 Comprehensive
List of all Frequent Questions
General Questions
Certification Programs for Irrigation Professionals Questions
Product Certification and Labeling Questions
High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) Questions
High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Questions
General Questions
Why did EPA create WaterSense?
EPA realized that managing water supplies was becoming an increasingly
important issue to local markets around the country. Through this
national program, local water utilities, product manufacturers,
and retailers will work with EPA to encourage the use of water-efficient
products and practices among consumer and commercial audiences.
Why does the United States need a water-efficiency program?
Water is a finite resource. Between 70 and 75 percent of the Earth's
surface is covered with water, but only 1 percent of that is available
for human use. While both population and demand on freshwater resources
are increasing, supply remains constant—there is the same amount
of water now as there was 2 billion years ago. Water efficiency
helps preserve our water supply for future generations.
What is the goal of WaterSense?
The main goal of the program is to decrease indoor and outdoor nonagricultural
water use through more efficient products, equipment, and programs.
With its recognizable label, WaterSense helps consumers easily identify
water-efficient products in the marketplace while ensuring product
performance and encouraging innovation in manufacturing.
How will success be measured?
EPA will estimate gallons of water saved by individuals and organizations
purchasing water-efficient products instead of those that use more
water. EPA will also examine the savings that result from using
irrigation professionals that are certified in water-efficient installation
and maintenance practices and the increase in awareness of water-efficient
products and practices.
What products will be included in the WaterSense program?
Irrigation professionals and residential plumbing products are among
the first categories in the program. EPA plans to research several
options to expand product areas in the future, including additional
indoor and outdoor home products, as well as commercial products.
How will water-efficient products and programs be labeled/recognized?
EPA developed the WaterSense label to differentiate products in
the marketplace that meet EPA criteria for efficiency and performance,
as well as programs that meet EPA criteria for water efficiency.
The label will appear on product cartons and packaging, be adhered
directly to the product, be featured on in-store displays, and be
found in manufacturer literature and Web sites. EPA also maintains
a registry of labeled products on the WaterSense Web site.
How can I find more information about product certification
and labeling?
Products bearing the WaterSense label are certified to conform with
the relevant specification by a licensed certifying body that is
either accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
in accordance with the WaterSense product certification system, or otherwise approved for that purpose by EPA.
Manufacturers apply directly to the licensed certifying body for
certification.
There are several key steps involved with using the WaterSense
label. Please review the Product Certification
and Labeling Frequent Questions below or review the WaterSense
Product Certification and Labeling fact sheet for more information.
What are the WaterSense label and logos?
WaterSense has two different labels and two different logos that
have specific purposes. For more information, please visit the What
are the WaterSense Label and Logos? page.
How are specifications for products determined?
For each product under consideration, EPA conducts extensive market
research to analyze potential specifications. EPA develops specifications
with stakeholder input and prepares draft efficiency and performance
criteria as an open process, soliciting input from stakeholders
to ensure that the most appropriate criteria for each product category
is included. Once EPA finalizes the draft specification, it is available
for public comment. EPA will refine the draft specifications based
on the comments and feedback, and then will release them again in
either draft or final form. The number of rounds of public review
will depend on the product schedule, and the nature and extent of
comments on the prior draft.
How does EPA ensure that products meet the criteria?
Products are independently certified by a third party to confirm
that the product meets EPA criteria for efficiency and performance.
Any product to which the label is applied must be certified to conform
to the relevant WaterSense specification by a certification body
either accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
in accordance with the WaterSense product certification system or otherwise
approved for that purpose by WaterSense.
Why did EPA choose third-party certification instead of
self-certification?
EPA chose independent certification by a third party to confirm
that the product meets the WaterSense efficiency and performance
criteria.
Is there an opportunity for public comments on proposed
specifications?
Yes. The program will strive to use a process similar to ENERGY
STAR to solicit public comments on proposed specifications. There
will be an open workshop 4-6 weeks after the draft specification
is released to receive comments. EPA will also receive written comments
from those unable to attend to meeting.
How does EPA coordinate with local water utilities?
Local water utilities have been very supportive in the development
of the program. Many utilities already have efforts in place to
increase the water efficiency of residential and commercial irrigation
systems. Utilities are encouraged to incorporate WaterSense into
their local water-efficiency and conservation efforts.
How is WaterSense similar to ENERGY
STAR? How is WaterSense different from ENERGY STAR?
WaterSense is similar to ENERGY STAR in that both programs work
toward market enhancement and public recognition through the labeling
of products and programs. One of the main differences between these
two programs is that WaterSense requires third-party certification
of its products and services, ensuring that they comply with WaterSense's
specifications. Another major difference is that WaterSense focuses
on water-using products and services that don't require energy to
run, solely focusing on their water-efficient properties. ENERGY
STAR includes water-using products that conserve energy.
