EPA WaterSense
A National Partnership to Save Water and Protect the Environment
WaterSense, is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), designed to make it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment by choosing water efficient products and services. Items that meet WaterSense specifications must be independently tested and/or certified, and only then can they carry the WaterSense label. Many WaterSense products and service providers are now available and the EPA is actively developing new specifications to expand the WaterSense family.
WaterSense Product Certification System Version 2.0:
As part of the ongoing effort to improve the WaterSense program, EPA released the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 in September 2011. EPA revised the product certification system to accommodate growth and expansion of the WaterSense program while balancing the cost of certification with the program need to maintain the integrity of the WaterSense label. As of November 3, 2011, WaterSense transitioned to a new product notification process, in which the licensed certifying bodies directly notify EPA of which products have earned the WaterSense label. Manufacturers no longer provide this information directly to EPA. For more information, go to the WaterSense Product Certification page.
Notification of Intent:
Issued for Development a Draft Specification for Water-Efficient, High-Performing Cation Exchange Water Softeners
EPA's WaterSense wishing to capitalize on recent improvements in water softening technology, has issued a Notification of Intent (NOI) to develop a draft specification for water-efficient, high-performing cation exchange water softeners. The technology improvements demonstrate that there is great potential for water savings. The NOI outlines the efficiency and performance criteria WaterSense is working to define and the technical issues that still need to be resolved related to this product category. Learn more here.
Issued for Development of Draft Performance Specifications for High-Efficiency Pre-Rinse Spray Valves
EPA’s WaterSense and ENERGY STAR® programs are teaming up to develop a specification for high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valves. EPA wants to capitalize on the tremendous water and energy savings opportunity, improve and promote the use of more efficient pre-rinse spray valves, and help commercial and institutional kitchen, restaurant, and grocery managers make informed purchasing decisions to reduce their water and energy use, without sacrificing performance. As a first step, EPA has issued a Notification of Intent to develop a specification for high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valves. Learn more here.
The EPA researched the impact of new high-efficiency PRSV's from the perspectives of water savings, effectiveness, and user satisfaction. The results were published in 2011 and are available here. EPA WaterSense (2011) Pre Rinse Spray Valves Field Study Report
Final Specifications:
Final Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
EPA released a final specification for weather-based irrigation controllers on November 3, 2011. Manufacturers that produce weather-based irrigation controllers meeting EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria can apply to have their products certified to earn the WaterSense label. Before submitting products for testing, manufacturers must have a partnership agreement with EPA in place. Learn more here.
Final Specification for Showerheads
EPA released a final specification for showerheads on March 4, 2010. Manufacturers that produce showerheads meeting EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria can apply to have their products certified to earn the WaterSense label. Before submitting products for testing, manufacturers must have a partnership agreement with EPA in place. Learn more here.
Final Specification for Single-Family New Homes
EPA released a final Specification for Single-Family New Homes on December 9, 2009. This specification establishes the criteria for new homes labeled under the WaterSense program and is applicable to newly constructed single-family homes and townhomes of three stories or less. Learn more here.
Final Specification for Flushing Urinals
EPA released a final specification for flushing urinals on October 8, 2009. Manufacturers that produce urinal fixtures and flushing devices meeting EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria can apply to have their products certified to earn the WaterSense label. Before submitting products for testing, manufacturers must have a partnership agreement with EPA in place. Learn more here.
Final Specification for High-Efficiency Lavatory (Bathroom Sink) Faucets
EPA released a final specification on October 1, 2007, for high-efficiency bathroom sink faucets and faucet accessories (e.g., aerators). Manufacturers that produce faucets and aerators meeting WaterSense efficiency and performance criteria can apply to have their products certified and earn the WaterSense label. Before submitting products for testing, manufacturers must have a partnership agreement with EPA in place. Learn more here.
Final Specification for High-Efficiency Toilets
On May 19, 2011 EPA released a revised version of the Tank Type High-Efficiency Toilet Specification (version 1.0). The new version is now called the WaterSense Specification for Tank-Type Toilets (version 1.1). Version 1.1 contains some minor revisions, incorporates previous clarifications on adjustability and certification and labeling of tanks and bowls manufactured by different companies, and provides new clarifications for product/product packaging marking and labeling. Manufacturers have until November 1, 2011 to be in compliance with the new requirements. Learn more here.
Final Specifications for Programs That Will Certify Irrigation Professionals
EPA established specifications on October 27, 2006, to recognize certification programs for irrigation professionals in three areas: system design, installation and maintenance, and system auditing. Any certification program that meets the criteria outlined in the specification for one of these areas will be eligible for the WaterSense label. Learn more here.
Prior AWE Comments:
On WaterSense Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
On WaterSense Draft Specification for Showerheads
On WaterSense Draft Specification for Flushing Urinals
On WaterSense Draft Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification
Download AWE comments on revised draft specification here. Download AWE comments on initial draft specification here.
Download AWE comments on initial draft Certification System, Inspection Guidelines, and Irrigation Audit Guidelines here.
2nd Annual (2010) AWE/EPA WaterSense Partner of the Year Awards Banquet
1st Annual (2009) AWE/EPA WaterSense Partner of the Year Awards Banquet
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