Inspector Training Version 11 Date WaterSense Training Overview Module 1 Background and Introduction to WaterSense Module 2 WaterSense for New Homes Module 3 Inspector Roles amp Responsibilities ID: 616705
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Slide1
New Homes Inspector TrainingVersion 1.1[Date]
WaterSense
®Slide2
Training OverviewModule 1: Background and Introduction to WaterSenseModule 2: WaterSense for New HomesModule 3: Inspector Roles & Responsibilities
Module 4: New Home Inspections
Module 5: Quality Assurance & Wrap Up
2Slide3
Background & Introduction to WaterSenseModule 1:Slide4
Training PurposeTraining for raters or other individuals interested in conducting inspections of new homes for EPA’s WaterSense program.
In depth overview of the WaterSense new home inspection and certification
process.
This training addresses modifications made in
Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification
and is a requirement before inspecting homes in accordance with the revised specification.
4Slide5
Training ObjectivesParticipants should understand:The objectives of the WaterSense new homes program.
The
roles and responsibilities of
inspectors.
The
criteria in
Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification.
How to conduct inspections for WaterSense.
5Slide6
Need for Water EfficiencyBetween 1950 and 2000, U.S. population doubled while the demand on public supply systems more than tripled.Since 2011 more than half the country has experienced some level of drought.
6Slide7
Need for Water EfficiencyRecent severe droughts in
a large part
of the country underscore the importance of examining how we use our water supplies.
7Slide8
What Is WaterSense?
Voluntary partnership and labeling program launched by EPA in
2006.
Simple way for consumers to identify products that use 20% less water
and
perform
well.
What is WaterSense?
8Slide9
Where Is the WaterSense Label?Residential and commercial productsWaterSense labeled toilets use
20% less water than the
standard.
WaterSense labeled faucets and accessories use 30% less water than the
standard.
WaterSense labeled showerheads use 20% less water than standard.
WaterSense labeled flushing urinals use 50% less water than the standard.
WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controllers apply water based on plants’ needs.
Professional
certification programs
Irrigation
certification programs with a significant water efficiency component can apply for the label
.
New
homes
WaterSense
labeled new homes are designed to use
at least 20
% less water than traditional
homes.
9Slide10
WaterSense Labeled Products
Tank-Type
Toilets
1,100
labeled models
Lavatory
Faucets
3,400
labeled models
Flushing
Urinals
140
labeled models
Showerheads
600
labeled models
Irrigation
Controllers
30
labeled models
Labeled products are listed at:
www.epa.gov/watersense/products/index.html
Slide11
WaterSense for New HomesModule 2:Slide12
WaterSense for New HomesVoluntary specification that promotes water efficiency
of new
homes—both indoors
and outdoors.
WaterSense
labeled new homes will:
Reduce
water use in
new homes by at least 20
%.
Educate
homeowners about continuing water-efficient
behaviors.
Encourage
community infrastructure
savings.
12Slide13
WaterSense for New HomesBacked by the credibility of the U.S. EPA.The first national new home
label
to comprehensively address water
efficiency.
Designed to work with other green building programs so that homes can receive multiple certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR
®
or LEED for Homes
).
Homes are
certified
by an independent third
party.
13Slide14
Water Use at HomeMore than 1.2 million homes were constructed in 2010 and 2011 in the United States.On average, 70% of water is used indoors, 30% outdoors.
Outdoor
use is higher in Southwest and other regions.
Toilets, faucets, showers, clothes washers, and leaks are biggest indoor users.
14Slide15
WaterSense for New HomesHome builders must meet specific water-efficiency criteria to
qualify
their homes for the WaterSense label:
Indoor
Leak prevention
Service
pressure
Plumbing fixtures
Hot
water
distribution
Appliances
and other equipment (if
installed)
Metering (for multi-family homes)
Outdoor
Landscape design
Irrigation
(if installed)
Homeowner Education
Homeowner OR occupant and building operating manual
15Slide16
New Home EligibilitySingle-family homes and townhomes.Homes in new multi-family buildings including:
Residential units in multi-family buildings, three stories or less in size.
Residential units in multi-family buildings of any height, including mixed-use buildings, provided the units have independent heating, cooling, and hot water systems separate from other units.
Units in buildings that utilize central domestic hot water systems powered by alternative energies (e.g., solar or geothermal) if the alternative energy source provides at least 50 percent of the hot water needs for the residential units.
