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U.S. EPA is working on guidelines new homes must comply with to receive the organization's "Water Sense" designation ([HYPERLINK@www.epa.gov]). The draft states that "builders shall not install or facilitate the installation of ornamental water features … Because these water features serve no functional or practical purpose, their water use is not considered efficient." (Section 4.1.4)
Members of the Int'l. Professional Pond Contractors Assoc. are asking for revisions that would exempt water features that incorporate a closed recirculation system, use a naturally occurring water source, sustain aquatic life, support wildlife or use reclaimed water.
"these water features serve no functional or practical purpose"
The EPA needs to reconsider the definition of " functional" or "practical".
Many homes have water features or ponds with recirculating pumps that help drown out the noise from the adjacent street, the noisy neighbors etc.
Many people also find the sights and sounds of the water feature a soothing antidote to a stressful day. There are so many ecologically sound ways to have a water feature.
I hope the pond association can expand their horizons on this topic.
Isn't one of the requirements for a backyard habitat designation the availability of water? Would that ruling impact what people can do with little ponds and such?
This strikes me as another case of bureacratic lunacy. Any motivated person can easily tap into their water service for a line to a water feature. So it is unenforceable after the permitting and inspection on new houses. I would think the water bill would be far more effective for waste control.
How can they make a blanket statement that water features are frivolous and serve no practical purpose. That's completely crazy. I have the impression that swimming pools are rampant out west. Those would be the place to start if they're worried about saving water. I guess they call the pools essential.
"these water features serve no functional or practical purpose"
So I'll tell them I need a bubbling fountain to drown out the voices in my head and a tranquil pond to ease my paranoia. Maybe a doctor will write me a prescription to give to the EPA.
