EPA Seeks to Change Water-Guzzling Grass Usage

This year, the Environmental Protection Agency will expand its WaterSense program to label newly built homes which are 20 percent more water-efficient than standard homes. The label's landscaping clause is causing a stir among grass enthusiasts.

1 minute read

September 18, 2009, 12:00 PM PDT

By Alek Miller

"[The EPA's WaterSense program team leader, Virginia] Lee says the average home in America uses 30% of its water outdoors, and in some areas of the country that number soars to 70%. While there's nothing to stop homeowners from planting all the turfgrass they want once they move in, with WaterSense landscaping as an initial template, she says, 'we are trying to teach people to plant appropriate landscapes.'"

"And Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., the world's largest lawn and garden company, has criticized the EPA's outdoor plan as 'arbitrary' and 'not supported by science.'"

FULL STORY: Turf Wars: Battling to Cut Water Use

Thursday, September 17, 2009 in The Wall Street Journal

Environment United States Water Landscaping Environmental Protection Agency

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