16Slide17
Certification & Labeling StructureProgram AdministratorsLicensed Certification Providers
Inspectors
Builders
17Slide18
Certification & Labeling Structure
Program Administrator
Independent oversight organization
Approved by EPA
Trains quality assurance designees (QADs) and approves providers
Oversees licensed certification providers
Licensed Certification Provider
Are approved by program administrators & licensed by EPA
Employ at least one QAD who has completed the mandatory training
Employs or contracts with inspectors, trains inspectors, oversees
inspections, provides quality assurance
Holds final certification decision
Can generates the WaterSense label certificate and sticker
Inspector
Receive required training from an approved provider
Works for (or contracts with) an approved provider
Individual who provides new home inspection services
Builder Partner
Signs a partnership agreement with EPA
Commits to building WaterSense Labeled New Homes
18Slide19
19Slide20
Inspector Roles & ResponsibilitiesModule 3:Slide21
Step 1. Work with a Certification ProviderWork with a WaterSense
licensed certification
provider
Can be a direct employee or an independent inspector/rater.
List
of licensed certification
providers is posted
on the WaterSense
website: www.epa.gov/watersense/meet_our_partners.html.
Receive mandatory inspector training from licensed certification provider.
Disclose
any conflicts of interest to licensed certification provider.
21Slide22
Step 2. Coordinate InspectionsSchedule
inspection(s) with builder partner
.
For multiple homes in a subdivision, planned
community, or multi-family building
implement sampling protocol (optional).
Provide
builder partner with copies of inspection materials,
including
:
Inspection checklists.
Any
other tools used to document the home’s
compliance.
22Slide23
Step 3. Implement Sampling Protocol
Every home must be directly inspected unless the licensed certification provider offers sampling.
Every home, whether sampled or directly inspected, is subject to oversight.
Sampling eligibility:
Sampling
is applicable only for multiple homes being built within a
subdivision, planned community, or multi-family building.
An
inspector must directly inspect and a licensed certification provider must certify the builder’s first seven
homes (or residential units).
www.courierpress.com/photos/2009/jul/27/43034
23Slide24
Sampling ProtocolTo sample:Randomly select 1 home
from
every group of 7
homes scheduled for completion within 30 days of each other.
Inspect
the sample home
as normal.
For
every home
or multi-family building
with
an
irrigation system installed, verify that the system was designed or installed and audited by a WaterSense irrigation partner, or that the builder obtained a waiver.
For sample homes that
DO
pass inspection:
If
the sample home is certified, all 7 homes receive certification
.
For sample homes that
DON’T
pass inspection:
None
of the homes covered by the sample pass unless they are inspected
individually.
Sampling
cannot be reinstated until 7 additional homes have been directly inspected and certified.
24Slide25
Step 4. Conduct InspectionUtilize inspection guidance, inspection checklist, and other
materials provided.
Document
the home’s water-efficiency features and compliance
with
the WaterSense
criteria.
Allow
builder an opportunity to address areas of
nonconformity.
Note
nonconformities and any corrective actions on the inspection
documentation
.
25Slide26
Step 5. Notify Certification Provider
Upon inspection, provide the licensed certification provider with:
Builder
partner contact
information
Address
or lot number of inspected new home (for sampled homes, note which homes the inspection
covers)
Documentation of home’s compliance with WaterSense specification (including nonconformities and corrective actions)
Name
and contact information of
inspector
Inspection
date(s
)
Licensed
certification provider
holds final certification decision.
Upon
certification, sign the WaterSense label
certificate.
Licensed
certification provider will issue the
certificate.
26Slide27
Step 6. Offer Ongoing SupportMaintain files of inspected homes for 3 years
.
Submit to
licensed certification provider’s annual
review of 10% of certification files.
Maintain status/training as required by the licensed certification provider.
27Slide28
Summary of Inspector ResponsibilitiesWork for or contract with
a licensed certification provider
.
Coordinate inspections with the builder
.
Implement sampling protocol (if applicable
).
Conduct
new home inspections
.
Notify licensed certification provider of new home inspection.
Offer other ongoing support.
28Slide29
New Home InspectionsModule 4:Slide30
Inspection PreparationGather inspection materialsInspection checklistsPressure gauge
Watch
with second hand or stop watch
Digital
thermometer such as a digital food thermometer
Bucket
or flow bags with volume measures marked
Dye
tablets for toilets
Flashlight
Digital
camera
Tape
measure
Equipment
for determining slope such as a clinometer or laser level
30Slide31
Inspection Checklist31Slide32
Inspection PreparationProvide the builder with copies of inspection-related materials.Gather necessary paperwork/documentation from builder needed to document the home’s compliance.Confirm address of the home to be inspected.
Photograph the front of the home and its landscape.
Document the inspection date and start time.
