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EPA Revising Specification for WaterSense Labeled Faucets

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’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 EPA is making to its criteria for faucets and faucet aerators to earn the WaterSense label, including reducing the existing maximum flowrate of 1.5 gallons per minute 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 flowrate 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, EPA is proposing to exclude bar sinks, originally covered under the WaterSense faucet specification. EPA intends to cover bar faucets, along with kitchen sink faucets, in future new WaterSense specification development.

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