Product Specifications
EPA develops specifications that outline the requirements that products must meet to earn the WaterSense label. Products bearing the WaterSense label are independently certified to be at least 20 percent more water-efficient and perform as well or better than standard products in the marketplace.
Ensuring equal or superior product performance is a pillar of the WaterSense label. As part of the specification development process, EPA evaluates performance attributes that are important to users and develops criteria to ensure performance in addition to efficiency. See the How are WaterSense Specifications Developed? page for more information on EPA's process for developing performance test methods and criteria for each of its labeled product categories.
In developing specifications, WaterSense works with standards organizations and other stakeholders. Actions are released for public comment and review before being released as final.
On This Page:
- Final Product Specifications
- Draft Specifications
- Notices of Intent
- Clarifications to Specifications and Certification System
- How Does WaterSense Develop Specifications for Products to Earn the Label?
Final Product Specifications
WaterSense has issued final specifications for the following products:
- Tank-Type Toilets
- Lavatory Faucets
- Flushing Urinals
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets
- Showerheads
- Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
- Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controllers
- Spray Sprinkler Bodies
- Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves (sunset on January 1, 2019)
EPA periodically reviews existing WaterSense product specifications to ensure relevancy in the marketplace. Visit the WaterSense Product Specification Review page to learn more.
Background information for each product specification (not including the current specification) can be found in Product Background Materials.
Draft Specifications
WaterSense has released the following draft specifications:
Notices of Intent
WaterSense has announced its intent to develop or revise specifications for the following product categories and programs:
- Private-Use Lavatory, Public Lavatory, and Kitchen Faucets (NOI to revise the current specification for private-use lavatory faucets is available for review)
- Cation Exchange Water Softeners (inactive)
- Bath and Shower Diverters (inactive)
- Pool Covers (inactive)
Clarifications to Specifications and Certification System
WaterSense periodically issues technical clarifications to its product and home specifications in order to clarify vague or unclear requirements. This document serves as the compendium of technical clarifications regarding WaterSense specifications, certification systems, and associated labeling requirements.
Occasionally, EPA receives requests to adjust the application and/or requirements of test methods to accommodate new products that fit within the scope of the applicable specification, but may not be capable of meeting the specification criteria using the prescribed test method(s). To accommodate these requests, EPA has formalized the process by which a product manufacturer may request a test method variance for its product(s).
How Does WaterSense Develop Specifications for Products to Earn the Label?
EPA considers both technical and market factors when identifying product categories that are good candidates for the WaterSense product specification and labeling process. If your product isn't included on the Products page, it isn't eligible for the WaterSense label. While EPA hopes to include more products in the future, each product category considered for the label undergoes certain procedures to identify, research, and finalize specifications. Visit the How are WaterSense Specifications Developed? page to learn more.