Summary of the WaterSense® Specification Review Webinar for
Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Manufacturers
Summary of WaterSense® Specification Review Webinar for
Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Manufacturers
May 16, 2019, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Meeting Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program is considering
revising the WaterSense Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers. The EPA
organized this meeting with industry and manufacturer partners as part of the revision
determination process.
The main objectives for this meeting were as follows:
•	Present information the EPA has collected as part of its specification review.
•	Summarize issues and considerations the EPA must address if it decides to revise a
specification.
•	Review public comments received to date on the Notice of Specification Review as they
relate to weather-based irrigation controllers (WBICs).
•	Solicit additional feedback and information from manufacturer stakeholders.
The EPA did not intend to decide whether to move forward with a specification revision during
this meeting.
A PDF of this presentation can be reviewed on the WaterSense website at
www.epa.gov/watersense/product-specification-review. A full list of the attendees and a list of
presenters are provided in Appendix A. The presentation discussion and participant questions
and comments are summarized below.
1.0 Introduction
Stephanie Tanner, the EPA WaterSense program's Lead Engineer, welcomed everyone to the
meeting, clarified how to use the webinar software, and reviewed the meeting agenda and
purpose. The purpose of this meeting was not to determine whether to revise the specification,
but rather to present data and solicit feedback about whether the EPA has collected sufficient
information to make a determination.
The EPA intends to conduct the specification review analysis during summer 2019 and develop
a recommendation by December 31, 2019. Therefore, feedback must be submitted by June in
order to be considered in the EPA's review.
2.0 WBIC Specification Considerations
Ms. Tanner summarized background on the WaterSense Specification for Weather-Based
Irrigation Controllers, including certification trends and the number of product models certified
to date. She also provided an overview of the current specification scope, test method and
requirements. The WaterSense specification references the eighth draft of the Smart Water
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Application Technologies (SWAT) test protocol but includes several modifications. The
performance criteria are:
•	Irrigation adequacy must be at least 80 percent for each zone;
•	Irrigation excess must be less than or equal to 10 percent for each zone; and
•	Average of the irrigation excess scores calculated across the six zones must be less
than or equal to 5 percent.
Ms. Tanner noted that, at the time of the webinar, no feedback had been received regarding
suggested revisions to the specification scope, the test method or the performance criteria.
Test Method and Criteria Considerations
Ms. Tanner explained that the EPA, as part of programmatic oversight efforts, conducted an
audit of licensed certifying bodies (LCBs) that certify WBICs in 2016. No major issues were
identified, but the EPA found two potential weaknesses in the current test method:
•	Not all controllers irrigated in each zone during the test period; and
•	Some controllers being programmed with several small irrigation events result in
schedules that are unrealistic in the field.
Ms. Tanner reviewed several possible resolutions. The test method could be revised to require
irrigation adequacy fall below 80 percent for a number of zones and/or place additional
requirements on irrigation events, such as a longer minimum runtime, maximum cycle soak
events/day, and maximum soak time. Alternatively, the EPA could place a minimum irrigation
amount (i.e., 0.1 inch) on irrigation events or implement a watering restriction during testing.
Joanna Kind of Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG), a WaterSense contractor, discussed the
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) X627 Weather-based
Landscape Irrigation Control Systems test method, which is currently under development. She
summarized the history of the standards committee and WaterSense's involvement. She also
noted that several controllers were tested using this method in summer 2018, and the results
were shared with the standards committee. Continued testing is anticipated during this growing
season. The EPA is currently assessing the test method and the potential impacts on test
scores and will consider adopting the test method when a final standard is published.
Ms. Kind then discussed the EPA's efforts to engage WBIC manufacturers and utilities in the
specification review process. Regarding feedback on the test method, the EPA found
manufacturers are generally not in support of revising the test method; they noted the
specification is compatible with their products and they are satisfied with its ability to test
performance. There is also no evidence that consumers are dissatisfied with product
performance. Utilities are also generally not in support of a test method revision, largely
because they do not think the market is saturated enough yet with WBICs currently on the
market to warrant an increase in performance levels. Ms. Kind also noted that the EPA wants
to ensure that it has sufficient feedback from all interested stakeholders and asked if there
were any additional subjects or issues for the EPA to consider.
