0 Mandatory Checklist Requirement: All showerheads must be WaterSense® labeled. UNDERSTAND WaterSense labeled showerheads have a maximum flow rate of 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm), which is 20 percent less than the current federal standard. The WaterSense Specification for Showerheads also establishes criteria for showerhead performance and marking. WaterSense labeled showerheads are independently certified for water efficiency and performance criteria including minimum flow rate, spray force, and spray coverage. Showerheads, rain showers, and hand-held showers are all eligible to earn the WaterSense label. BUILD • USE the WaterSense Product Search Tool at www.epa.gov/watersense/product-search to identify showerhead models that have earned the WaterSense label. • SPECIFY WaterSense labeled showerheads to be installed in every shower at the time of construction. • LIMIT the number of showering devices that can be turned on at the same time within a shower compartment. Check with the Home Certification Organization (HCO) for guidance if you plan to install multiple showerheads. =] VERIFY • OBTAIN the makes and model numbers for all showerheads in a home. Use the WaterSense Product Search Tool to confirm that the showerheads are WaterSense labeled. • VERIFY the gpm marking on the showerhead. Confirm that no more than 0.5 gallons (64 ounces) of water are collected over 15 seconds of operation. • DETERMINE the maximum flow rate when all devices are operating for shower compartments with multiple showering devices. *NOTE: Consult with the Home Certification Organization for specific verification protocols. Performance Criteria WaterSense collaborated with stakeholders to conduct consumer testing to determine the performance metrics that are important for meeting users' expectations for showerheads. Based on the results, WaterSense established performance criteria.for showerheads to earn the WaterSense label. Labeled products must be tested across a range of permissible service pressures to: Maintain minimum spray force (what most users refer to as "shower pressure") Maintain a consistent flow rate Learn more at WaterSense's Showerheads web page at www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads. Thermostatic Shutoff Valves While waiting for water to heat up, bathers may waste a lot of water before they enter the shower. Thermostatic shutoff valves (TSVs) slow water flow down to a trickle after hot water arrives until the user is ready. TSVs can be installed on a showerhead or tub spout diverterto reduce water waste before showering. This technical fact sheet is part of EPA's Technical Reference Manual for WaterSense Labeled Homes. For the full document and other tools and EPA-832-F-23-016 resources for homes, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/tools-and-resources. July 2023 ------- |