October 26, 2009—More than 1,000 WaterSense partners reportedly helped Americans save 9.3 billion gallons of water in 2008. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named five of them as the 2009 WaterSense Partners of the Year.
“Our partners have demonstrated how collaboration and commitment to water efficiency can result in major savings for Americans,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPAs Office of Water. “By working together to promote WaterSense labeled products and other water-efficient behaviors, they are helping Americans save tremendously on water, energy, and money on their utility bills.”
The following utilities, manufacturer, retailer, and individual were recognized for their extraordinary efforts promoting WaterSense in 2008:
- Promotional Partners of the Year (large utility): Cobb County Water System, Marietta, GA
- Promotional Partners of the Year (small utility) : James City Service Authority, Williamsburg, VA
- Manufacturer Partner of the Year: Kohler Co., Kohler, WI
- Retailer Partner of the Year: Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Mooresville, NC
- Irrigation Partner of the Year: Brian Vinchesi, Pepperell, MA
The partners used a variety of initiatives to save water for future generations. For example, Kohler earned the WaterSense label on 40 percent of its faucets and 25 percent of its toilets. The company used mobile restrooms to showcase these products at events nationwide.
