EPA
Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance for
WaterSenseฎ Labeled New Homes
WaterSense New Homes is a national, voluntary labeling program that promotes the design and
construction of water-efficient single-family new homes. Homes built to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA's) specification will be designed to be about 20 percent more water-
efficient than similar new homes being built today. With WaterSense, home builders can
differentiate their structures as meeting the only national water-efficient home standard and
homebuyers can readily identify high-quality, water-efficient homes.
The Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification has three topic areas:
1. Indoor water use, including plumbing, plumbing fixtures and fittings, appliances, and
other water-using equipment;
2. Outdoor water use, including landscape design and irrigation systems, if installed; and
3. Homeowner education.
New homes must be built by a WaterSense builder partner, be inspected and certified by a third
party, and meet all of the applicable criteria in the specification to become a WaterSense
labeled home.
The third-party certification of WaterSense labeled new homes is intended to confirm that the
builder has met the criteria of EPA's specification for water-efficient new homes. This document
is designed to provide guidance to inspectors on what to look for and how to verify that the
criteria have been met.
Figure 1 on the following page illustrates the process for conducting the third-party certification
of WaterSense labeled new homes.
SITE AND INSPECTION INFORMATION
Begin each inspection by confirming the address of the house on the WaterSense Labeled New
Home Inspection Checklist (inspection checklist) with the address of the house to be inspected.
Also take a digital photo of the front of the home being inspected that includes the landscape.
Fill in the inspection date and start time on the inspection checklist. At the end of the inspection
the inspector should fill in the time completed and sign off on the inspection. The inspector
should provide the builder with a copy of the inspection checklist. After the inspection is
completed, the inspector should submit the completed signed inspection checklist, required
documentation, and digital photograph to their provider.
The builder is expected to make certain documentation (listed in this guidance) available to the
inspector. This is typically done onsite during the inspection, but it can also be arranged for any
mutually agreeable time. The builder is required to keep all the documentation that will be
needed as part of the inspection process. The inspector is required to keep a copy of the
inspection checklist, the digital photo, and any other supporting information that was obtained
during the inspection.
If there are issues associated with compliance with the specification, notify the builder and allow
for the issue(s) to be corrected. Then the home can be reinspected at the builder's expense.
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EPA
WaterSense
Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
Figure 1. WaterSense New Home Certification Process
EPA
Home Builder Inspector
Provider Program Admin.
Develop
requirements/
approve program
admin.
Sign agreement
Develop provider
requirements
Provide certificate
and other materials to
approved providers
Develop training
requirements
Sign WaterSense
partnership
agreement
Develop
specification
Develop
inspection
requirements
Develop builder
notification
form/maintain registry
->
Sign WaterSense
partnership
agreement
Build homes to
specification
1
Submit home for
inspection
Begin advertising
homes
-
Complete training
requirements
Inspect home
:
Notify provider of
inspection
Maintain file of
inspected homes
4-
ป
J
Submit agreement
and supporting
documentation
Approve
conduc
nspectors/
training
1
Verify builder's
partnership
agreement
Oversee
inspections/re-
inspect 1%
I
:
Issue certificate to
builder partner
ป
Submit quarterly
report
ซ-
Submit application
and supporting
documentation
Sign agreement
Approve providers
Train
provider/oversee
inspector training
Oversee providers
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
To conduct the inspection you will need the following pieces of equipment:
Digital thermometer
Bucket, flow bag, or other means of capturing and measuring water
Flashlight
Digital camera
Tape measure
Clinometer or topographic map of site
General recommendation: As you conduct the inspection of the indoor water-efficiency criteria,
check for leaks at all visible water supply connections and valves. Notify the builder if leaks are
detected.
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. .- , s,fi *, ^ Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
INDOOR CRITERIA1
Service Pressure (Section 3.1)
Requirements
The static service pressure shall be 60 pounds per square inch (psi) (4.2 kilograms per square
centimeter (kg/cm2)) or less. Compliance shall be achieved by use of a pressure-regulating
valve (PRV) downstream of the water meter. All fixture connections shall be downstream of the
PRV.
Inspector Instructions
Verify installation of the PRV(s). Separate valves may have been installed for indoor and
outdoor water usage.
Toilets (Section 3.2)
Requirements
All toilets shall be WaterSense labeled toilets.
Inspector Instructions
Obtain the make and model name and number of all toilets installed in the house from
the builder.
Verify that the toilets installed match the builder's list and are on EPA's list of
WaterSense labeled toilets available at www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/find het.htm. If the
builder provides separate model numbers for the bowl and tank, verify that the bowl and
tank combination is included on EPA's list of WaterSense labeled toilets.
