Water Efficiency: Further Reading

To learn more about water efficiency , water issues and more sustainable  practices, the California Urban Water Conservation Council has established a resourceful website about water efficiency in residential structures entitled “H₂ouse: Water Saver Home,” located at http://www.h2ouse.net/action/. This is a very good introductory source on how residential structure can be improved by implementing small, simple changes such as installing more efficient water fixtures when upgrading, remodeling or building a new home. Environmental Protection Agency approved, ENERGYSTAR appliances are also discussed and recommended on this site .

Another good resource is Amy Vicker’s, Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Industries, Business, and Farms (2000). This book provides an overview of several water efficiency  issues in a wide range of structures and landscapes. This book includes information on alternative irrigation techniques for landscaping  purposes, as well as conservative residential practices to implement in the home.

The Green Building  Handbook: A Companion Guide to Building Products and Their Impact on the Environment  (2000) by Tom Wolley is another excellent resource for both water efficiency  and green building in general. This handbook provides a detailed reference for environmentally conscious consumers and potential buyers of building products. Plumbing fixtures as well as additional water consumers, such as appliances, are evaluated in this handbook. This would be useful to those interested in finding feasible, green alternatives to current design and building practices dealing with water issues.