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Supplemental Features
Ms. Kind reviewed the current listing of supplemental capability requirements included in the
specification. She explained that in the specification review process, the EPA seeks to confirm
whether these features are still relevant and should remain. She noted, however, that during
initial outreach, the EPA did not receive any feedback about specific features. The EPA heard
one request from a manufacturer cautioning against this list of supplemental capabilities
becoming a means for utilities to request features that only pertain to their specific regions.
This could increase the cost of products and result in products that include features that are
unlikely to be used by most customers.
Packaging and Product Documentation Requirement Considerations
Ms. Kind explained that the specification has requirements for packaging and labeling, because
these products are more complicated than most plumbing fixtures and fittings that earn the
WaterSense label. This product category allows for standalone controllers, plug-in devices and
add-on devices. She reviewed these requirements and explained that the goal is to ensure
customers receive a labeled product when they think they are purchasing one.
Ms. Tanner responded to the following questions submitted by attendees during the webinar.
Participant Questions and Comments
Q: Will this presentation be available for download later?
A: Ms. Tanner explained that a PDF will be available, and all materials related to this webinar
will be posted on the WaterSense website shortly.
Q: I'm seeing rebate applications for WaterSense labeled hose faucet timers that have
weather-based scheduling functionality. This seems to be a new product category that
should be separate from traditional irrigation controllers. Has there been any discussion of
creating a new WaterSense product category for these products? Utility rebate programs will
need to adapt, and a new product category could help reduce consumer confusion.
A: Ms. Tanner responded that weather-based hose bib timers began appearing on the market
two years ago. The EPA is aware of these products and discussed similar product types with
manufacturers during the specification development process. These products now pass the
current test method by using more than one product in series during the performance test.
The EPA is satisfied with how these products are meeting the specification as written and do
not think that they warrant a separate specification. Utilities are free to exclude products
from their rebate programs based on their individual needs.
Q: Does "independent, zone-specific programming" mean that each zone must have the ability
to be programmed separately from all the rest of the zones, or is a program-based scheme
acceptable?
A: Ms. Kind noted that the EPA might need more clarification on the question; however, each
zone needs to be able to be programmed to water the zone's landscape accordingly. Zones
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can significantly vary in their irrigation needs and the criteria are intended to ensure that the
controller can handle these disparate conditions.
Q: Do the WaterSense labeled hose faucet timers meet all of the supplemental capability
requirements?
A: Ms. Tanner responded yes.
Ms. Kind continued to discuss the considerations related to product packaging and
documentation. Over the past several years, WaterSense has received several inquiries from
consumers and utility partners expressing confusion about controller packaging and labeling,
mostly specific to add-on and plug-in devices and base controllers. In July 2018, WaterSense
issued technical clarifications related to this issue, published a compatibility list, and held a
webinar last fall for manufacturers to help resolve the confusion. The EPA maintains the
compatibility list for these products on the WaterSense website. She explained that the EPA has
not received additional complaints, nor received additional input from manufacturers or utilities
on how these packaging requirements and clarifications are working for them. She urged
participants to let the EPA know if they have any additional feedback or approaches the EPA
could consider. Ms. Kind also noted that the number of WaterSense Helpline inquiries related to
labeled WBICs has decreased since the clarifications and compatibility list issues were
addressed, indicating these actions helped reduce confusion.
Ms. Kind reviewed the definitions used in the current specification; this includes the terms "add-
on device," "plug-in device" and "stand-alone controller." She reviewed the definition used for
the term "base controller" and noted that the label should not appear on this product packaging.
Ms. Kind noted that there has been confusion in the past over the which product types can bear
the label. She also explained that the EPA is aware that plug-in and add-on devices could no
longer be "physical" devices, but software, and that the EPA is considering a revision to those
definitions to incorporate this shift in the market. However, the EPA has not received any
stakeholder feedback on these definitions to date.
Ms. Tanner responded to the following questions.