Bathroom Faucets (Section 3.3.1)
Requirements
All bathroom (lavatory) faucets or faucet accessories shall be WaterSense labeled.
Inspector Instructions
Obtain from the builder the make and model number of all bathroom faucets or faucet
accessories (e.g., aerators) installed in the house.
Verify that the bathroom faucets or accessories are on EPA's list of WaterSense labeled
lavatory faucets available at www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/lists/find faucet.htm. On
EPA's list, the "Type" indicates whether the product is a faucet or an attachable
accessory (i.e., aerator, laminar flow device, or spray device).
Check the maximum flow rate from the faucet:
o Place bucket under faucet or attach flow-measuring bag to faucet spout.
o Turn water on completely while depressing stopwatch. If the faucet has two
handles, turn both handles on completely.
Note that the specific water-efficiency and performance criteria contained in this guidance are based on the first draft of the Water-
Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification. Criteria are subject to change based on the final version of the Water-Efficient
Single-Family New Home Specification.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
o After five seconds on stopwatch, turn off water.
o The volume of water collected should be less than 0.13 gallons or 0.5 liters.
Kitchen Faucets (Section 3.3.2)
Requirements
Kitchen faucets shall comply with federal standards for maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per
minute (gpm) @ 60 psi (8.3 liters per minute [Ipm] @ 4.2 kg/cm2).2
Inspector Instructions
Check the maximum flow rate from the faucet:
o Place bucket under faucet or attach flow-measuring bag to faucet spout.
o Turn water on completely while depressing stopwatch. If the faucet has two
handles, turn both handles on completely.
o After five seconds on stopwatch, turn off water.
o The volume of water collected should be less than 0.2 gallons or 0.7 liters.
Showerheads (Section 3.4)
Requirements
Showerheads shall comply with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) standard and shall
have a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gpm @ 80 psi (9.5 Ipm @ 5.62 kg/cm2).3 Showers shall be
equipped with an automatic compensating valve that complies with ASSE 1016 or ASME
A112.118 1/CSA B125.1 and be specifically designed to provide thermal shock and scald
protection for the flow rate of the showerhead.
The total allowable flow rate from all Showerheads flowing at any given time, including rain
systems, waterfalls, bodysprays, and jets, shall be limited to 2.5 gpm per shower compartment,
where the floor area of the shower compartment is less than 2,500 square inches (in2) (1.61
square meters [m2]). For each increment of 2,500 in2 (1.61 m2) of floor area thereafter or part
thereof, additional Showerheads with total allowable flow rate from all flowing devices equal to or
less than the allowable flow rate specified above are allowed.
Exception: Recirculating showers.
Inspector Instructions
For a single showerhead in a shower compartment:
Check the maximum flow rate from the showerhead.
o Place bucket under showerhead.
o Turn water on completely while depressing stopwatch. If the shower has two
handles, turn both handles on completely.
o After five seconds on stopwatch, turn off water.
Note: Faucets with maximum flow rates of less than 2.2 gpm at 60 psi are acceptable.
Note: Showerheads with maximum flow rates of less than 2.5 gpm at 80 psi are acceptable.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
o The volume of water in the bucket should be no more than 0.2 gallons or 0.7
liters.
For multiple showerheads in a single shower compartment:
Check the maximum flow rate from each showerhead.
o Place bucket under showerhead.
o Turn water on completely while depressing stopwatch. If the shower has two
handles, turn both handles on completely.
o After five seconds on stopwatch, turn off water.
Add maximum flow rates from each showerhead to determine total flow rate.
Determine whether the shower system recycles water.
o If recycled water is used, then the total allowable volume of water collected from
all showerheads during the flow test can be more than 0.2 gallons or 0.7 liters.
o If recycled water is not used, measure the area of the shower compartment.
If smaller than 2,500 in2 (1.61 m2), then the total allowable volume of
water collected from all showerheads during the flow test should be no
more than 0.2 gallons or 0.7 liters.
If between 2,501 in2 (1.61 m2) and 5,000 in2 (3.22 m2) then the total
allowable volume of water collected from all showerheads during the flow
test should be no more than 0.4 gallons or 1.4 liters.
For all showerheads and shower compartments:
Verify that all showers are equipped with an automatic compensating valve. Obtain
documentation (e.g., valve specification sheet) from the builder and verify that each
valve complies with ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.118 1/CSA B125 for the flow rate of the
showerhead installed in the shower.
