EPA WaterSense®: Building Water-Efficient Landscapes That Last

Alejandra Aviña
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read

Table and chairs with trees an shrubbery. A beautifully landscaped backyard

Water is one of our most valuable resources—and in many parts of the country, conserving it is becoming more important every year. That’s where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program comes in. Designed to protect the future of our nation’s water supply, WaterSense gives homeowners and professionals a simple way to use less water while maintaining beautiful, thriving landscapes.

If you’ve been curious about how to make your outdoor spaces more sustainable, here’s what you need to know about WaterSense—and how certified professionals are improving landscapes across the country.

What Is EPA WaterSense?

A family sitting on their patio furniture in their backyard

WaterSense® is a voluntary partnership program launched by the EPA to encourage water efficiency in homes, businesses, and landscapes. Through water-efficient products, irrigation systems, and professional certifications, the program helps save billions of gallons of water each year.

It’s not just about saving water—it’s about saving money, reducing strain on local water supplies, and creating healthier, more resilient landscapes.

Why Hire a WaterSense Certified Professional?

Backyard furniture and hen enclosure with trees and shrubs

When you work with a professional who has completed a WaterSense-labeled certification program, you can be confident that they:

✅ Understand the best practices for water-efficient landscaping
✅ Are trained in proper irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance
✅ Can help you choose water-saving plants, products, and strategies for your yard
✅ Follow EPA guidelines to conserve resources without sacrificing beauty

As the EPA notes, you can even search the WaterSense Directory of Certified Professionals to find trained experts in your area.

Water-Efficient Components and Practices

Front yard plants and shrubs with gravel

Certified professionals often incorporate a combination of techniques and products to maximize efficiency while keeping landscapes vibrant. Some of the most common WaterSense-approved strategies include:

Smart Irrigation Systems – Controllers that adjust watering based on weather, soil moisture, and plant needs.
Drip Irrigation – Targeted watering that reduces evaporation and runoff.
Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants – Landscaping choices that thrive naturally in the local climate.
Efficient Sprinkler Heads – Nozzles and rotors designed to distribute water evenly and reduce waste.
Seasonal Maintenance – Regular audits to adjust irrigation schedules and fix leaks before they waste gallons of water.

The results speak for themselves: by adopting these practices, landscapes can reduce outdoor water use by 50% or more without losing curb appeal.

Why WaterSense Matters

Family sitting at a table in their landscaped back yard

WaterSense is more than a label—it’s a movement toward sustainable landscaping and smarter resource use. By working with certified professionals and adopting water-efficient products and practices, homeowners can: