EPA
WaterSense
Frequently Asked Questions
WaterSense Certification and
Labeling of Flushing Urinals
How do 1 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, flush-
ing urinal fixtures, and/pr urinal flushing devices
that can meet WaterSense's specification criteria are
eligible to sign a WaterSense partnership agreement
with EPA. Under the partnership agreement, manu-
facturers will have 12 months to obtain certifica-
tion for a product that conforms to the WaterSense
Specification for Flushing Urinals.
The second step is to have one of EPA's licensed
certifying bodies certify your product for confor-
mance 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 flush-
ometer 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 com-
plete system meets all requirements of this specifica-
tion.
How much will product
certification cost?
The cost structure for product certification is deter-
mined by the licensed certifying bodies. EPA antici-
pates 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 certifica-
tion. 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 cer-
tification to WaterSense specifications will be similar
to the time it currently takes to get plumbing prod-
ucts certified to the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) and other relevant standards.
September 2009
(866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) • www.epa.gov/watersense • watersense@epa.gov
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How will consumers know my
product has been certified?
Only products certified to WaterSense specifications
are allowed to bear the WaterSense label. In addi-
tion, 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 prod-
uct notification form for each certified model. EPA
will verify the product certification information with
the licensed certifying body that conducted the cer-
tification. This process, from notification to listing on
the WaterSense Web site, may take several weeks.
1 am an overseas manufactur-
er 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 world-
wide with the capability to conduct product cer-
tifications 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 specifica-
tion 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, how-
ever, adjust the specific certification requirements as
appropriate for individual product categories.
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