32Slide33
Inspection ElementsRequired Elements:Leak preventionService pressure
Hot
water delivery
systemToilets/urinals
Bathroom faucets
Kitchen faucets
Showerheads
*
Metering (multi-family)
*
Landscape design
*
Homeowner
OR occupant and building operating manual
*
Optional Elements:
Dishwashers
Clothes washers
*
Evaporative
cooling
systems
Water softeners
Drinking
water treatment
systems
Irrigation system
*
Pools/spas
*
*
Denotes changes made in
Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification
33Slide34
Indoor Inspection:GeneralPre-inspectionVerify
that water is turned
on.
Verify that hot water heater is turned on and set to a “normal”
temperature.
For multi-family buildings, conduct the indoor inspection for each residential unit for which the builder is applying for the WaterSense label (unless using a sampling protocol)
34Slide35
Indoor Inspection:Leak PreventionInspection:
Check
for visible leaks at all water supply connections and
valves.Conduct a pressure loss test.
There shall be no detected leaks from any water-using fixture, appliance, or equipment.
35Slide36
Indoor Inspection:Leak PreventionInspection:
Pressure
loss
test:
Attach a pressure gauge to
the cold water faucet for the washing machine and take a pressure reading before and after turning the water to the home or unit off.
The pressure should remain constant.
If the pressure drops, this indicates that the home has a leak.
Work with the builder to find and fix any leaks before proceeding with the inspection.
If the home
or multi-family building has a separate
water supply for irrigation, check both the indoor a
nd outdoor water supply for leaks.
detail.en.china.cn/provide/detail,1080202890.html
36Slide37
Indoor Inspection:Service PressureInspection:
For
homes supplied by groundwater wells verify that a pressure tank is installed and set to 60
psi.
For
homes with publicly supplied
water:
Document whether the home has a pressure-regulating valve downstream of the point of connection.
OR
Check the static pressure using a pressure gauge
AND
Gather written documentation from builder that the pressure supplied by the jurisdiction is 60 psi or less.
Static pressure for each home or residential unit shall be 60 pounds per square inch (psi) or less.
www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/prvfaq.htm
37Slide38
Indoor Inspection:Hot Water Delivery SystemThe system shall store no more than 0.5 gallons in any piping/manifold between the hot water source and any hot water fixture.
No more than 0.6 gallons of water shall be collected from the fixture before hot water is delivered (accounts for water that must be removed from the system before hot water can be delivered).
Recirculation systems must be demand initiated (push button or motion sensor).
Timer and temperature activated recirculation systems do not meet this requirement.
*Note that residential units in multi-family buildings of three stories or less or units that use alternative energy to supply hot water can have a shared hot water delivery system, but criteria and inspection applies to each unit
.
38Slide39
Indoor Inspection:Hot Water Delivery SystemInspection:
Test
hot water delivery system before testing other indoor features. Test all hot water delivery systems in the
home.
Verify that the hot water heater is on.
Locate the
fixture (faucet or showerhead) farthest from the hot water
source.
Check supply connections for
leaks.
For
demand-initiated recirculating systems, turn on applicable switch or hit the control button for hot water in the appropriate room and wait 40
seconds.
For recirculating systems, verify that the system is not timer/temperature based.
39Slide40
Indoor Inspection:Hot Water Delivery SystemInspection:
Place
a bucket/bag marked at 0.6 gallons underneath the fixture to capture all water from the
fixture.
Turn
on hot water
completely.
Place
a digital thermometer in the water stream.Note the starting water
temperature.
Once
the fixture has discharged 0.6 gallons, turn off the water.
Record
the ending water
temperature.
The
temperature must increase by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
40Slide41
Indoor Inspection:Hot Water Delivery SystemHot water delivery
s
ystem
test
41Slide42
Indoor Inspection:ToiletsInspection
:
Obtain
the make and model name/number of all toilets installed.
Verify
that the toilets are included on
the WaterSense labeled product registry:
Check
www.epa.gov/watersense/product_search.html.
If the product isn’t on the list, verify it is labeled by e-mailing the WaterSense Helpline at
watersense@epa.gov
.
Check
the angle valve and connections for visible leaks
.
All toilets shall be WaterSense labeled tank-type toilets.
Angle valve
42Slide43
WaterSense Labeled Toilet List
43Slide44
Indoor Inspection:ToiletsInspection:
Conduct
a dye tablet test to ensure the flapper is functioning properly
.
Drop dye tablets into the toilet tank and wait 5 minutes.
Check the toilet tank to see if the color leaked from the tank into the bowl.
If color is observed in the bowl, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.
Flush the toilet within 5 to 10 minutes after inserting the dye tables to avoid staining.
44Slide45
Indoor Inspection:Toilets
Dye
tablet
t
est
45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vdW_36BDgs&feature=youtu.beSlide46
Indoor Inspection:ToiletsInspection:
Check
the water level setting of the tank
.
Remove tank lid.
Flush toilet.
Ensure water level is set so that water does not overflow from the overflow tube.
