The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense® program is addressing changes in the plumbing marketplace and encouraging more water savings in homes with Version 2.0 of its WaterSense Specification for Private Lavatory Faucets. This draft specification revision outlines changes the EPA is making to its criteria for faucets and faucet aerators to earn the WaterSense label, including reducing the existing maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) of water.
Since the publication of the original specification in 2007, most residential lavatory faucets sold in the United States meet or exceed the current WaterSense criteria, and several states have adopted regulations that require that private lavatory faucets not exceed flow rates of 1.5 gpm. To keep up with current trends and ensure WaterSense represents the most water-efficient models available, Version 2.0 of the specification lowers the maximum flow rate for faucets or faucet accessories to earn the WaterSense label from 1.5 gpm to 1.2 gpm.
The updated specification will also include several technical clarifications, as well as a new section of optional criteria for cold-start faucets, which are faucets that incorporate design elements to reduce hot water use, thus saving energy. There are also new requirements for private use metering faucets. However, the EPA is proposing to exclude bar sinks, which were originally covered under the WaterSense faucet specification. The EPA intends to cover bar faucets, along with kitchen sink faucets, in future new WaterSense specification development.
Version 2.0 of the High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification can be reviewed at epa.gov/watersense/bathroom-faucets. The EPA expects to publish the final WaterSense Specification for Private Lavatory Faucets, Version 2.0 in 2025. Questions can be directed to the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or watersense@epa.gov.
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products that are certified to perform well, new homes, and services. Since the program’s inception in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save a cumulative 8.7 trillion gallons of water and more than $207 billion in water and energy bills.
