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Included in the Water Efficiency Program Area are tools, techniques, and approaches for improving water use efficiency for both potable and non-potable water resources.
Executive Order 14057: Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability was signed by President Biden on 8 December 2021.
In relation to energy and environmental performance, EO 14057 states that it is the policy of the United States that the Federal Government leads by example to achieve a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050. Through a whole-of-government approach, the United States will demonstrate how innovation and environmental stewardship can protect our planet, safeguard Federal investments against the effects of climate change, respond to the needs of all of America's communities, and expand American technologies, industries, and jobs.
EO 14057 directs federal facilities to transition Federal procurement and operations towards a focus on clean zero-emission technologies, this includes:
- Achieving Net-Zero Emissions Buildings, Campuses, and Installations. Each agency shall achieve net-zero emissions across its portfolio of buildings, campuses, and installations by 2045 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from buildings, campuses, and installations by 2032 from 2008 levels, prioritizing improvement of energy efficiency and the elimination of onsite fossil fuel use.
- Increasing Energy and Water Efficiency. Each agency shall increase facility energy efficiency and water efficiency and shall establish targets for fiscal year 2030 for agency-wide facility energy use intensity and potable water use intensity, with consideration of performance benchmarks for categories of building types (e.g., hospitals, office buildings) and the composition of the agency's building portfolio.
The Implementing Instructions for EO 14057 issued August 2022 provides instructions to Federal agencies regarding the implementation of EO 14057 including agency planning, reporting requirements, and accountability.
Section 201 of E.O. 14057 requires the head of each agency to propose agency-specific targets, including annual progress targets, where applicable, for GHG emissions reductions; carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE); zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleets; net-zero emission buildings, campuses, and installations; and energy and water efficiency.
Consistent with section 201 and 206 of E.O. 14057, agencies must propose an FY 2030 WUI target and identify annual progress targets. In FY 2022, CEQ, in coordination with OMB, will provide instructions for proposing and submitting targets for review and approval.
Existing Facilities: Water Efficiency
Targets:
- Agency-specific potable water use intensity (WUI) target for FY 2030.
Metrics:
- Annual agency potable WUI: gallons (Gal) per GSF per fiscal year (Gal/GSF/FY).
Progress Milestones:
- Agencies will set annual WUI targets, beginning with FY 2023.
Consistent with section 503 of E.O. 14057 and section IV.A of M-22-06, agencies must track progress and provide reporting on water efficiency. Agency progress and performance data for water efficiency will be collected through established Federal reports and systems including:
- Annual Energy Management Data Report (Annual Energy Report): Agencies submit this annual report to DOE-FEMP. It includes reporting of annual energy, and water use, CFE, investments in facility efficiency, new building design compliance, metering, and GHG emissions data.
- Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) 432 Compliance Tracking System (CTS): DOE-FEMP manages this system, which tracks compliance with
statutory requirements for building benchmarking, audits, and implementation of energy conservation measures (ECMs) and water conservation measures (WCMs).
Please use the links below to quickly jump to the information area needed or scroll down to view all items.
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This map provides information about rainwater harvesting regulations throughout the United States. FEMP designed the map to help agencies decide where to implement rainwater harvesting projects. The interactive map lets users click on a state to learn about the state's rainwater harvesting regulations and technical resources.
Description: This document is a companion to the revised "2016 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings" and metrics for agencies to use to evaluate compliance with the Guiding Principles.
Signed by President Obama on 30 April 2015, this act mandates the GSA Administrator develop model commercial leasing provisions and best practices to promote energy efficiency and water efficiency in Federal and other buildings. This act also amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975.
Full text of the Energy Independence and Security Act, signed December 19, 2007 by President Bush, for the purposes of moving the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government.
The purpose of this guide is to provide information on effective energy and water metering strategies, relevant metering technologies and communications, how to collect and use metered data, and how to develop a metering plan. This guide is designed to serve as a resource for facility, energy, and water management and technical staff. It does not try to represent the universe of metering-related material.
