What regulation encompasses new home water efficiency in California?

• A. CALGreen
• B. California Water Efficiency Policy
• C. WaterSmart Homes Initiative
• D. MWELO

Answer: (D)

The regulation that specifically addresses new home water efficiency standards in California is known as MWELO, which stands for the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. This ordinance was adopted to promote water efficiency in landscaping and requires local agencies to ensure that new developments implement water-efficient landscape practices. By setting parameters for landscape design, installation, and maintenance, MWELO aims to encourage sustainable water use in residential and commercial landscaping projects, thereby significantly reducing total water consumption.

In contrast, while CALGreen encompasses broader sustainable building practices that include various elements of resource efficiency in the construction of new homes, it does not focus solely on water efficiency. The California Water Efficiency Policy provides a general framework for water conservation but does not specifically target new home construction like MWELO does. Similarly, while the WaterSmart Homes Initiative is associated with promoting water-efficient technologies and practices, it does not represent a regulatory framework for new home water efficiency in the same way that MWELO does.