In many parts of the nation, water is fast becoming an increasingly expensive commodity, with national water and sewer rates rising faster than energy costs. While not every community is facing drought conditions, most homeowners are burdened by increasing water and sewer rates. With the increasing costs of water, homebuyers will soon want to know how efficiently water is being used in the homes they are looking to buy. In response to this need, RESNET has spent more than three years developing a whole house water efficiency rating index called HERSH2O®. Similar to the HERS® Index Score, RESNET’s nationally recognized energy efficiency standard, this new water index will rate the indoor and outdoor water usage of a home including the bathroom and kitchen, clothes washer, pools, and irrigation, while also accounting for leaks, excess pressure, and waste to derive a HERSH2O® score. The score is derived by comparing the rated home to a reference home, which is typical of construction practices in 2006. After several months of limited field testing, HERSH2O® is now ready for a formal pilot phase. The pilot phase will test the technical guidelines as well as the inspection checklist, inspection guidance document, and the calculation spreadsheet. Feedback gained during the pilot phase will allow RESNET to improve the rating and inspection process and develop training materials. RESNET is seeking builders and HERS® raters interested in participating in the HERSH2O® pilot. Those interested in participating should attend a free informational webinar on June 20th at 1:00 pm EST. Register for the webinar at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1457471223253599746 Please contact Ryan Meres with questions: ryan@resnet.us
