Summary
Details
- The United States of America (USA)
WaterSense is not legally mandatory.
It can become practically required where:
A public procurement policy requires WaterSense products.
A water utility rebate program requires WaterSense-labeled fixtures.
A green building program references WaterSense.
A builder markets WaterSense-labeled homes.
A city water conservation program recommends or requires labeled products.
A buyer requires third-party water-efficiency certification.
In most cases, WaterSense is voluntary and market-driven.
Deep dive
- What’s Required
- 1. Product eligibility
- 2. Third-party product certification
- 3. WaterSense labeled homes
- 4. Professional certification programs
- 5. Label use and partnership
- Important Deadlines
- Current Status
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- 1. Certification refusal
- 2. Loss of label use
- 3. Rebate or procurement exclusion
- 4. Claim correction
- 5. Greenwashing risk
- Examples of Known Violations / Failure Modes
- Resources
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What’s Required
1. Product eligibility
EPA lists product categories eligible to earn the WaterSense label by meeting EPA criteria. Current categories include plumbing products such as bathroom sink faucets, showerheads, tank-type toilets, flushometer-valve toilets and flushing urinals.
Manufacturers must confirm:
Product category.
Applicable EPA specification.
Testing requirements.
Performance criteria.
Certification body requirements.
Label use rules.
2. Third-party product certification
All products bearing the WaterSense label must be certified by an EPA-approved independent third-party product certifying body.
Manufacturers may need:
Product testing.
Technical documentation.
Certification application.
Product model information.
Quality assurance evidence.
Mark use controls.
Ongoing certification maintenance.
3. WaterSense labeled homes
WaterSense-labeled homes must be third-party certified to meet EPA efficiency and performance criteria. EPA states that homes must be verified by a trained WaterSense home verifier and certified by an EPA-approved Home Certification Organization.
Homes may need:
WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures.
Efficient hot water delivery.
Smart landscape design.
Water-efficient irrigation where applicable.
Onsite verification.
HCO certification.
4. Professional certification programs
EPA allows professional certification programs to earn the WaterSense label by meeting criteria for irrigation professionals.
Relevant areas include:
Irrigation system design.
Installation.
Auditing.
Water-efficient landscape practices.
Professional credentialing.
5. Label use and partnership
The WaterSense label also signifies an organization’s commitment to promoting water efficiency and formal partnership with the WaterSense program.
Companies should control:
Correct label use.
Product scope.
Certified model numbers.
Marketing claims.
Partner status.
Specification updates.
Certification status.
Important Deadlines
WaterSense is voluntary, so there is no universal legal deadline.
Important timing points:
Product specifications and certification systems are updated periodically by EPA.
Manufacturers must meet current EPA specifications and third-party certification procedures before using the label.
WaterSense labeled homes must be verified and certified through an approved Home Certification Organization.
Purchasers should verify product status through WaterSense product search before relying on claims.
Current Status
WaterSense is active as an EPA voluntary labeling program. EPA states that the WaterSense label helps identify water-efficient products, new homes, and programs that meet EPA criteria for efficiency and performance.
Current status:
Active U.S. federal voluntary label.
Managed by EPA.
Covers products, homes, and professional certification programs.
Products require independent third-party certification.
Homes require verification and certification.
Relevant to water efficiency, utilities, plumbing, housing and procurement.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
WaterSense does not directly impose statutory penalties.
Possible consequences include:
1. Certification refusal
A product or home may fail to earn the label if requirements are not met.
2. Loss of label use
Manufacturers or builders may lose the ability to use the label if certification status is invalid.
3. Rebate or procurement exclusion
Products may be excluded from utility rebates, public purchasing or building programs requiring WaterSense.
4. Claim correction
Unsupported water-efficiency claims may need correction.
5. Greenwashing risk
Misleading water savings claims can create reputational and legal risk.
Examples of Known Violations / Failure Modes
Typical failure modes include:
Claiming WaterSense status for a non-certified model.
Using the label before third-party certification.
Applying the label to ineligible product categories.
Treating WaterSense as proof of building code compliance.
Using outdated product specifications.
Misstating water savings.
Not checking current product listings.
Claiming a home is WaterSense labeled without approved verification and certification.
Confusing WaterSense with ENERGY STAR.
Resources
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