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RESOLUTION SUPPORTING U.S. E.P.A.'s WATERSENSE PROGRAM AND DIRECTING THE COUNTY MANAGER TO FULLY INCORPORATE THE PROVISIONS OF THE WATERSENSE PROGRAM IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S POLICY INITIATIVES AND PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMING EFFORTS

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WHEREAS, the U.S. E.P.A. has initiated a new water efficiency program called WaterSense to educate American consumers on making smart water choices that save money and maintain high environmental standards without compromising performance; and
WHEREAS, WaterSense seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of water efficiency, ensure the performance of water-efficient products, and provide good consumer information; and
WHEREAS, the WaterSense label will be easily identified on products and services that perform at least 20 percent more efficiently than their less efficient counterparts; and
WHEREAS, easily-corrected household water leaks frequently rob consumers of eight percent of their water bill; and
WHEREAS, at least 30 percent of water used by household irrigation systems is lost through wind evaporation and improper design, installation or maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the average household adopting water efficient products and practices can save 30,000 gallons of water per year which is enough to supply a year of drinking water for 150 homes; and
WHEREAS, product manufacturers can certify that their products meet the U.S. E.P.A.'s criteria for water efficiency and performance by following testing protocols specific to each product category; and
WHEREAS, such products will be independently tested to ensure E.P.A. specifications are met; and
WHEREAS, these products will be available to families and businesses early in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County is actively developing and promoting water efficiency measures to address the need for an alternative water supply; and
WHEREAS, the WaterSense program is perfectly aligned to enhance Miami-Dade County's efforts to reduce the demand for new water supplies,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA:
Section 1. This Board hereby expresses this Board's support for U.S. E.P.A.'s WaterSense Program.
Section 2. This Board hereby directs the County Manager to fully incorporate the provisions of the WaterSense Program in Miami-Dade County's policy initiatives and public education programming efforts.