This page provides links to CEQ guidance and Federal resources for sustainability, energy, and environmental performance. The guidance documents listed on this website provide technical information to support agencies in implementing sustainability policies and programs.
In 2011 and 2012 the Alliance for Water Efficiency gathered data to update its State Information pages. The new information was generated via an updated survey and was used as the basis for the Water Efficiency and Conservation State Scorecard report. The website includes links to each of the state summary pages, which include any pertinent information for each of the survey questions. The survey questions are listed on the page and the page include names of states with strong examples.
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The newsletter for the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Each issue contains a collection of the latest information of water efficiency and conservation from the US, Canada, and around the globe.
This journal addresses the wide scope of current water efficiency projects as well as possible options and opportunities for future implementation. Subscription to the magazine is free.
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This library contains on-line resources on water conservation and efficiency. Subject matter covered in the library include: drought management, alternative supplies, conservation programs, water saving tips, residential efficiency, and metering.
This site is intended to keep the water industry in the know about tools, issues and developments related to water conservation.
This final report prepared by the Safe and Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) Research Program, is a summary and synthesis of scientific and technical literature on enhanced aquifer recharge (EAR) using stormwater. It is based on a search and screening of published literature conducted during summer and fall of 2020. The goal is to summarize the current state-of-the-science of information leading to best practices for EAR using stormwater. Topics addressed include factors affecting recharge volumes, risks (particularly of water quality degradation), what current science suggests about best practices, and knowledge gaps that, if filled, will help inform recommendations for safe, effective EAR using stormwater. The report is technical and does not address policy or regulatory issues.
Data on this website are compiled from agencies' latest Annual Energy Data Reports and are included in the Annual Reports to Congress on Federal Government Energy Management. The website includes: data tables of federal agency energy and water consumption; interactive graphics associated with most data tables; energy costs by end-use sector and efficiency investment information; progress toward key goals outlined in the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 8253-8258); Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15852); and historical data tables of agency energy use and costs by facility and mobility sectors by energy type beginning in fiscal year (FY) 1975.
This website provides information about various initiatives to promote sustainable infrastructure. Specifically it addresses the 4 pillars of sustainable infrastructure: better management, full cost pricing, efficient water use, and watershed approaches to protection.
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The Alliance is a stakeholder-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water.
Founded in 1964, the American Water Resources Association is a non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of men and women in water resources management, research, and education.
AWWA is an international nonprofit educational association dedicated to safe water. Founded in 1881 as a forum for water professionals to share information and learn from each other for the common good, AWWA has evolved into the world's largest organization of water professionals.
FEMP's mission is to assist agencies in water efficiency and meeting Federal mandates. They provide information on Best Management Practices, Case Studies, and Federal, state, and local resources for water efficiency and management.
Not-for-profit technical and educational organization created more than 75 years ago to continually assess and study the quality of the global water environment. WEF commissions research studies about the sources and causes of pollution, examines each new water treatment procedure, and educates the general public and water quality professionals on new techniques and solutions.
A public-private partnership program sponsored by EPA. Its mission is to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting and enhancing the market for water-efficient products and services
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FGC awards are given in two categories - data driven and narrative. Data driven awards are in the wares of Waste, Electronics, and Purchasing, Water, and Transportation. Narrative Awards are given in the categories of Innovation, Education and Outreach, and Leadership.
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A collection of projects and practices which Federal agencies have implemented to achieve green building goals. Information is categorized by the headings "Policies and Strategies," Tools and Training," and "Best Practices and Case Studies." Subjects covered within these categories include, but are not limited to: water conservation, energy efficiency, metering, NetZero, lighting, green leasing, sustainable acquisition, and design.