46Slide47
Indoor Inspection:Toiletswww.snwa.com/html/cons_tips_toiletleaks.html
When the toilet tank fills, water should not flow over into this tube
47Slide48
Indoor Inspection:Flushing UrinalsInspection:
Obtain
the make and model name/number of all urinals
installed.
Verify that the flushing urinals are included on the WaterSense labeled product registry:
Check
www.epa.gov/watersense/product_search.html
.
If the product isn’t on the list, verify it is labeled by e-mailing the WaterSense Helpline at
watersense@epa.gov
.
Check
connections for visible leaks
.
If flushing urinals are installed they shall be WaterSense labeled.
48Slide49
Indoor Inspection:Bathroom FaucetsInspection:
Obtain
the make and model numbers of all bathroom faucets or faucet accessories
installed.
Verify
that the faucets are included on
the WaterSense labeled product registry:
Check
www.epa.gov/watersense/product_search.html.
If the product isn’t on the list, verify it is labeled by e-mailing the WaterSense Helpline at
watersense@epa.gov
.
All bathroom sink faucets or faucet accessories (e.g., aerators) shall be WaterSense labeled.
49Slide50
Indoor Inspection:Bathroom FaucetsInspection:
Check
the maximum flow rate from each faucet (to ensure the aerator is present and functioning
).
Use a small bucket or attach a flow-measuring bag pre-marked for 0.25 gallons (1 quart) to the faucet spout.
Turn on the water completely (both handles).
Start the stop watch immediately when water is turned on.
Turn off the water after 10 seconds.
The volume of water collected should be 0.25 gallons or less.
Check
the faucet and hot and cold water connection hoses and valves for leaks
.
Cold water connection
Hot water connection
50Slide51
Indoor Inspection:Bathroom FaucetsBathroom sink flow test
51Slide52
Indoor Inspection:Kitchen Sink FaucetsInspection:
Check
the maximum flow rate from all kitchen sink faucets
.
Use a small bucket or attach a flow measuring bag pre-marked for 0.4 gallons to the faucet spout .
Turn on the water completely (both handles).
Start the stop watch immediately when the water is turned on.
Turn off the water after 10 seconds.
The volume of water collected should be 0.4 gallons or
less.
Check
the faucet, valves, and or/connection hoses for leaks
.
All kitchen sink faucets must have a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gpm.
Valve and connection hoses
52Slide53
Indoor Inspection:Kitchen Sink FaucetsKitchen sink flow
t
est
53Slide54
Indoor Inspection:Showers*
Shower compartment requirements:
The total allowable flow rate of water flowing at any given time from all showerheads must be limited to 2.0 gpm per 2,160 square inch (in
2
) increment or less of shower compartment floor area.
Additional showerheads are allowed for each additional 2,160 in
2
floor area increment, provided the total flow rate from all flowing devices in each compartment is
less than or equal to
2.0 gpm and the additional showerheads are operated by separate controls.
Showerhead requirements:
All showerheads shall be WaterSense labeled.
In cases where more than one showerhead or hand-held shower is provided in combination with others in a single device intended to be connected to a single shower outlet, the entire device must meet the maximum flow requirement in all possible operating modes.
54Slide55
Indoor Inspection:ShowersInspection:
If
it is a bath/shower combination, check the shower diverter for water seepage (should be minimal
).
Diverter
55Slide56
Indoor Inspection:Showers*Inspection
:
Check
the maximum flow rate from the
showerhead(s).
Use a bucket or attach a flow measuring bag
pre-marked for
0.35
gallons to the showerhead. Turn on the water completely (both handles if necessary).
Start the stop watch immediately when the water is turned on.
Turn off water after 10 seconds.
The volume of water
collected should be
0.35
gallons
or less.
Check
each showerhead for leaks at the shower arm and showerhead threaded connection
.
Threaded connection
56Slide57
Indoor Inspection:ShowersShowerhead flow test
57Slide58
Indoor Inspection:Showers*
Inspection
:
Measure the water flowing from each showerhead, either together or individually
.
(
If measured individually) add the maximum flow rates of water from each showerhead to determine the total flow
rate.
Measure the floor area of the shower compartment.
If
≤
2,160 in
2
, the total allowable volume of water collected should
be
≤
0.35
gallons.
If between 2,161 in
2
and 4,320 in
2
, the total allowable volume of water collected should be
≤
0.7
gallons.
58Slide59
Indoor Inspection:DishwashersInspection:
Verify that the installed dishwasher has an ENERGY STAR label or that it is on the list of ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers:
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=dishwash.search_dishwashers
.
Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
If a dishwasher is installed, it shall be ENERGY STAR
®
qualified.