What more can I do to save water for future generations?
EPA conducts a number of activities to encourage consumers and organizations
to use less water. Information on how to use water efficiently is
posted on our Web site and available on our fact sheets and other
publications. This new program adds the product focus to our ongoing
activities.
Is water supply an issue everywhere in the United States?
There are many markets in the United States that already face water
shortages, and the number of markets facing this issue is projected
to grow in the future. A Government Accountability Office survey
of water managers across the country showed that 36 states were
anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013,
even under nondrought conditions. Water efficiency is a much more
cost-effective tool to help local markets manage water supply issues
than developing new sources.
How can water efficiency help local communities?
Water supply infrastructure is a major cost for most local markets
across the United States. In 2002, an EPA report identified a $224
billion gap in planned infrastructure investment as compared to
needs. Water efficiency is one key way that local communities can
help manage their infrastructure needs.
Which areas of the country have the largest water supply
challenges?
Water use varies greatly depending on geographic location and season,
largely as a result of differences in climate. For instance, water
use needs tend to be higher in the West and Southwest than in the
East or Midwest. However, water and wastewater infrastructure systems
across the country are being challenged by population growth and
aging components. Water efficiency can lessen the stress on these
systems and extend their useful life. Further complicating the issue
of water supply and availability is the fact that population growth
is greatest in states that have more limited water resources.
Certification Programs for Irrigation
Professionals Questions
How did EPA set the final specifications for certification
programs for irrigation professionals?
EPA set the final specifications for certification programs for
irrigation professionals to address both efficient irrigation system
components and services. This will help customers identify professional
service providers that embrace and encourage the use of water-efficient
practices to enhance performance and efficiency.
What certification programs are eligible for the WaterSense
label?
WaterSense has recognized certification programs for irrigation
professionals that meet the specification criteria. The specifications
address certification programs in three categories:
- Irrigation Auditor: Applies to programs that certify irrigation
professionals who assess the proper functioning of existing irrigation
systems, perform water audits, and recommend watering schedules.
- Irrigation Installation and Maintenance Professional: Applies
to programs that certify irrigation professionals who install
new irrigation systems and/or repair and maintain existing irrigation
systems.
- Irrigation Designer: Applies to programs that certify irrigation
professionals who develop the design of new irrigation systems
and/or modifications to existing irrigation systems.
How can certification programs for irrigation professionals
use the label?
In order to use the label, the certifying organization must have
signed a partnership agreement with EPA and have applied for and
been accepted to use the label for its certification program(s).
Can certified irrigation professionals use the WaterSense
label?
Individuals who become certified under a WaterSense labeled certification
program are not allowed to use the WaterSense label directly on
their business cards, vehicles, promotional materials, etc. However,
professionals certified under WaterSense labeled programs that provide
services consistent with WaterSense specifications, can become WaterSense
partners and use the WaterSense partner logo to promote their certification.
Product Certification and Labeling Questions
How does a product earn the WaterSense label?
The first step toward obtaining the WaterSense label is
for the product manufacturer to enter into a WaterSense partnership
agreement with EPA. Manufacturers can sign a WaterSense
partnership agreement (writeable PDF) (3 pp, 289K, About PDF)
with EPA once a draft specification has been released for a product
they produce or a product they manufacture under a private label.
Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will have 12 months
to obtain certification for a product that conforms to a relevant
WaterSense specification.
The second step is to have the product certified for conformance
to the WaterSense specification by a licensed certifying body either
accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in
accordance with the WaterSense product certification system, or otherwise approved for that purpose by EPA. Manufacturers
apply directly to the licensed certifying body for certification.
Who will authorize the use of the WaterSense label?
The licensed certifying body will authorize the use of
the WaterSense label. This will lessen the burden on manufacturers
by reducing the layers of approval and associated wait time for
product labeling. In addition, the licensed certifying body will
also include its name in close proximity to the WaterSense label,
which will aid in tracking the use of the label in the marketplace.
The licensed certifying bodies will authorize the use of the WaterSense
label in accordance with requirements specified by EPA.
Which licensed certifying bodies
are accredited by ANSI or otherwise approved by EPA to certify products?
A listing of approved
licensed certifying bodies that meet WaterSense criteria is
posted on the WaterSense Web site, or will be obtainable from the
WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS
(987-7367). EPA anticipates that licensed certifying bodies currently
approved to certify plumbing products will be on this list.
The relevant WaterSense specifications for which the licensed certifying
bodies are approved will also be identified on this list. Products
may be certified by any licensed certifying body accredited for
the relevant WaterSense specification.
What is generally involved in product certification?
At a minimum, a sample of the product will be selected
and tested for conformance to the relevant WaterSense specification.
