Most Consumers Unfamiliar with WaterSense Products, According to PMI Survey

PMI CEO says water-saving program must be authorized and funded by
Congress to create higher awareness

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#PMI–Three-quarters of 1,000 Google survey respondents said they were
unfamiliar with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense
program, which encourages the use of water-efficient toilets,
showerheads and faucets. The survey was conducted by Plumbing
Manufacturers International (PMI).

“The WaterSense program must be authorized by Congress so that it has
the funding it requires to generate higher public awareness of how
water-efficient plumbing products can save water,” said Barbara C.
Higgens, PMI CEO/executive director. “Saving water by using these
products is a very practical means that’s unfortunately being
overlooked. WaterSense products are readily available now at local
stores – and they use at least 20 percent less water than other toilets,
showerheads and faucets.”

Consumers also unaware of WaterSense rebate and incentive programs

While 48 percent of respondents felt saving water was important, 67.1
percent of survey participants were unfamiliar with WaterSense rebate
and incentive programs and didn’t feel an urgent need to replace older
plumbing products with more efficient ones. WaterSense currently lists
101 rebates within 14 states (via: https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/rebate_finder_saving_money_water.html).

Women and older millennials (age 25-34) were more inclined than other
demographic groups to value water efficiency and WaterSense products.
The Google survey findings are in line with the results of a 2015
PMI study that found slow adoption of WaterSense toilets,
showerheads and faucets, even in parts of the nation affected by
drought. The study found that, on average, 7.0 percent of the toilets
installed nationwide are WaterSense toilets, 25.4 percent of bathroom
faucets are WaterSense certified, and 28.7 percent of showerheads are
WaterSense certified.

About PMI

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit
international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing
products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member
companies produce 90 percent of the nation’s plumbing products and
represent more than 150 brands. As part of its mission, PMI advocates
for plumbing product performance and innovation contributing to water
savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer
satisfaction. For information on PMI or its conferences, contact the
organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008;
tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501; www.safeplumbing.org.

Contacts

for Plumbing Manufacturers International
Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com,
708-352-8695