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US United StatesWater Efficiency & Procurement

WaterSense

US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) / United States

Established: Established in 2006

Overview

WaterSense is a voluntary water-efficiency product labelling program launched by the US EPA in 2006. Set against the backdrop of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, it is positioned as the "water counterpart" to Energy Star. The EPA develops product specifications (toilets, showerheads, faucets, irrigation equipment, etc.), and products that pass testing by accredited third-party certifying bodies are granted the right to use the label. The basic requirement is a water-efficiency improvement of at least 20% over the federal baseline while maintaining equal or better performance. The 2018 America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) strengthened the program's legal basis.

Timeline

  • 2006: EPA launches the WaterSense program
  • January 24, 2007: Specification for tank-type toilets published (maximum 1.28 gallons per flush); first labelled products appear the same year
  • October 2007: Specification for bathroom sink faucets added
  • October 2009: Specification for flushometer-valve urinals added (the first labelled product for commercial building materials)
  • 2018: America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) formally codifies and expands the program
  • 2020: Specification review required under AWIA completed (concluding no major revisions were needed)

    • Business Impact

    US federal agencies are directed, under executive orders and CEQ implementing guidance, to prioritize the purchase of WaterSense-labelled products and the use of WaterSense-certified professionals. Recommended language for incorporating this into federal procurement specifications is also provided, reflecting a strong connection to public procurement. On average, labelled products are reported to achieve a 20% reduction in water use, with cumulative water savings reported at 9.9 trillion gallons.

    Sources