Hot Water Delivery System (Section 3.5)
Requirements
All hot water pipes, both above and below ground, shall be insulated to a minimum of R4. In
addition, each home shall be equipped with at least one of the following features to minimize
water loss in delivering hot water: demand-initiated hot water recirculating system, whole house
manifold system, or core plumbing system.
Inspector Instructions
Obtain from the builder pictures and purchase orders identifying the type of insulation
that is installed on all hot water pipes and verify that it is a minimum of R4.
Verify through visual inspection that visible hot water pipes are insulated.
Verify through visual inspection that the hot water distribution system is either a demand-
initiated hot water recirculating system or whole house manifold system or through
builder documentation that it is a core plumbing system.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
Demand-Initiated Hot Water Recirculating System (Section 3.5.1)
Requirements
System should optimize both water and energy efficiency and shall be designed such that less
than 0.13 gallons (0.49 liters) of water are in the piping between the recirculating loop and any
hot water fixture.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that there is a control button or switch near each hot water faucet and
showerhead.
Obtain documentation (e.g., pictures, schematics, measurements) from the builder that
the system is designed so that no more than 10 feet of piping exist between the
recirculating loop and any hot water fixture. If builder documentation is not available or
not adequate, conduct a temperature test.
o Attach flow measuring bag or bucket (pre-marked for 0.15 gallons or 0.50
liters) to hot water fixture.
o Turn the hot water completely on and place a digital thermometer in the
stream of water. Record the starting temperature.
o Once the water meets the pre-marked line (approximately six seconds for a
lavatory faucet), turn off the water and record the ending temperature.
o The temperature must increase by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whole House Manifold System (Section 3.5.2)
Requirements
System shall be designed such that less than 0.38 gallons (1.44 liters) of water are in the piping
between the hot water source and any hot water fixture.
Inspector Instructions
Obtain documentation from the builder that the system is designed so that no more than
30 feet of piping exist between the manifold and any hot water fixture. If builder
documentation is not available or not adequate, conduct a temperature test.
o Attach flow measuring bag or bucket (pre-marked for 0.4 gallons or 1.5 liters)
to hot water fixture.
o Turn the hot water completely on and place a digital thermometer in the
stream of water. Record the starting temperature.
o Once the water meets the pre-marked line (approximately 16 seconds for a
lavatory faucet), turn off the water and record the ending temperature.
o The temperature must increase by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Core Plumbing System (Section 3.5.3)
Requirements
System shall minimize pipe volume between the hot water source and any hot water fixture to
0.38 gallons (1.44 liters) or less.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
Inspector Instructions
Conduct a temperature test.
o Attach flow measuring bag or bucket (pre-marked for 0.4 gallons or 1.5 liters)
to hot water fixture that is the furthest from the hot water heater.
o Turn the hot water completely on and place a thermometer in the stream of
water. Record the starting temperature.
o Once the water meets the pre-marked line (approximately 16 seconds for a
lavatory faucet), turn off the water and record the ending temperature.
o The temperature must increase by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The following indoor water-efficiency criteria only apply if the builder has installed the
appliance or other equipment listed below.
Dishwasher (Section 3.6.1)
Requirements
If a dishwasher is installed, it shall be ENERGY STARฎ qualified.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that the installed dishwasher has an ENERGY STAR label. If no label is present,
check the brand and model number against ENERGY STAR'S list of qualified
dishwashers available at
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=dishwash.display products html.
Clothes Washer (Section 3.6.2)
Requirements
If a clothes washer is installed, it shall be ENERGY STAR qualified with a water factor (WF) of
less than or equal to 6.0 gallons of water per cycle per cubic foot capacity.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that the installed clothes washer has an ENERGY STAR label and WF of 6 or less
by checking on ENERGY STAR'S Web site at
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=clotheswash.display products html.
Evaporative Air Conditioners (Section 3.7.1)
Requirements
Evaporative air conditioners shall use a maximum of 5 gallons (18.93 liters) of water per ton-
hour of cooling when adjusted to maximum water use. Blow-down shall be based on time of
operation, not to exceed three times in a 24-hour period of operating (every eight hours).
Reservoir discharge outlet should be easily visible so the user can see if the refill valve is
leaking.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
Inspector Instructions
Verify that the evaporative air conditioner meets the maximum of 5 gallons of water per
ton-hour and that the blow-down does not exceed three times in a 24-hour period by
reviewing the manufacturer's product literature or visiting the manufacturer's Web site.
Obtain a copy of the documentation as part of the inspection records.