Connections and valves
59Slide60
Indoor Inspection:Clothes Washers*
Inspection
:
Verify
that
all
installed clothes
washer, including those in common-use laundry rooms in multi-family buildings, are
ENERGY STAR qualified
with a
WF of ≤
6.0
:
ENERGY STAR qualified residential clothes washers:
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=clotheswash.search_clotheswashers
.
ENERGY STAR qualified commercial clothes washers:
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CCW
Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
If clothes washer are installed, including those in common-use laundry rooms, they shall be ENERGY STAR qualified with a water factor (WF)
≤ 6.0 gallons per water cycle per cubic foot capacity.
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers
60Slide61
61Slide62
Indoor Inspection:Evaporative Cooling SystemsIf an evaporative cooling system is installed, it must meet the following criteria:
Shall use a maximum of 3.5 gallons of water per ton hour of cooling when adjusted to maximum water use.
Blowdown shall be based on the time of operation, not to exceed 3 times in 24 hours.
Once-through or single-pass cooling systems, systems with continuous blowdown/bleedoff, and systems with timer-only mediated blowdown management do not meet the requirements.
www.precisionplumbing.com/img/evaporative_cooler_350.jpg
62Slide63
Indoor Inspection:Evaporative Cooling SystemsInspection:
Review manufacturer’s product literature and obtain documentation to verify:
The
evaporative cooling system meets the maximum of 3.5 gallons of water per ton hour.
The blowdown does not exceed 3 times in 24 hours.
The blowdown is controlled through conductivity or a basin temperature-based controller.
Check for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
63Slide64
Indoor Inspection:Water SoftenersIf a water softener is installed, it shall be certified to meet NSF/ANSI 44 including Section 7 voluntary requirements for efficiency rated systems, including:
Use demand-initiated regeneration controlled by a flow meter or water hardness sensor.
Have a rated salt efficiency
≥ 3,350 grains of total hardness exchanged per pound of salt (NaCl equivalency).
Must not include devices that use a clock timer to set regeneration on a fixed time schedule.
Must not regenerate using more than 5.0 gallons of water per 1,000 grains or hardness removed during the service cycle.
www.merzinc.com/nss-folder/pictures/Watco%20Water%20Softener.jpg
Salt
/
brine
tank
Resin tank
64Slide65
Indoor Inspection:Water SoftenersInspection:
Review
manufacturer’s product specification sheet or manual to verify that installed water softener has been certified to meet NSF/ANSI 44 Residential Cation Exchange Water Softeners, including Section
7.
Obtain
documentation as part of the inspection
records.
Check
for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
65Slide66
Indoor Inspection:Drinking Water TreatmentIf a drinking water treatment system is installed, it must be certified to meet applicable NSF/ANSI standards:
NSF/ANSI 42 Drinking Water Treatment Units – Aesthetic
Effects
NSF/ANSI 53 Drinking Water Treatment Units – Health Effects
NSF/ANSI 55 Ultraviolet Microbiological Water Treatment Systems
NSF/ANSI 58 Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems
NSF/ANSI 62 Drinking Water Distillation Systems
Such systems shall yield at least 85 gallons of treated water for each 100 gallons of water processed (i.e., it shall have an efficiency rating equal to or greater than 85%).
66Slide67
Indoor Inspection:Drinking Water TreatmentInspection:
Review
manufacturer’s product literature to verify that the installed drinking water treatment system meets applicable NSF/ANSI standards and has a minimum efficiency rating of 85
%.
Obtain
documentation as part of the inspection
records.
Check
for leaks from all visible connections and valves.
67Slide68
Indoor Inspection:Metering (Multi-Family Only)*
Inspection:
Verify that each unit is individually metered, submetered, or equipped with an alternate technology that can track and provide water use information to the unit residents.
Alternate technologies might include flow sensors or end use meters on major water using appliances, from which data are collected in a central location and summarized on a unit by unit basis.
In multi-family buildings, each unit must be individually metered, submetered, or equipped with an alternate technology capable of tracking water use and making the information available to the residents of the individual unit.
68Slide69
Outdoor Inspection:General*
Residential units in multi-family buildings will only be eligible for the WaterSense label if all common-use outdoor areas meet the outdoor water-efficiency criteria.
69Slide70
Outdoor Inspection:
Landscape Design
*
For single-family homes, landscape design criteria apply to the front yard and all other areas improved upon by the builder.
For multi-family homes, landscape design criteria apply to common-use areas intended or made available for residents’ use and all areas improved upon by the builder.
Areas improved upon by the builder include:
Areas with vegetation beyond temporary stabilization measures.
Irrigation systems.
Permeable hardscape or
softscape
features.
Pools, spas, or other
water features (for single-family only).
