Frequently Asked Questions: WaterSense Certification and Labeling of High-Efficiency Lavatory (Bathroom Sink) Faucets

How does my high-efficiency lavatory faucet or faucet accessory 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 with EPA once a draft specification has been released for a product they produce or manufacture under a private label. Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will have 12 months to obtain certification for a product that conforms to the relevant WaterSense specification.

The second step is to have one of EPA's licensed certifying bodies certify your product for conformance to the High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification. Manufacturers apply directly to the licensed certifying body for certification. Once your product is certified, the licensed certifying body will provide you with artwork for the WaterSense label with its name underneath. You must use this label in accordance with the WaterSense label use guidelines.

Which certifying bodies can certify my product?

A listing of EPA licensed certifying bodies is posted on the WaterSense Web site or may be obtained from the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367). Certifying bodies are approved for each individual specification, so be sure to choose one that is licensed to the High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification.

Can I use a WaterSense labeled faucet accessory to meet the flow rate criteria contained in the specification? Does my faucet still need to be tested?

A lavatory faucet is considered to meet the flow rate requirement contained in the specification if it is equipped with a lavatory faucet accessory that meets the flow rate requirement. In this case, it is up to the discretion of the licensed certifying body to determine whether the entire faucet needs to be tested. EPA anticipates that in most cases, further testing may not be necessary. The licensed certifying body may still conduct a review and may require you to produce evidence that you are using a high-efficiency lavatory faucet accessory that meets the specification criteria. All high-efficiency lavatory faucets, regardless of whether the entire faucet is tested or just the faucet accessory, must be evaluated, certified, and listed by a licensed product certifying body in order to earn the WaterSense label and be listed on EPA's Web registry of WaterSense labeled products.

How much will product certification cost?

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 to have plumbing products certified by an accredited certifying body.

How long will certification take?

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 consumers know my product has been certified?

Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are allowed to bear the WaterSense label. In addition, EPA maintains a Web registry of WaterSense labeled products. To get your products included on this list you must submit to EPA a new certified product notification form for each certified model. EPA will verify the product certification information with the licensed certifying body that conducted the certification. This process, from notification to listing on the WaterSense Web site, may take up to two weeks.

I am an overseas manufacturer looking to get my products certified for WaterSense. Will there be certifying bodies in my country that can conduct the certification?

WaterSense anticipates that at least some of its licensed certifying bodies will have offices worldwide with the capability to conduct product certifications for WaterSense. Please keep in mind, however, that to be eligible for the WaterSense label, you must sell or intend to sell products in the United States that meet the relevant WaterSense specification within one year of partnership with EPA. Please contact one or more of EPA's licensed certifying bodies to determine if they certify products in your area.

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.

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