Verify that the reservoir discharge outlet is visible.
Water Softeners (Section 3.7.2)
Requirements
All devices shall be certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 44. All water softeners shall be
demand-initiated regeneration. If the device uses an ion exchange technology, it shall be
capable of using potassium rather than sodium salt.
Note: Devices that use auto-initiated regeneration (fixed schedule) do not meet the
specification.
Inspector Instructions:
Verify through the manufacturer's product specification sheet or product manual that the
softener has been certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 44. Obtain a copy of the
documentation as part of the inspection records.
Verify through manufacturer product literature that the water softener uses demand-
initiated regeneration. Obtain a copy of the documentation as part of the inspection
records.
If the softener uses ion exchange technology, verify through manufacturer product
literature that the water softener is capable of using potassium salts. Obtain a copy of
the documentation as part of the inspection records.
Drinking Water Treatment Systems (Section 3.7.3)
Requirements
Drinking water treatment systems must be certified to meet applicable NSF/ANSI Standards.
Such systems shall have an efficiency rate of not less than 85 percent.
Inspector Instructions:
Verify through manufacturer product literature that the drinking water treatment system meets
the applicable NSF/ANSI Standard and has a minimum efficiency rating of 85 percent.4
Systems using carbon filters can exceed efficiency ratings of 85 percent.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
OUTDOOR CRITERIA5
Landscape Design (Section 4.1.1)
Requirements
Builders shall choose and implement either option 1 or option 2.
Option 1 (Section 4.1.1.1)
Requirements
Turf shall not exceed 40 percent of the landscapable area. Turf shall not be installed on slopes
greater that 4:1.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that turf does not exceed 40 percent of the landscapable area. Landscapable area
is defined as the area of a site less the building area, driveways, paved walkways, and
hardscapes such as decks and patios.
1. Measure the turf area and surface area of pool/spa if installed.
2. Measure the total landscapable area.
3. Divide the turf area measured in step 1 by the total landscapable area measured in
step 2.
4. The quotient determined in step 3 should not exceed 0.40.
Verify that turf is not installed in areas with slopes of 25 percent or greater (i.e., 4:1
slope) using a clinometer or topographical map with contour lines.
Option 2 (Section 4.1.1.2)
Requirements
Develop the landscape design using a water budget approach. The evapotranspiration (ET) limit
on the landscapable area shall be no more than 60 percent of the ET calculation; the available
precipitation shall be no more than 25 percent of the average annual rainfall amount. Turf shall
not be installed on slopes greater than 4:1.
Inspector Instructions
Obtain documentation from the builder that provides the calculations of the water budget
and identifies the percentage of turf to be installed.
1. Measure the turf area and surface area of pool/spa if installed.
2. Measure the total landscapable area.
3. Divide the turf area measured in step 1 by the total landscapable area measured in
step 2.
4. Multiply the quotient determined in step 3 by 100.
Note that the specific water-efficiency and performance criteria contained in this guidance are based on the first draft of the
Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification. Criteria are subject to change based on the final version of the Water-
Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification.
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
5. The product determined in step 4 should not exceed the percentage of turf identified
in the landscape design.
Verify that turf is not installed in areas with slopes of 25 percent or greater (i.e., 4:1
slope) using a clinometer or topographical map with contour lines.
Mulching (Section 4.1.2)
Requirements
Non-turf, non-hardscape areas shall include a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulching material.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that the non-turf area has between 2 and 3 inches in depth of mulching material.
Pools/Spas (Section 4.1.3)
Requirements
If installed prior to owner occupancy, the water surface area shall be deducted from the turf
allowance under landscape design option 1 and included as landscapable area under
landscape design option 2.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that the surface area of the pool is included as landscapable area in the
landscape design calculations and water budget calculations, if applicable. Also, verify
that the pool's surface area is included as turf in the turf area calculations.
Ornamental Water Features (Section 4.1.4)
Requirements
Builders shall not install or facilitate the installation of ornamental water features.
Ornamental water features are defined as fountains, ponds, waterfalls, man-made streams, and
other decorative water-related constructions provided solely for aesthetic or beautification
purposes.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that no ornamental water features have been installed on the property.
Irrigation System Design and Installation (Section 4.2)
Requirements
All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, and audited by a WaterSense irrigation
partner. Irrigation systems shall be designed to sustain the landscape without creating flow or
spray off of the property during minimum continuous operating duration. Sprinkler heads shall
not be used to water plantings other than maintained turf grass. Microirrigation shall be used for
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Draft Inspection and Certification Guidance
planting beds and turf installed in strips of less than 8 feet wide. Two seasonal water schedules
shall be posted at the controller. One schedule shall be designed to address the initial grow-in
phase of the landscape and the second schedule shall be designed to address an established
landscape.