Participant Questions and Comments
Q: Does that mean that hose timer controllers must be included with at least six hose timers in
a single box or bundle since that is how the unit was tested?
A: Ms. Tanner clarified that these products can be labeled and sold individually. The purpose of
testing them together is to ensure that all six zones in the specification are tested at the
same time. But within a landscape these products might not be used this way or could
operate independently.
Q: Are base controllers and stand-alone controllers the same product?
Definitions
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A: Ms. Tanner clarified that a base controller is defined as a controller lacking weather or
"smart" capabilities. In essence, it is a clock timer, but it can have some of the supplemental
features listed in the specification. When attached to a plug-in or add-on device, the base
controller, in combination with the device, has all of the capabilities required by the
WaterSense specification. Stand-alone controllers are controllers with all of the capabilities
required by the WaterSense specification.
Water Savings
Ms. Kind reviewed the current water savings estimates described in the WaterSense
Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Supporting Statement. She noted that
while these numbers do not impact the EPA's decision to revise the specification, the EPA is
currently in the process of researching more recent data. The current 15 percent water savings
estimate is based on research pre-dating the publication of the specification in 2011. She
explained the EPA did not receive any additional studies from partners and urged attendees to
submit more recent publications and data if they have them to share.
3.0 Stakeholder Feedback
In December 2018, WaterSense issued a Notice of Specification Review to inform the public of
the specifications under review and to invite stakeholders to provide feedback. WaterSense
encouraged all partners, from manufacturers to utilities and the public, to gather input for the
specification review process.
Manufacturer Feedback
On individual calls, most manufacturers provided positive feedback and generally were not in
favor of any major specification revisions, especially not any that would increase the price of the
product. Several manufacturers noted that a lower price point is likely a major contributor to the
current rapid uptake in the market, and an increase in price for features that might not be used
by the average consumer could depress adoption rates. Multiple manufacturers expressed a
desire to keep products simple and straightforward to use, noting that the more steps there are
in the set-up process, the less likely an end user is to execute programming properly upon
installation. One manufacturer encouraged WaterSense to continue testing for the "end result"
using performance testing, rather than a prescriptive list of features or specific method of
scheduling. Ms. Kind urged attendees to submit any information or data they have on this topic.
Ms. Tanner responded to the following questions submitted by attendees during the webinar.
Participant Questions and Comments
Q: Can you share the data used to come up with the 100 billion gallons and $1 billion in costs
A: Ms. Kind noted that all information used to calculate savings estimates are included in
WaterSense Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Supporting Statement.
Q: Where would you like the additional savings data sent?
saved?
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A: Ms. Tanner said studies could be submitted to watersense-products@erg.com.
Utility Feedback
Ms. Kind noted that the EPA only received one comment during the official specification review
comment period from utilities on WBICs, which expressed concern about end users' ability to
opt in or out of weather-based control settings on the product. The commenter noted that a
revised specification could possibly address this concern. During individual partner calls, utilities
seemed satisfied with the current specification and did not urge the EPA to revise the
specification at this time. In general, utilities cautioned against increasing performance
thresholds within the specification until there is more significant market penetration of WBICs in
the marketplace. No utilities reported any performance issues with labeled products.
Moreover, in discussion with the EPA, utilities generally acknowledged that water savings are
correlated to previous water use, with higher savings realized for high water users and the
possibility of increased water use with deficit irrigators. Utilities in the eastern and southeastern
United States acknowledged deficit irrigation occurs nationwide, but noted that in their regions,
overwatering is much more prevalent, and they do not have concerns over WBICs increasing
water use in their regions. Utilities in drier regions acknowledged deficit irrigation and the
potential for increased water use when a WBIC is installed in their regions, but said they are
pleased with the savings they are seeing from their current rebate programs. WaterSense also
confirmed that utilities are not generally adding requirements when rebating WaterSense
labeled WBICs.
Request for Additional Feedback
Ms. Kind reviewed all of the questions and subjects upon which the EPA is requesting feedback.
This mainly concerned revising the scope, test method and performance thresholds, changes to
the test method or supplemental capabilities list, and receipt of updated water savings studies
on WBICs.
