WaterSense

Overview

WaterSense is a voluntary EPA program launched to promote water-efficient products, homes, and services through a certification label. It partners with manufacturers, builders, and organizations to certify items like faucets, toilets, showerheads, and irrigation controllers that meet specific water efficiency and performance criteria. The program has facilitated significant water savings, with labeled products credited for billions of gallons conserved since inception.

History

WaterSense was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2006 as a national partnership to reduce water use. The first labeled products appeared in 2007, followed by Partner of the Year awards starting in 2008, with sustained excellence recognition in subsequent years. Kohler became an early partner, with its products saving over 560 billion gallons of water by recent counts. The program expanded to include homes, professional certifications, and irrigation systems.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

WaterSense does not manufacture products; it certifies items produced by partner companies worldwide. Certified products undergo third-party testing to verify compliance with EPA efficiency standards before receiving the label.

Notable Products

• WaterSense Labeled Showerheads - Certified to 2.0 gpm or less with required spray force and coverage performance.
• WaterSense Labeled Toilets - Meets EPA criteria for 20%+ water reduction over federal standards while maintaining flush performance.
• WaterSense Labeled Faucets - Certified for 1.5 gpm or less flow in bathroom models with performance validation.
• WaterSense Irrigation Controllers - Smart timers that adjust watering based on weather data to minimize waste.
• WaterSense RO Systems - Reverse osmosis units limited to 2.3 gallons waste per gallon treated.

Reputation

WaterSense is regarded by professionals as a reliable standard for water efficiency, comparable to Energy Star for energy, with third-party certification ensuring credibility. Enthusiasts and builders value it for verifiable performance without sacrificing usability. Some criticism exists regarding limited adoption in certain product categories and the voluntary nature limiting broader impact.