Inspector Instructions
Verify that the irrigation system was designed, installed, and audited by a WaterSense
irrigation partner by visiting the EPA Web site www.epa/gov/watersense/pp/irrprof.htm.
Obtain a copy of the WaterSense Labeled New Home Irrigation Audit Checklist
completed by the WaterSense irrigation partner from the builder. Verify that the
WaterSense irrigation partner completed the WaterSense Labeled New Home Irrigation
Audit Checklist and that all of the components used in the irrigation system meet the
minimum criteria contained in the specification.
11
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,' .'.-.o.7vSense
WaterSense Labeled New Home Inspection Checklist
.--, nse , "" -ew
Site Information
Builder Name:
Lot Number/Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Inspection Information
Provider:
Inspector Name:
Date:
Time Started:
Time Ended:
Signature
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare that the WaterSense
criteria for new homes, as specified in the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home
Specification, have been met and will provide, if requested, the necessary supporting
documents.
Inspector's Name:
Provider:
Signature:
Date:
Failed Inspection Information
Deficiencies Identified:
Corrective Action Taken:
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WaterSense Labeled New Home Inspection Checklist
REQUIRED
IF INSTALLED
Item
Criteria6
Yes
No
Nl7
Indoor Water-Efficiency Criteria
Service pressure
Toilets
Bathroom faucets
Kitchen faucets
Showerheads
Hot water piping
Hot water delivery system
3.1
3.2
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.4
3.5
3.5
Installation of PRV upstream of fixtures
WaterSense labeled
WaterSense labeled
Measured flow rate - max. 2.2 gpm @
60 psi
Measured flow rate - max. 2.5 gpm per
shower compartment < 2,500 in
All showers equipped with automatic
compensating valve certified for the
showerhead's flow rate
Flow rate exception for recirculating
showers
Min. insulation R4
One of the following:
Doc.8
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Demand-initiated hot : : Less than 0.13 gal. water in piping : : : :
water recirculating : 3.5.1 : between recirculating loop and any hot : : : : Opt.9
system : : water fixture : : : :
Whole house manifold : : Less than 0.38 gal. water in piping : : : :
system : 3.5.2 : between hot water source and any hot : : : : Opt.
: : water fixture : : : :
Core plumbing system ; : Less than 0.38 gal. water in piping : ; ; ;
: 3.5.3 : between hot water source and any hot : ; ; ;
: : water fixture : : : :
Dishwashers
Clothes washers
Evaporative air conditioners
Water softeners
Drinking water treatment
systems
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
ENERGY STAR qualified
ENERGY STAR qualified
Water factor < 6.0
Max. 5 gal. /water/ton hour cooling, max.
3 blow-downs in 24 hr.
Visible discharge outlet
Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 44,
demand-initiated regeneration, accepts
potassium if ion exchange system
NSF/ANSI certified, min. efficiency
rating 85%
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Req.
Note that the specific water-efficiency and performance criteria contained in this checklist are based on the first draft
of the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification. Criteria are subject to change based on the final
version of the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification.
1 Not installed
8 Documentation to be provided by the builder
9 Optional - if documentation provided then performance testing may not be necessary
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WaterSense Labeled New Home Inspection Checklist
REQUIRED
IF INSTALLED
REQUIRED
Item
Criteria
Yes
No
Nl10
Doc.
11
Outdoor Water-Efficiency Criteria
Landscape design
4.1.1
Landscape
design option 1 4.1.1.1
One of the following:
Turf < 40% landscapable area Req.
Turf not installed on slopes greater than 4:1
Landscape Water budget calculations Req.
design option 2 4.1.1.2
Mulching
Pools/spas
Ornamental water
feature
Irrigation system
design
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2.1
Landscape complies with water budget design Req.
Turf not installed on slopes greater than 4:1
Non-turf, non-hardscape areas have a 2-3 inch
layer of mulch
Water surface area deducted from turf allowance
for landscape design option 1 or included as
landscapable area under landscape design
option 2
Not installed
System designed, installed, and audited by
WaterSense irrigation partner
Completed Irrigation System Design and
Installation Checklist
Req.
Req.
Homeowner Education
Operating manual
5.1
Written operating and maintenance manual for
all water-using equipment/controls installed in
house or yard
Not installed
Documentation to be provided by the builder
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