The
Water Star Certification
program was created by St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). It
encompasses efficient and effective irrigation, interior plumbing,
and
This
program has been mandated for all new developments in
Water Star offers three levels of certification; Bronze (for existing homes
only), Silver, and Gold. This program also certifies commercial projects and communities.
Achievement of Water Star certification provides 5 points toward the Florida Green Building Coalition Home Certification.
Several point selections such as low-flow showerheads, ENERGY STAR appliances, and low-volume toilets are listed on the checklists for FGBC, NAHB, and Water Star. In other words, selection of these items will provide points toward more than one certification.
Why bother with this certification?
-
GREATLY IMPROVED IRRIGATION INEFFICIENCIES:
The average central Floridian uses 150 gallons of water per day.
That is about twice as much as the national average and 50% of
that goes into our yards. Our current irrigation systems are on
average only about 40% efficient. A properly designed system can
reduce irrigation water use by approximately 40% taking a huge
chunk out of the homeowner’s water bill.
But more importantly participation in this program will allow
builders to continue to build. We are running out of water in our
area and it is going to take participation from all of us to get a
grip on the situation. Irrigation is the main culprit. A combination
of upgrading existing inefficient systems to these standards with
installation of Water Star standard systems in new construction will
make a huge contribution to our dilemma.
We can make an even greater difference by not installing an
irrigation system. Through selection of drought tolerant turf such
as Bermuda,
Building a home that does not include an irrigation system provides 10 points toward FGBC
green home certification and 45 points toward the irrigation section of the Water Star
certification. Note: The minimum point requirement for irrigation is 35
(Silver and Bronze Levels) and 45 (Gold Level)
-
REDUCES INTERIOR WATER USAGE:
Using low-flush commodes (1.28 gallons per flush or less) can
save an average family of four, 3200 gallons per year per
fixture. An even greater savings (7,000 to 10,000 gallons per
fixture per year) is possible through selecting dual-flush
commodes. These fixtures use only 0.8 or 0.9 gpf for liquids and
the standard 1.6 gpf for solids. These fixtures save more water
because we flush liquid much more often than we flush solids.
These low-flush commodes will pay for themselves over time and
continue thereafter to save the homeowner money. Low-flow lavatory
faucets and showerheads also contribute to saving money and water.
-
LANDSCAPING THAT REQUIRES LESS MAINTENANCE, WATER, AND
FERTILIZER:
By installing beautiful Florida-friendly plants in the right
place, less water, fertilizer, and maintenance is required.
Drought tolerant turf also contributes to water conservation.
Florida Water StarSM certification assures home buyers
that they are making a sound investment by purchasing a
water-efficient home that will save them money and maintenance time.
As the green-building movement grows, it allows you to stay ahead of
your customers’ expectations by offering
-
Lower utility
bills
— A Florida Water StarSM-certified home could reduce
indoor water use by more than 20 percent and outdoor water use
by 40 percent or more.
-
Less maintenance
— Inefficient irrigation systems, appliances and pipes require
more frequent repair and can cause expensive mold and moisture
damage.
-
Increased home
value
— Florida Water StarSM landscapes are lush and
healthy, substantially adding to curb appeal and decreasing
energy and water utility expenses.
Making your homes Florida Water StarSM certified also
communicates to the community that your organization is serious
about minimizing impacts on water.
GETTING STARTED:
This certification process begins with an initial consultation to
review the project, select the appropriate line items from the
checklist, go over product options, and discuss how to proceed with
the certification process based upon the landscape and irrigation
contractor’s familiarity with the Water Star program.
To access the checklists for all levels of Water Star, visit Florida Water Star Program Criteria.
The Builder Agreement: The builder or homeowner needs to provide SJRWM with a signed copy of this agreement at the beginning of the certification process. It helps SJRWM keep track of the program. By signing this document the builder or homeowner indicates that he or she is going to attempt to achieve the certification; there is no obligation to achieve it. To access the agreement visit Florida Water Star Homebuilder Participation Agreement.
For more information on Water Star, visit
www.FloridaWaterStar.com.
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