Frequently Asked Questions
WaterSense Certification and Labeling of Flushing Urinals
How do I earn the WaterSense label for my flushing urinal?
The first step toward obtaining the WaterSense label is for the product manufacturer to partner with WaterSense. Manufacturers of flushing urinals, flushing urinal fixtures, and/pr urinal flushing devices that can meet WaterSense's specification criteria are eligible to sign a WaterSense partnership agreement (PDF) (3 pp, 274K, About PDF) with EPA. Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will have 12 months to obtain certification for a product that conforms to the Specification for Flushing Urinals.
The second step is to have one of EPA's licensed certifying bodies certify your product for conformance to the WaterSense Specification for Flushing Urinals. 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.
Which certifying bodies can certify my product?
A listing of EPA licensed certifying bodies will be 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 Flushing Urinals.
If I only manufacture a flushing device (e.g., a flushometer valve or gravity flush tank) or a urinal fixture is my product eligible for the WaterSense label?
Yes, under the WaterSense Specification for Flushing Urinals, urinal fixtures and flushing devices may be independently certified and labeled. However, the manufacturer of each part must clearly indicate on product documentation that the part should be used with a WaterSense labeled counterpart with the same rated flush volume in order to ensure the complete system meets all requirements of this specification.
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 urinals certified 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 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.
How will consumers know my product has been certified?
Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are allowed to bear the WaterSense label. 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.
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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