The U.S. EPA has published a collection of case studies, titled, Off-site stormwater management case studies, featuring Delaware DOT, Washington, DC, Grand Rapids, MI, and St. Paul, MN. The multiple benefits of green infrastructure are most significant when nature-based solutions are installed throughout a community. Off-site stormwater management can provide options for operators of development and redevelopment projects to meet post-construction stormwater performance standards outside the right-of-way or limit of the area of development in some circumstances. This flexibility can facilitate achieving additional environmental and planning goals in the community, such as implementation of green infrastructure in areas not undergoing development. EPA recently developed these off-site stormwater management case studies to provide examples of a range of strategies used by local and state governments.
The handbook was developed to inform practitioners about the latest approaches and lessons learned for bioretention design, construction, inspection, and operation and maintenance. The handbook contains a compilation of the current state of knowledge from published literature, interviews, and site visits with leading municipalities and practitioners across the United States. A unique feature includes the numerous photographs of bioretention facilities from more than 20 municipalities across the contiguous United States that showcase a diversity of design techniques.
This FEMP website reflects Federal energy and water consumption data and includes links to GHG inventory data, energy use and cost, water use consumption data, and Agency progress on metering goals.
These case studies provide information about the performance, economics, and/or success of Federal water efficiency projects.
In this June 2018 study GSA compares 100 GSA high-performance buildings to 100 GSA legacy stock buildings looking at actual performance data in five key metrics from the last three years. The comparison found that high-performance buildings save energy, save water, cost less to operate, produce less waste, and have more satisfied occupants compared with typical buildings.
This December 2012 FEMP case study concerns a 2011 recipient of Federal Energy and Water Management Award. The focus of the study is U.S. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort and their efforts to establish an energy and water-saving culture. The intent of this case study is to showcase how other agencies can augment their efforts through adopting similar efficiency standards.
This free publication (download pdf only) discusses alternative water sources such as graywater and stormwater that can serve a range of non-potable uses, including irrigation, toilet flushing, washing, and cooling, although treatment may be needed. Stormwater may also be used to recharge groundwater, which may ultimately be tapped for potable use. In addition to providing additional sources of local water supply, harvesting stormwater has many potential benefits, including energy savings, pollution prevention, and reducing the impacts of urban development on urban streams. Similarly, the reuse of graywater can enhance water supply reliability and extend the capacity of existing wastewater systems in growing cities.
The Federal Energy Management Program investigated how effective energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) are at integrating innovative water efficiency measures and identified ways to improve the process. This fact sheet shares the results of this assessment.
This EPA website addresses strategies for ensuring water efficiency. Tools provided include audit software, alternatives to water supply expansion, leak detection resources, and other water efficiency strategies.
Released by the National Research Council this 2011 report examines a wide range of reuse applications, including potable water, non-potable urban and industrial uses, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and ecological enhancement. With recent advances in technology and design, treating municipal wastewater and reusing it for drinking water, irrigation, industry, and other applications could significantly increase the nation's total available water resources, particularly in coastal areas facing water shortages, says a new report from the National Research Council. It adds that the reuse of treated wastewater, also known as reclaimed water, to augment drinking water supplies has significant potential for helping meet future needs. Moreover, new analyses suggest that the possible health risks of exposure to chemical contaminants and disease-causing microbes from wastewater reuse do not exceed, and in some cases may be significantly lower than, the risks of existing water supplies.
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Every drop of water saved in the U.S. saves energy, and every unit of energy saved saves water. That overlap has come to be known as the "energy-water nexus." This report, from the American Council for an Energy -Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the Alliance for Water Efficiency combines the energy efficiency community and the water efficiency community. The report develops a blueprint for future joint efforts and envisions a policy agenda that could drive actions at the federal, state, local, and watershed levels.
This website provides an overview of how the WBDG approaches water conservation and links to the applicable codes and case studies.
EPA website which provides background information, EPA activities and resources, and Federal information about water reuse.
A public-private partnership program sponsored by EPA. Its mission is to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting and enhancing the market for water-efficient products and services
This is a compilation of water-efficiency best management practices, to help commercial and institutional facilities understand and better manage their water use, help facilities establish an effective water management program and identify projects and practices that can reduce facility water use.