Certification may also include factory visits, periodic retests,
or other approaches to monitor ongoing conformance. These details
are still being evaluated for specific product categories.
How will consumers know that a product has been certified?
Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are
allowed to bear the WaterSense label. In addition, EPA maintains
a master list of certified WaterSense products on the WaterSense
Web site.
Will this certification process apply to all products?
EPA will require all WaterSense labeled products to be
certified by a licensed certifying body. EPA may, however, adjust
the specific certification requirements as appropriate for individual
product categories.
Are there licensed certifying bodies that can certify all
products?
There are licensed certifying bodies that are currently
ANSI accredited to certify a majority of the products for which
EPA is interested in developing specifications. EPA anticipates
that more licensed certifying bodies will obtain accreditation to
certify the relevant products as the WaterSense specifications are
developed.
Why did EPA choose ANSI accredited third-party certification?
EPA wants to ensure the WaterSense program's integrity
and sustainability. EPA also wants to ensure consumer confidence
in the products that bear the WaterSense label. Licensed certifying
bodies, independent of EPA and the product manufacturers, will certify
product conformity to the specifications, authorize the use of the
WaterSense label, and conduct periodic surveillance of a product's
continued conformance. ANSI accredited certification is the already
established framework in the United States to verify that products
in the marketplace meet specifications and standards.
What is the cost of certification to product manufacturers?
The cost structure for product certification is determined
by the licensed certifying bodies. EPA anticipates that the testing
fee and cost for certification of products, which may include opening
a new certification file or adding models to an existing file, will
be in line with the current cost structure for plumbing product
certification by an ANSI accredited licensed certifying body.
How will this certification process impact smaller manufacturers
of products?
EPA is in the process of developing the requirements for
certification. EPA is considering the impact on small businesses
in the decisions that it makes and is receiving input from all interested
stakeholders. While there will be some cost impact on all manufacturers
to submit a product for certification, the strength of the WaterSense
label should help products stand out in the marketplace. This should
be of particular value to small business partners.
Will the development of the certification program delay
specifications?
No, specifications for the initial WaterSense labeled products
and development of the certification approach is proceeding at the
same time.
How long will the process take from
the time I submit my product for certification until the time when
I can apply the WaterSense label to products?
The exact process and timing will be determined by the
licensed certifying body conducting the certification. Licensed
certifying bodies recognize that time to market is an important
consideration and will compete for a manufacturer's business in
this area. EPA anticipates that the time to achieve product certification
to WaterSense specifications will be similar to the time it currently
takes to get plumbing products certified to American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and other relevant standards.
How will EPA know that a product has been certified?
Licensed certifying bodies are required to maintain a listing
of all products they certify on their Web sites. They will periodically
submit an updated list to EPA so the WaterSense Web registry remains
as current as possible. Using the WaterSense product notification
form that is available on the WaterSense Web site, manufacturers
should also notify EPA directly when a new model is certified. This
will ensure that EPA has the most current list of certified products
possible on the WaterSense Web site.
How do stakeholders provide input on
the specification development and certification development processes?
EPA is interested in input from all stakeholders in the
specification development and certification development processes.
EPA has established a mailing list to notify interested persons
when various programmatic elements are developed and released for
public input. Please contact the WaterSense
Helpline to be added to the WaterSense e-mail and mailing lists,
and specify your interest in becoming part of the specification
and certification development processes in the "Message"
field.
High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) Questions
How did EPA set the specification for toilets?
The specification is based on the widely accepted Uniform
North American Requirements (UNAR) (PDF) (16 pp, 2.6MB, About
PDF) 
for toilets and EPA industry and product research, in collaboration
with external stakeholders. The EPA specification sets the water
use level at 1.28 gallons per flush or less, includes design requirements,
and has a higher requirement for flush performance to ensure optimal
user satisfaction.
How was UNAR developed?
Uniform North American Requirements (UNAR) were developed by a collaboration
of water utilities to establish a standard for toilets in rebate
programs that would perform to customer expectations, save water
and maintain water savings over the long term.
What percentage of toilets currently qualify under the
specification?
The most recent list of toilets in the market shows approximately
249 models. There are currently more than 100 models, or about 40
percent, that might meet the HET specification.
How does the specification ensure that these toilets will
perform as expected?
The specification includes a performance requirement. A collaboration
of U.S. and Canadian water utilities developed a flush performance
test protocol called the Maximum
Performance (MaP) test
to provide a uniform measure of toilet performance. Requirements
for this test protocol have been included in the HET specification.
How will EPA verify the testing?
Products will be independently certified by a third party to confirm
that the product meets EPA criteria for efficiency and performance.
Are toilets that meet the WaterSense specification more
expensive than other toilets?
