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FAQ

WaterSense Certification & Labeling of Showerheads

How do I earn the WaterSense label for my showerhead?

The first step toward obtaining the WaterSense label is for the product manufacturer to partner with WaterSense, by signing a WaterSense partnership agreement with EPA. Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will have 12 months to obtain certification for a product that conforms to the WaterSense Specification for Showerheads.

The second step is to have one of EPA's licensed certifying bodies certify your product for conformance to the WaterSense Specification for Showerheads. 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 the label. You must use this label in accordance with the WaterSense Label Use Guidelines.

How will consumers know my product has been certified?

Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are allowed to bear the WaterSense label, so consumers can know to look for that symbol. 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 several weeks.

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. Certifying bodies are listed for each individual specification, so be sure to choose one that is licensed to the WaterSense Specification for Showerheads.

What do I need to include on my certification listing with the licensed certifying body?

As part of the quality assurance process, WaterSense verifies that each product added to the WaterSense labeled product registry is certified.  As a result, WaterSense needs to create consistency between the information that identifies WaterSense labeled products in the following places:

  • The certification file;
  • The WaterSense labeled product registry (the registry information is provided by the manufacturer when they complete the product notification form); and
  • Product packaging or other point-of-purchase materials consumers will see.

To help us create this continuity, please make sure your WaterSense labeled product certification file includes the following information as applicable:

  • Manufacturer name and contact information
  • Brand name/model name/model number
  • Certification file number
  • Certification date
  • Any additional companies that rebrand the product along with the brand name and model information they will use to identify the product

WaterSense recommends that you work with your licensed certifying body at the outset of certification to get your certification file in order. This will save you time, money, and confusion as WaterSense processes your product notification forms. If you have any questions about the certification file or filling out the notification form, please contact the WaterSense Helpline at watersense@epa.gov or (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367).

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 other plumbing products certified to WaterSense specifications 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 speeding up the 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 the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and other relevant standards.

I am an overseas manufacturer looking to get my products WaterSense labeled. 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. 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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