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This website provides best management practices, tools, research, and cybersecurity resources for water infrastructure. Implementing cybersecurity best practices is critical for water and wastewater utilities. The resources on this website can bring utilities one step closer to cyber resilience.
These Best Management Practices were originally developed by FEMP in response to Executive Order (E.O.) 13123 requirements. E.O. 13423 superseded E.O. 13123 and to account for the superseded requirement changes, water use patterns, and advancing technologies, the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Office updated the original BMPs.
WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water–efficient products that can help your wallet and the environment. WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent, third–party certification and meet EPA's specifications for water efficiency and performance. Products include toilets, faucets, irrigation sprayers, and others
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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.
This comprehensive water management training provides Federal facility and energy managers with knowledge and skills to assist in meeting water-related legislative and executive order requirements. Learners will develop skills in increasing water efficiency and reducing water use through sound operations and maintenance practices and water-efficient technologies. Several methods for meeting needs for non-potable water through alternate water sources, such as rainwater harvesting, reclaimed wastewater, and gray water are discussed. Water metering is covered, as well as life cycle costing and establishing the overall economics for strategic water management. This training is offered by FEMP in partnership with the National Institute of Building Sciences' Whole Building Design Guide.
This webpage provides training resources for drinking water, wastewater, and storm water utilities, on how to build resilience and adapt to climate change impacts by region.
This interactive training will educate learners about energy management best practices including the value of setting goals, developing a plan, identifying milestones, and documenting the tasks associated with those goals and milestones. During the training, you will discover why it's important to identify key stakeholders and core team members for each project or task and to get their support and buy-in.
FEMP offers webinars, classroom training, and on-demand training addressing issues such as lighting, energy efficient products, fleet management, renewable energy, greenhouse gases, and water efficiency.
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 the EPA's WaterSense program to help keep water waste under control and incorporate leak detection into your existing standard operating procedures.
This EPA webinar includes a presentation about EPA's "Flood Resilience Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities" which has a user-friendly layout, embedded videos, and flood maps. The webinar also includes information on "EPA's Drought Response and Recovery Guide" which brings together lessons learned from small- to medium sized drinking water systems across the country that have dealt with drought. The guide provides water utilities with best practices and key actions that can be taken when planning for, responding to, or recovering from drought, and helps utilities dealing with drought impacts by outlining practical actions that can increase their overall drought resilience. This webinar was originally presented as part of the EPA Small Systems Monthly webinar on 25 September 2018.
Sponsored by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), this archive of quarterly webinars address topics ranging from water recycling and endangered species challenges, permitting options for small MS4s, and CWA rule litigation updates.
In April 2014, New Dream and Corporate Accountability International presented a webinar about how to organize a campaign to eliminate bottled water in your community. This webinar covers topics such as how to get started, how to build public support, and how to maximize media coverage -- with a special look at successful campaigns from university campuses.
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.
This training module is intended to increase water resource professionals' understanding of the causes of climate change, its potential impacts on water resources, and the challenges that water resource professionals face. The module also describes how federal, state, tribal, and local governments and communities are working to make the United States more resilient to the impacts of climate. The 45-minute training is part of the EPA Watershed Academy Web certificate program.
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February 2025
Three reasons why utility leaders should attend this event:
Gain insight from leadership peers. This conference attracts top executives and managers across all water utility departments. Get the view from the top of what is really working.
Prepare for the future. Learn how utilities can adapt to climate change, fix aging infrastructure, achieve digital transformation, leverage funding options, and address other evolving considerations.
Develop the next generation of utility leaders. UMC is co-located with the Young Professionals Summit and features some joint events. Do not miss this opportunity to inspire and guide future utility leaders.
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Oct 25, 2024
Nov 27, 2023
Nov 07, 2023
Sep 28, 2023
Sep 19, 2023
Sep 18, 2023
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Executive Order 14057
(Until 02/14)
