By: Darcy Keown

Fort Collins, Colo — What is WaterSense? 

WaterSense is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that promotes and enhances water-efficient products and services. The city of Fort Collins became a partner of the WaterSense program to decrease indoor and outdoor water use by opening communities’ eyes to alternative plumbing systems, landscaping ideas, and various other products that work well and save water. 

In addition to conserving water for future generations, the WaterSense partnership also helps Fort Collins residents save money on their water bills. As part of Senate Bill 14-103, only WaterSense products are sold in Colorado. 

Why is it important? 

When it comes to lawns, most people think of the American dream: a lush, green lawn with flowers of choice and other yard decorations. However, this isn’t environmentally sustainable, and living in an arid desert like Colorado, it’s going to cost a lot of water (and money) to maintain.

In terms of production, WaterSense provides an ethical consumer option that supports the environment while helping FoCo residents save money. Under current water rates, the average Colorado resident pays anywhere from $85 to $112 per month. For Fort Collins WatersSense customers, similar bills would be about $30 to $47 (The Coloradoan)

 WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20 percent less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models (EPA). Ethical consumerism is the social phenomenon where consumers take account of wider issues in their purchasing decisions (Buying For Good).

In the past, the idea of the American dream fueled Americans to buy whatever they wanted, forgoing what they needed (The Story of Stuff). This still stands today, although there has been a lot of growth. In recent decades, consumers have been increasingly attuned to social and ethical considerations when it comes to buying products for themselves or their homes.

According to “Buying For Good: Altruism, ethical consumerism, and social policy,” such ethical considerations may potentially be building more bridges across social groups, bringing like-minded individuals together in the manner of social movements. As a Fort Collins resident, you can contribute to this particular social movement by starting (and continuing) to buy WaterSense products and utilize their water-saving tips for the rest of your home.