70Slide71
Design of the landscaped area shall be developed using the WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
Lots with landscapable areas less than 1,000 ft
2
are exempt from this criteria.
Outdoor Inspection:
Landscape Design
*
71Slide72
Outdoor Inspection:Landscape DesignWater budget background:
A
water budget is a site-specific method of calculating an allowable amount of water
for the landscape and then designing the landscape to meet this budget.
Takes into account plant type,
water
needs, irrigation system
design
, and water applied to landscape either by irrigation or precipitation.
The WaterSense Water Budget Tool guides the user through the water budget calculation in three parts:
Calculates the baseline and allowance for the specific site based on historic climate patterns.
Calculates how much water the designed landscape theoretically requires based on climate, plant type, and irrigation system design.
Determines whether the designed landscape meets EPA’s criteria.
72Slide73
Outdoor Inspection:Landscape Design*
Inspection:
Determine the portions of the landscape to which the criteria apply:
For single-family homes:
Includes the front yard and all other areas improved upon by the builder.
Excludes the footprint of the home, permanent hardscapes (driveways, sidewalks, and patios), septic drainage fields, and public right-of-ways.
For multi-family homes:
Includes areas improved upon by the builder and intended or made available for the use of building residents, including areas with vegetation beyond temporary stabilization measures, irrigation systems, permeable hardscape or softscape features.
Excludes private-use areas (e.g., areas deeded, identified as limited-use common elements, or otherwise restricted by building management) and common-use pools, spas, and water features.
73Slide74
Outdoor Inspection:Landscape Design*Inspection:
For applicable portions of the landscape, measure or obtain documentation to determine the total landscaped area.
For single-family homes, measure and include the surface area of any pools, spas, and water features installed.
For multi-family homes, do not count the area of any common-use pools, spas, or other areas for private resident use.
Obtain a copy of the Water Budget Tool Report from the builder.
74Slide75
Inspection:On the Water Budget Tool Report:Compare the landscaped area reported to the measured area.
Verify that the plant types/landscape features listed in Summary of Hydrozones (e.g., trees, shrubs) are installed.
For multi-family homes, make sure that any pools, spas, or other water features are not included (they do not count towards the landscaped area).
Measure and verify the area (ft
2
) for each plant type/landscape features listed.
Verify the water demand (low, medium, high) for each plant type/landscape feature.
Verify that the irrigation type (if applicable) is correct for each plant type.
Verify that the landscape meets the requirements such that the landscape water requirement is less than the landscape water allowance.
Outdoor Inspection:
Landscape
Design
*
75Slide76
Outdoor Inspection:Landscape Design76Slide77
Outdoor Inspection:Landscape Design77Slide78
Inspection:Inspect indoor criteria and address any non-conformities.Once permanent landscape is installed, inspect landscape and notify licensed certification provider to provide builder with label certificate.
Temporary landscapes (e.g., straw over bare soil) may be installed if permanent landscapes cannot be installed due to climate conditions or because occupancy of units in multi- family buildings occurs before common-area landscapes are installed.
Homes with temporary landscapes can be inspected for compliance with the indoor criteria and may be sold or occupied before permanent landscape is installed.
The WaterSense label may not be issued until the permanent landscape is installed, inspected, and certified.
Outdoor Inspection:
Landscape Design
*
78Slide79
Inspection:Use a laser level or clinometer to determine areas where the slope exceeds 25% or 14o.Verify that these slopes are planted.
Verify that all mulched areas are between 2 and 3 inches deep.
Slopes in excess of 4 feet horizontal run per 1 foot vertical rise (4:1) shall be vegetated.
All exposed soil shall be covered with a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulching material.
Outdoor Inspection:
Landscape Design
79Slide80
Outdoor Inspection:Slopes and Mulching
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80Slide81
For single-family homes, all pools and spa must have a cover.For multi-family homes, common-use pools and spas must:
Be independently metered so that water use can be tracked and leaks readily identified.
Be equipped with a gutter or grate system to catch splashes and drag-outs.
Be equipped with either sorptive media or cartridge filtration.
Outdoor Inspection:
Pools/Spas
*
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81Slide82
Inspection:For single family home, verify that the pool/spa has a cover.For multi-family homes, verify:
The pool or spa has an independent meter.
The pool or spa has a gutter or grate system to catch splashes and drag-outs.
That the pool/spa filtration system uses either sorptive media or cartridge filtration and obtain documentation.
Outdoor Inspection:
Pools/Spas
*
82Slide83
Outdoor Inspection:Water FeaturesInspection:Verify
through documentation from the builder that the water feature recirculates water and has a beneficial use. (e.g., habitat for wildlife, stormwater management, cooling properties
).
If ornamental water features are installed, they must recirculate water and serve a beneficial use.
