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EPA Water
10/01/2007
Bathroom Sink Faucets To Bear WaterSense Label
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 1, 2007) Consumers will soon be able to identify high-performance, water-efficient sink faucets for their bathrooms now that EPA has released a product specification for ones that use about 30 percent less water than conventional models.
"EPA's WaterSense program just made it easier for consumers and communities to save money, energy, and water one tap at a time," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "Water efficiency is the wave of the future and WaterSense bathroom faucets will turn a trickle into a stream of savings without sacrificing performance."
In order to earn the WaterSense label, faucets must be independently tested and certified by a licensed certifying body to meet EPA's water-efficiency and performance criteria. To meet the criteria, faucets and accessories such as aerators cannot flow at a rate of more than 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), or less than 0.8 gpm. Working with stakeholders, EPA chose a rate that ensures both water savings and that the faucet flow rate will continue to meet the needs of the user.
WaterSense labeled faucets not only save water, but the have the added benefit of saving energy used to treat, pump, and heat water. In fact, letting your faucet run for 5 minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.
Consumers can already find the WaterSense label on more than 60 high-efficiency toilets. WaterSense labeled toilets use 20 percent less water than standard models and are independently tested and certified to perform as well as or better than their market counterparts. Working with EPA, retailers are starting to feature WaterSense labeled toilets in their plumbing sections, and bathroom sink faucets should be close behind in 2008.
Bathrooms are, by far, the largest use of water in the home—responsible for about half of total indoor water use. By installing a WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilet and faucet or aerator, American homes can save more than 11,000 gallons each year.
WaterSense, an EPA partnership program launched in 2006, seeks to enhance the market for water-efficient products and services by building a national brand for water efficiency.
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
Specification
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.
- High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification (PDF) (3 pp, 61K)
- High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Supporting Statement (PDF) (8 pp, 95K)
For more information about the faucet specification process, including the draft specification, public response to the draft specification, EPA's response to the public comments, and questions and answers, please see High-Efficiency Lavatory (Bathroom Sink) Faucet Specification Background Materials and the High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Frequent Questions page.
Partner With Watersense
Partners Are The Foundation of WaterSense. EPA Watersense encourages partnering with manufacturers, retailers and distributors, promotional partners, certified professionals, and certifying organizations to bring water-efficient products to market and spread the word about the need for smart water use.
- Partner Benefits
WaterSense partners contribute a great deal to the program, but they receive many benefits in return for their participation.
- Are You Eligible?
EPA uses strict criteria to determine which organizations or individuals are eligible for partnership. Check here to see if you or your organization is eligible to become a WaterSense partner.
- Partner Resources
Once you become a WaterSense partner, you'll have access to a suite of tools and resources that will help spread the word about water efficiency, as well as promote your involvement with the program.
- Product and Program Specifications
EPA sets water-efficiency and performance requirements for products and professional programs to earn the WaterSense label.
- Become a Partner
Becoming a WaterSense partner is easy. Everyone from product manufacturers, retailers and distributors, utilities, promotional organizations, certified professionals, and certifying organizations can join.
- Meet Other Partners
Meet other companies, organizations, and individuals committed to water efficiency who have already become partners. Find out whether your organization is eligible to join.