No. MaP testing results have shown no correlation between price
and performance. Prices for toilets can range from less than $100
to more than $1,000. Much of the variability in price is due to
style, not functional design. Toilets that could potentially bear
the WaterSense label are currently in the low to middle range of
about $200. There is a lot of competitive pressure on manufacturers
to lower prices; therefore, it can be expected that as more toilets
become certified, the average price should fall.
Will the installation of HETs lead
to drainline and sewer problems due to the reduced water flows?
Since the introduction of the 1.6 gallons per flush toilet in the
early 1990s, questions have been raised about whether sufficient
water exists to move solid wastes in the building drainlines and
in the municipal sewer system. To date, there has been no evidence
to show that waste transport problems occur because of the use of
the original low-flow toilets. The introduction of HETs in the late
1990s precipitated the same concerns. As a result, a collaboration
of water utilities sponsored a full laboratory study to address
the issue. The drainline study, completed in 2004, concluded that
HETs flushing with as little as 1 gallon provide sufficient water
in residential and commercial applications to move the waste from
the fixtures to the sewer.
With regard to municipal sewer lines, the transport of waste has
not proven to be an issue of concern in those areas with a concentration
of high-efficiency toilets. Supplementary wastewater flows from
other end-uses are always sufficient to move solids through the
system. Furthermore, some wastewater utilities are co-funding and
sponsoring the toilet replacement programs and other water efficiency
initiatives of the water utilities for the very purpose of reducing
sewer flows to their treatment plants.
High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Questions
How was the final specification
for high-efficiency faucets developed?
All WaterSense specifications are developed through a market research,
technical review and stakeholder input process. In developing the
specification, EPA collaborated with interested parties representing
industry, water utilities, and water-efficiency advocacy groups.
EPA industry and product research, as well the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A112.18.1/Canadian Standards Association
(CSA) B125.1 standard for Plumbing Supply Fittings, form the basis
for the WaterSense bathroom sink faucet specification.
What are the details of the
specification?
The WaterSense specification sets the maximum flow rate of faucets
and aerators at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), tested at a flowing
pressure of 60 pounds per square inch (psi, common water pressure
in most households). The specification also includes a minimum flow
rate of 0.8 gpm, tested at a flowing pressure of 20 psi, to ensure
performance across a variety of different household conditions.
Who will certify that products
meet the specification?
All WaterSense labeled, high-efficiency bathroom sink faucets and
aerators must be tested and certified by an independent, EPA-approved
licensed certifying body. Manufacturers can use the WaterSense label
in conjunction with faucets and aerators that are certified by licensed
product certifying bodies to conform to WaterSense criteria for
both performance and efficiency. Only faucets and aerators that
are certified through this process can bear the WaterSense label.
What types of products can
earn the WaterSense label under this specification?
Provided the products meet the WaterSense specification, bathroom
sink faucets and aerators (or other faucet accessories, such as
laminar flow devices) can be certified to meet EPA criteria and
labeled under this specification. This specification applies to
bathroom sink faucets or aerators intended for private use, such
as in residences or in private restrooms in hotels and hospitals.
Faucets that are not eligible to earn the WaterSense label under
this specification include metering faucets (those that dispense
a pre-determined volume of water or operate in the "on"
position for a pre-determined period of time); bathroom sink faucets
intended for public use (those found in office buildings, restaurants,
airports, and stadium restrooms, etc.); and residential kitchen
sink faucets.
What is a faucet accessory?
A faucet accessory is a device that can be added to or removed from
a bathroom sink faucet (typically, it screws onto the tip of the
faucet spout).
Aerators control flow rate either through flow restriction (narrowing
the opening through which the water is discharged from the faucet)
or flow regulation (adapting the width of the opening through which
the water is discharged from the faucet based upon fluctuations
in water pressure to maintain a constant flow rate).
Are bathroom sink faucets that
meet the WaterSense specification more expensive than other bathroom
sink faucets?
Consumers can purchase WaterSense labeled aerators separately from
bathroom sink faucets, and can easily replace existing accessories
that do not meet the WaterSense specification.
Aerators can be purchased at retail locations and typically cost
only a few dollars. Most high-efficiency faucet accessories that
restrict flow are no more expensive that their conventional counterparts.
However, pressure compensating faucet accessories that are designed
to provide and maintain a constant flow rate despite fluctuations
in water pressure typically cost a few dollars more.
If WaterSense labeled aerators are
so easy to install, what would prevent their removal?
The water efficiency benefits of aerators, in addition to their
low cost and relative ease of installation, outweigh the risk of
their removal. Aerators typically cost no more than a few dollars,
and using WaterSense labeled faucets or aerators could reduce a
household's faucet water use by more than 500 gallons annually.
Additionally, performance is a major component of all WaterSense
specifications. The faucet specification accounts for user satisfaction
in different situations, including low water pressure, so removal
should not be a major issue.
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