Water features include fountains, ponds, waterfalls, man-made streams, or other decorative water-related constructions.
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If an irrigation system is financed, installed, or sold through the builder:It must be designed or installed by a WaterSense irrigation partner unless the builder obtains a waiver because there were insufficient irrigation partners available.
It must be audited by a WaterSense irrigation partner unless the builder obtains a waiver because there were insufficient irrigation partners available.
Outdoor Inspection:
Irrigation
System (Optional)
84Slide85
Outdoor Inspection:Irrigation System (Optional)
Post-installation audit requirements:
There shall be no detectable leaks during system operation.
There shall be no runoff or direct overspray during operation.
The system shall achieve a lower quarter distribution uniformity of 65% or greater measured on the largest spray-irrigated area.
The system shall be equipped with technology that inhibits or interrupts irrigation during periods of rainfall or sufficient moisture (e.g., rain or soil moisture sensors).
85Slide86
Outdoor Inspection:Irrigation System (Optional)*
Irrigation controller requirements:
Prior to June 1, 2013, irrigation systems shall be equipped with a weather-based or soil moisture sensor-based controller that contains specific features outlined in Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification.
As of June 1, 2013, irrigation systems shall be equipped with a
WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controller or a soil
moisture sensor-based irrigation controller that contains the specific features outlined in Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification.
86Slide87
Outdoor Inspection:Irrigation System (Optional)
Sprinkler and micro-irrigation system requirements:
Sprinklers are permitted on turfgrass only.
Sprinklers must have 4-inch or greater pop-up height and matched precipitation nozzles.
Sprinklers shall not be used on slopes greater than 4:1 or strips of turfgrass less than 4 feet wide.
Micro-irrigation systems shall be equipped with pressure regulators, filters, and flush end assemblies.
Scheduling requirements:
The system must have two watering schedules programmed by the WaterSense irrigation partner posted at the controller.
Schedules shall be seasonal and include a schedule for the initial grow-in phase and a schedule for the established landscape.
87Slide88
Outdoor Inspection:Irrigation System (Optional)Inspection
:
Confirm
the system was designed or installed and audited by a WaterSense irrigation partner or obtain proof of a
waiver from the requirement(s).
Check the WaterSense partner list to verify partnership of the professional:
www.epa.gov/watersense/meet_our_partners.html
.
If the system was audited, obtain from the builder a copy of
the
Version 1.1 WaterSense
Labeled New Home Irrigation Audit Checklist
completed by the WaterSense irrigation partner.
Verify
that the checklist is complete and that all the components used in the irrigation system meet the minimum criteria.
88Slide89
WaterSense Irrigation Partner List
89Slide90
Outdoor Inspection:Irrigation System (Optional)Irrigation system
audit:
The
licensed certification provider OR the builder can contract with the WaterSense irrigation partner to conduct the irrigation system
audit.
EPA
always reserves the right to conduct spot checks of the inspection, including the irrigation system
audit.
If problems arise with the irrigation audit or the WaterSense irrigation partner that conducted the audit, notify EPA.
EPA reserves the right to engage the WaterSense irrigation partner in corrective action, including revoking their partnership agreement.
90Slide91
Irrigation Audit Checklist91Slide92
Outdoor Inspection:Metering*Inspection:
Verify that the irrigation system associated with the multi-family building is independently metered, submetered or equipped with alternate technology capable of tracking irrigation water use.
If an irrigation system is installed in a multi-family building, the system shall be independently metered, submetered, or equipped with alternate technology capable of tracking water use for outdoor irrigation.
92Slide93
Homeowner Education:Single-Family Homes
Builder must provide homeowner with an operating manual or chapter for all water-using equipment and controls installed in the house and yard, including:
WaterSense materials on efficient water use.
If clothes washers or dishwaters are not provided, general information about water-efficient appliances.
If an irrigation system is installed:
A record drawing (schematic) of the system.
Itemized list of irrigation components.
Copies of the irrigation schedules.
Information about adjusting the schedule after establishing the landscaping.
93Slide94
Pressure regulating valves (if applicable)Hot water delivery systemToiletsFaucetsShowerheads
General information on water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers if they are not installed
If installed:
Dishwashers
Clothes washers
Evaporative cooling systems
Water softeners
Drinking water treatment systems
For installed irrigation systems:
Record drawing of the system
Itemized list of irrigation system components
Copies of the irrigation schedules
Information about adjusting the schedule
Inspection:
Verify that the Homeowner Operating Manual includes information on:
Homeowner
Education:
Single-Family Homes
94Slide95
Homeowner/Resident Education:
Multi-Family Homes
*
Builder must provide the occupant of each labeled unit an occupant manual or chapter for all water-using equipment or controls installed in the unit, including:
Relevant WaterSense materials on indoor water use.