4.0 Questions and Discussions
Ms. Tanner reviewed the questions participants had submitted during the presentation.
Participant Questions and Comments
Q: Are there any estimates on the percentages or numbers of WBIC and clock timer controllers
A: Ms. Tanner responded that while WaterSense does collect this information on an annual
basis from manufacturer partners, that information is considered confidential business
information (CBI) and may not be published.
Comment: General feedback about WBIC product category: the requirement to audit
manufacturing plants periodically to quality for the WaterSense label perhaps is more
needed for a faucet manufacturer or another product category where manufacturing
tolerances, etc., make a difference to product performance. Not quite sure if this
requirement has any practical utility to irrigation controllers. This requirement adds
sold?
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unnecessary WaterSense qualification costs to the manufacturer. Perhaps clarify what use
we are gaining by periodic manufacturer audit.
A: Ms. Tanner explained that the purpose of certification, and not just product testing, is to
ensure that a manufacturer is capable of continuing to produce a product that meets the
specification over time. This requirement concerns quality operations at the plant and is
covered under the ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies
certifying products, processes and services. When the specification was first published,
utilities felt there was a lot of product and manufacturing differentiation and were pleased to
have these criteria instituted. This could be of higher concern for smaller manufacturing
firms.
Q: Where can we get a list of requirements for testing hardware controllers for certification?
A: Ms. Tanner explained that the specification and all of its requirements are posted on the
WaterSense website. The spreadsheet that is used during the product test can be obtained
from the WaterSense Helpline. Guidance can be obtained from LCBs.
Q: How are soil moisture sensors, which match savings from WBIC, and are easier to
understand and run, being included?
A: Ms. Tanner explained that soil moisture sensors are outside the scope of this specification.
However, the EPA has been working since 2006 to get an agreed-upon test method for soil
moisture sensors, and this, hopefully, should be happening later this year. The EPA is
working with an ASABE X633 Testing Soil Moisture Sensors for Landscape Irrigation
standard committee. Ms. Kind clarified that some performance testing is currently being
conducted to generate performance data the EPA can use to develop a specification.
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Poll Questions
Ms. Tanner polled attendees on whether they believe WaterSense has enough information to
determine whether to revise its specification for WBICs. The results are shown in Figure 1.
Based on what has been presented, does WaterSense
have enough information to determine whether to revise
its specification for weather-based irrigation controllers?
¦ Yes ¦ No
Figure 1. Poll Question #1
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Ms. Tanner asked attendees to provide feedback on what pieces of the WaterSense
Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers the EPA should revise. Results of the poll
are shown in Figure 2.
In your opinion, what peice of the WaterSense
Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation
Controllers should the EPA revise?
39
18
i Test method and performance thresholds
i Supplemental capability requirements
Packaging and labeling requirements and/or definitions
No changes needed
i Need more information
Figure 2: Poll Question #2
Ms. Tanner responded to additional questions from webinar attendees.
Participant Questions and Comments
Q: Are you reaching out to each manufacturer for specs about WBIC and soil moisture sensors?
A: Ms. Tanner clarified that the EPA is not reaching out to all WBIC manufacturers individually.
She also explained that typically, WaterSense doesn't reach out to manufacturers
individually, but rather encourages partner participation through public meetings and
comment periods. The ASABE X627 standard committee is currently developing test
methods for soil moisture sensors, and that process is separate from WaterSense's
specification review process. She encouraged those with an interest in this product category
to become engaged with the ASABE X627 standard committee.
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5.0 Related Webinars and Next Steps
Ms. Tanner reviewed the schedule for product-specific industry webinars scheduled in May and
June 2019 and noted that these meetings are open to everyone, but they are each targeted for
specific audiences. Registration is found at www.epa.gov/watersense/product-specification-
review#webinars.
