to increase efficiency and improve performance. This webinar features the water management tools in Portfolio Manager and gives an overview of water trends in the thousands of facilities across the country. The WaterSense program also discusses ways to save water and energy with WaterSense labeled products and best management practices. Finally, examples and case studies detail improvements made in facilities and lessons learned along the way.

Water–Saving Strategies for Commercial Buildings
Presented on February 25, 2013 by Presented by Joanna Kind and Holly Cannon, ERG.

This webinar, part of the Buildings magazine VIP series, covers best practices for water management and illustrate them with real-world case studies.

Overflowing Value: Best Practices to Save Water and Money
Presented on November 7, 2012 by Tara O'Hare and Alena Hutchinson, EPA.

This webinar provided participants in the ENERGY STAR National Buildings Competition with information on how to save water.

Reducing Your Water Footprint
Presented on September 27, 2012 by Tara O’Hare, EPA, and Kate McMordie Stoughton and Brian Boyd, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

As part of the Federal Green Challenge, this webinar covers stormwater management, BMPs for CI facilities, tips for saving water, and a case study on water management and efficiency initiatives that have been performed for the Army’s Net Zero Water pilot installations.

The Garden Gurus' Watershed Approach to Landscaping
Recording

The Green Gardens Group (G3) trains and certifies its irrigation system auditors to think holistically. Healthy soil, climate-appropriate plants, treating rainwater as a resource, and water-efficient irrigation all play a role. Through G3’s “Garden Gurus” program, Watershed Wise Landscape Professionals conduct one-on-one garden coaching sessions with home and property owners. In addition to conducting a visual irrigation system audit, Garden Gurus take time to educate homeowners about the merits of a Watershed Approach to Landscaping. Speakers Marianne Simon, G3’s certification coordinator, and Pamela Berstler, G3’s chief executive officer, introduce the Watershed Wise Landscape Professional certification and explain how Garden Gurus’ consultations entice homeowners to create more water-efficient and sustainable landscapes. Julius Duncan from WaterSense also highlights other WaterSense labeled professional certification programs and summarizes key elements of its certification program specifications. (WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Irrigate Smarter: Connecting Homeowners to Their Controllers
Recording

Today’s WaterSense® labeled weather-based irrigation controllers incorporate “smart” technologies that can do the thinking for consumers in terms of when and how much to water, but they must be properly programmed to realize their full water-saving potential. Speakers Abby Owens, sustainability and environmental education supervisor with the City of Plano, Texas, and Clay Kraus, director of market development with Rachio, describe the challenges the City of Plano faces in educating homeowners about irrigation controllers, the resources it provides, and its new pilot project with Rachio controllers. This webinar also outlines WaterSense labeling criteria, explains how controllers work, and covers what utilities and manufacturers can do to help homeowners realize the full water-saving potential of weather-based irrigation controllers. (WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Relationship Building Between Irrigation Professionals and Utilities
Recording

Water-efficient landscape irrigation is only achieved by integrating water-smart design, appropriate technology, and execution by knowledgeable professionals. Water agencies, such as the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), foster relationships with irrigation professionals to help successfully implement water-efficient irrigation programs. Speakers Melissa Baum-Haley, senior water resource analyst with MWDOC, Sergio Ramirez, water use efficiency administrator with the Laguna Beach County Water District, and Glen Frohlich, with Glen’s Landscape, describe how successful relationships between irrigation professionals and utilities helped foster water-efficient landscape irrigation in their communities. (WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Advancing Sustainable Landscape Designs
Recording

What motivates homeowners to think more sustainably about landscape choices? This webinar features the Sustainable Landscapes Program’s San Diego Sustainable Landscape Guidelines, which introduce a watershed approach to landscaping. The webinar also highlights the U.S. EPA WaterSense program’s resources to promote water-smart landscapes across the country, and new research initiatives from the Alliance for Water Efficiency to develop more accurate data and information about what programs, practices, and irrigation technologies save the most water. Speakers Carlos Michelon, principal water resources specialist for the San Diego County Water Authority, Beth Livingston, WaterSense brand manager, and Peter Mayer, AWE technical advisor and project manager of outdoor water use research, discuss what’s behind water-smart landscaping throughout Southern California and the nation. (WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Water-Efficient Landscape 
Recording

What motivates homeowners to adopt water-efficient landscape designs and irrigation practices? What obstacles must irrigation professionals and water providers overcome to move the needle towards more water-efficient choices? Utah State University professors Kelly Kopp and Joanna Endter-Wada discuss how Utah State University's Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping’s water efficiency programs have engaged thousands of Utah homeowners to achieve real, meaningful results—and what they’ve learned along the way. Stephanie Duer, Water Conservation Program Manager of the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities also shares her perspective and explains how the water utility has benefitted from cooperation with the Center. (WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Making the Business Case for Water Efficiency 
Recording

Outdoor water use often peaks during these hot summer months, but when irrigation professionals who are certified by WaterSense labeled programs engage with utilities, its win-win-win. Home and business owners can save money, irrigation professionals can boost their business, and utilities can see reduced peak demand. Speakers Cobb County Water System Senior Project Manager Kathy Nguyen and Ewing Irrigation Product Water Conservation Advisor Tom Shannon will describe the compelling business case for efficient outdoor water use. Attendees will also learn:

• Why rising and tiered water rates open the door for water-efficient irrigation practices and products.
• How certified irrigation professionals can educate customers on the "why" and "how" of more efficient system design, installation, and maintenance.
• How utilities benefit from more efficient outdoor water use. 

(WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)

Time for a Sprinkler Spruce-Up! 
Recording

Spring is finally here, and it's the perfect time to remind homeowners how to spruce up their irrigation systems before ramping up outdoor water use. The first installment in a new co-sponsored webinar series from WaterSense and the Alliance for Water Efficiency dedicated to outdoor water efficiency topics. Join speakers Judy Benson from Clear Water Products and Services, Inc. and Amber Lefstead from WaterSense. Attendees will learn:

• About WaterSense's third annual Sprinkler Spruce-Up campaign and partner tools.
• How to spruce up sprinkler systems with expert tips on inspection and maintenance practices that can offer homeowners the biggest bang for their buck.
• How certified irrigation professionals can market their water-efficient services to customers.
• How WaterSense partners are planning to promote Sprinkler Spruce-Up.

(WaterSense-Alliance for Water Efficiency Outdoor Webinar Series)