If clothes washers or dishwaters are not provided, but hookups are present, general information about water-efficient appliances.
Relevant information on water-saving features of the building outside the unit (e.g., landscape, pools, laundry facilities).
95Slide96
Homeowner/Resident Education:Multi-Family Homes*
Pressure regulating valves (if applicable)
Hot water delivery system
Toilets
Faucets
Showerheads
General information on water efficient dishwashers and clothes washers if they are not installed
If installed:
Dishwashers
Clothes washers
Evaporative cooling systems
Water softeners
Drinking water treatment systems
Relevant information on water-savings features outside the unit
Landscape
Pools
Laundry facilities
Inspection:
Verify that the Occupant Operating Manual includes information on:
96Slide97
Homeowner/Resident Education:Multi-Family Homes*
Builder must also provide to the building management an operating and maintenance manual for all water-using equipment or controls outside of the units or inside of the units if maintained by building management.
If an irrigation system is installed, the manual must include:
A record drawing (schematic) of the system
Itemized list of irrigation components
Copies of the irrigation schedules
Information about adjusting the schedule after establishing the landscaping
If pools/spas are present, the manual must include information regarding filtration equipment, manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and information for monitoring for leaks.
97Slide98
Pressure regulating valve(s), if applicableHot water delivery system(s)Toilets
Faucets
Showerheads
Dishwasher(s)
Clothes washer(s)
Evaporative cooling system
Water softener(s)
Drinking water treatment system(s)
For installed irrigation systems:
Record drawing of the system
Itemized list of irrigation system components
Copies of the irrigation schedules
Information about adjusting the schedule
For common-use pools, spas, or water features:
Information about filtration equipment
Manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule
Information about monitoring for leaks
Homeowner/Resident Education:
Multi-Family Homes
*
Inspection:
Verify that the Building Operating Manual includes information on:
98Slide99
Inspection Wrap-UpAt the end of the inspection:Fill in the time the inspection was completed.
Sign
the inspection
checklist.
Provide
a copy of the inspection checklist to the
builder.
Submit
the completed inspection checklist, required documentation, and digital photograph to the licensed certification provider.
If the licensed certification provider certifies the new home, sign the certificate and return it to the to the licensed certification provider for distribution to the builder.
Digital
or stamped signatures may be used
.
99Slide100
Inspection Tools*Inspection and Verification Guidance
and Inspection
Checklist
Lists the specification requirements
Provides step by step inspection instructions for each element
Provides a template for documenting whether each requirement is met
Indicates which elements require documentation
Guidelines
for Irrigation Audits and Irrigation
Audit Checklist
Provides guidance and documentation criteria that the WaterSense irrigation partner uses when inspecting an irrigation
system
Sampling protocol information for single and multi-family homes
Provides an inspection checklists for documenting homes covered by a sampling protocol
100Slide101
New Home InspectionQuestions/Discussion?Slide102
Quality Assurance and Wrap-UpModule 5:Slide103
Inspector Quality AssuranceThe licensed certification provider will:Re-inspect/co-inspect each inspector’s first 3 probationary inspections.Annually
re-inspect/co-inspect 1 home or 1% of the homes each inspector inspects, whichever is
greater.
Annually
review 10% of each inspector’s
files.
103Slide104
Handling NonconformitiesThe licensed certification provider is responsible for notifying EPA of any nonconformities including:Failure of a certified home to pass a re-inspection where simple corrective action did not resolve the issue.Receipt of formal complaints that a WaterSense labeled home misrepresents its water-efficiency
performance.
Instances where the builder is fraudulently or falsely claiming that its homes have been certified and
labeled.
104Slide105
Handling NonconformitiesEPA is responsible for engaging the builder in corrective action beyond what the licensed certification provider can work with the builder to correct.EPA will determine when the future use of the WaterSense label by that builder should be suspended or withdrawn.
EPA may also discover nonconformities:
From
its stakeholders
During
its own in-home
inspections
During
periodic reviews of certification and label usageIf EPA discovers an issue, it will notify the licensed certification provider.
105Slide106
Next StepsCompleted training requirement in accordance with Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification.Licensed certification provider will provide training documentation and updated inspection materials.
You are now eligible to inspect new homes in accordance with
Version 1.1 WaterSense New Home Specification.
106Slide107
More InformationWaterSense New Homes (Main Page): www.epa.gov/watersense/new_homes
WaterSense New Homes Certification System:
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/new_homes/cert_new_homes.html
WaterSense
New Homes Technical Materials:
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/new_homes/homes_final.html
107Slide108
More Information
Web
site:
www.epa.gov/watersense
E-mail:
watersense@epa.gov
Helpline: (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367)
108