Product Certification
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EPA requires all products bearing the WaterSense label to be independently certified. The WaterSense Product Certification System outlines the process and procedures for the product certification to ensure that all WaterSense labeled products meet EPA's criteria for efficiency and performance.
What does "product certification" mean for you?
WaterSense Product Certification System Version 2.1
As part of the ongoing effort to continually improve the WaterSense program and its independent third-party certification process, EPA released Version 2.1 of the WaterSense Product Certification System in January 2016. EPA has made minor revisions to the product certification system to clarify and ensure equitable interpretation and enforcement of program requirements.
Use the links below to learn more about the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.1 including a summary of the revisions.
- WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.1 (PDF) (27 pp, 543K)
- WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.1 in Track Changes (PDF) (29 pp, 575K)
- Summary of Revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System (PDF) (9 pp, 227K)
For background information on the development of and revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System, please refer to the Product Certification System Archives.
Manufacturer
Manufacturers must obtain all WaterSense-related product certifications (the WaterSense label) from an EPA licensed certifying body that is accredited to provide certification services for WaterSense. EPA maintains a comprehensive list of certifying bodies that are licensed under the product certification system.
Certifying Body
Certifying bodies must be accredited to certify products for WaterSense in accordance with the requirements of the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.1 (PDF) (27 pp, 543K) and the relevant WaterSense product specification. To begin the accreditation process, contact an EPA-approved accreditation body.
Upon accreditation, please contact the WaterSense Helpline for application procedures and to obtain a copy of the licensing agreement.
Licensed certifying bodies are required to submit WaterSense labeled product information directly to EPA using WaterSense product notification templates. Please report all certified products to EPA using the product notification templates below:
- Tank-Type Toilet Notification Template (XLSX, 738K)
- Lavatory Faucets Notification Template (XLSX, 1.1MB)
- Flushing Urinals Notification Template (XLSX, 250K)
- Showerheads Notification Template (XLSX, 451K)
- Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Notification Template (XLSX, 588K)
- Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Notification Template (XLSX, 211K)
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets (Water Closets) Notification Template (XLSX, 224K)
Please note that WaterSense ID numbers are required to complete these templates. If a certifying body wishes to provide product information to EPA using its own form, the information must conform to the requirements outlined in the relevant template above.
Accreditation Body
The application process is open to all U.S. domiciled accreditation bodies interested in providing accreditation services for WaterSense. Any accreditation bodies meeting the application and approval criteria outlined in the Product Certification System, Version 2.1 (PDF) (27 pp, 543K) may apply at any time. To apply, please submit an application letter to the WaterSense Helpline, as described in the product certification system.
WaterSense Product Certification System Archives
Product Certification System Version 2.0 Technical Information
WaterSense previously revised the product certification system in September 2011. For more information on the development of the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0, please review:
- WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 (PDF) (24 pp, 221K)
- Response to Public Comments Received on the Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 (PDF) (29 pp, 184K)
- Comments Received on the Draft Revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 (PDF) (31 pp, 172K)
- Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System (PDF), Version 2.0 (19 pp, 140K)
- Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 in Track Changes (PDF) (19 pp, 192K)
- Summary of Draft Revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 (PDF) (12 pp, 108K)
- Summary from July 13 and July 19, 2011 Public Meetings (PDF) (13 pp, 104K)
- Presentation from July 13 and July 19, 2011 Public Meetings (PDF) (54 pp, 228K)
Product Certification System Version 1.0 Technical Information
WaterSense released Version 1.0 of its product certification system in March 2009. For more information on the development of the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 1.0, please review:
- WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 1.0 (PDF) (16 pp, 169K)
- Response to Public Comments Received on the Draft WaterSense Certification Scheme, Version 1.0 (PDF) (33 pp, 161K)
- Comments Received on the Draft WaterSense Certification Scheme, Version 1.0 (PDF) (33 pp, 151K)
- Presentation from June 20, 2007 Public Meeting, Version 1.0 (PDF) (29 pp, 196K)
- Summary from June 20, 2007 Public Meeting, Version 1.0 (PDF) (11 pp, 66K)
- Draft WaterSense Certification Scheme Cover Letter, Version 1.0 (PDF) (3 pp, 100K)
- Draft WaterSense Certification Scheme, Version 1.0 (PDF) (22 pp, 124K)
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