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?

• Manufacturer
• Certifying Body
• Accreditation Body

WaterSense Product Certification System Version 2.0

As part of the ongoing effort to improve the WaterSense program, EPA released the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 in September 2011. EPA revised the product certification system to accommodate growth and expansion of the WaterSense program while balancing the cost of certification with the program need to maintain the integrity of the WaterSense label.

Use the links below to learn more about the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 and review the response to public comments.

• WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 (PDF) (24 pp, 221K)
• Response to Public Comments on the Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System (PDF) (29 pp, 184K)

For background information on the development of and revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System, please refer to the Product Certification System Archives.

As of November 3, 2011, WaterSense transitioned to a new product notification process, in which the licensed certifying bodies directly notify EPA of which products have earned the WaterSense label. Manufacturers no longer provide this information directly to EPA.

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

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Certifying Body

Certifying bodies must be accredited to certify products for WaterSense in accordance with the requirements of the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0 (PDF) (26 pp, 1MB) 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.

Beginning November 3, 2011, licensed certifying bodies are required to submit information directly to EPA regarding WaterSense labeled products using WaterSense product notification templates for all products that the certifying body has successfully certified. Please report all certified and WaterSense labeled products to EPA using the final product notification templates below:

• Tank-Type Toilet Notification Template (XLSX, 465K)
• Lavatory Faucets Notification Template (XLSX, 357K)
• Flushing Urinals Notification Template (XLSX, 397K)
• Showerheads Notification Template (XLSX, 359K)
• Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Notification Template (XLSX, 654K)

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.

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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 2.0 (PDF) (26 pp, 1MB) 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 issued draft revisions to the product certification system in June 2011. For more background information on the development of the WaterSense Product Certification System, Version 2.0, please review:

• Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System (PDF) (19 pp, 140K)
• Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System in Track Changes (PDF) (19 pp, 192K)
• Summary of Draft Revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System (PDF) (12 pp, 108K)
• July 13 and July 19, 2011, Public Meetings Summary (PDF) (13 pp, 104K)
• Public Meeting Presentation (PDF) (54 pp, 228K)
• Comments: Draft Revisions to the WaterSense Product Certification System (PDF) (31 pp, 172K)

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 May 2007 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)