Ms. Tanner reminded attendees to submit comments, data and questions on this product
specification review process to watersense-products@erg.com. She reiterated that comments
should be submitted by June 2019 to be considered within the EPA's specification revision
process. WaterSense intends to summarize information collected as part of this process by the
end of 2019. At this point, the EPA will issue a decision on whether to move forward with a
specification revision for each relevant product category. Even comments explaining what data
are missing from the decision-making process are relevant. All comments received that are not
confidential business information (CBI), as well as the presentation recordings are posted on the
WaterSense website. Ms. Tanner also requested that participants refrain from submitting
comments or information that they have already brought to the EPA's attention.
Ms. Tanner also stressed that, if a specification revision is deemed necessary, the new
specification will not be completed by the end of this year. If needed, the slightly-accelerated
specification revision process would encompass all of the procedural steps partners have come
to expect from the WaterSense program, including draft and final specification revisions and
public comment opportunities.
She reviewed final participant questions.
Participant Questions and Comments
Q: Feedback for supplemental features: Drop the requirements for historical fallback for cloud-
based controllers; this is not applicable for cloud-based controllers. Add a requirement to
have the ability for the end user to opt for deficit watering and control the deficit for each
zone.
A: Ms. Tanner thanked the commenter.
Q: If the specification is revised, will formerly certificated products be required to be recertified?
A: Ms. Tanner responded that, if the test method of the criteria for receiving the label are
revised, then currently certified products will need to be retested and recertified. If this
occurs, the revised specification would be referred to as Version 2.0. If this is required,
WaterSense would establish a transitional period to allow manufacturers to shift their
products to the new criteria. If only minor revisions are made that do not affect product
testing, this edition would be referred to as Version 1.1 and would not require product re-
certification.
Q: Do you have data of what customers are looking for when purchasing WBICs? Can you
share?
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A: Ms. Tanner clarified that WaterSense does not collect this data; however, some utilities do.
Ms. Tanner adjourned the meeting by encouraging those with outstanding questions to contact
the WaterSense Helpline at watersense@epa.gov or (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) and thanked
everyone for their participation.
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Appendix A: Meeting Participants
Attendee
Organization
Hermilo Aguilar
Reciprocity
Erik Birkfeld
Calsense
Debra Burden
Citrus County Utilities (Florida)
Maribel Campos
ICC Evaluation Service, LLC
Peter Carlson
Hydropoint Data Systems, Inc.
Steve Carper
Tualatin Valley Water District (Oregon)
Darik Chandler
Hunter Industries
LuAnne Chorkaluk
Spartan Distributors
Ian Coughlan
Banyan Water
Mark Crookston
Northern Colorado Water
Kathy Davis
Tucor Inc.
Shirley Dewi
IAPMO R&T
Michael Dukes
University of Florida
Julius Duncan
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Jonathan Gannon
Denver Botanic Gardens (Colorado)
Sean Golden
James River Design, LLC
Mark Guthrie
Seattle Public Utilities (Washington)
James Harris
Rain Bird Corporation
Ben Johnson
Banyan Water
Ziad Khallouf
Schumacher Companies
Erusha Kongara
DripCube Inc.
Marc Kovach
Kovach Design Solutions, LLC
Danny Kruse Sr
Certified Irrigation Designs
Ray Lamovec
IrriGreen
Joseph Marshall
Barnstable Public Works
Brent Mecham
Irrigation Association (IA)
J. David Musselwhite
International Accreditation Service (IAS)
Gary Okafuji
The Toro Company
Sean Penn
HydroPoint
Sanjay Ray
Truesdail Laboratories. Inc.
Julie Riddle
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Bill Savelle
Weathermatic
Dave Shoup
Hunter Industries
Wen Tseng
Aeon Matrix
Prashant Upadhyay
Calsense
Jon Vann
IAPMO R&T
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Summary of the WaterSense® Specification Review Webinar for
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Attendee
Organization
Ron Wolfarth
Rain Bird Corporation
Xinyuan Zheng
Netro Inc
A.J. van de Ven
Calsense
Joe Wallace
Baseline

Presenter
Organization
Stephanie Tanner
U.S. EPA
Amanda Forsey
Eastern Research Group (ERG)
Joanna Kind
ERG
Tessa Roscoe
ERG
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