I
*
Optional Water Efficiency Measure: May contribute to the 30
depending on the chosen WaterSense® Approved Certification
$
UNDERSTAND
Federal efficiency standards require kitchen faucets to
have a maximum flow rate of 2,2 gallons per minute (gpm)
or less at 60 pounds per square inch (psi) of water
pressure.
WaterSense does not have a specification that applies to
kitchen faucets. Instead, builders should look for models
certified to the national standard for faucets, ASME
A112.18.1 /CSA B125.1 Plumbing Supply Fittings.
Kitchen faucets are available in a wide variety of price
points and styles. For greater efficiency or to meet local
requirements, many models are available with maximum
flow rates of 1.5 to 1,8 gpm.
Some states have adopted kitchen faucet efficiency
standards, which can help guide kitchen faucet selection.
Some models of kitchen faucets can have a variety of
features that are useful to homeowners, such as different
spray functions and sensor or touch technology. See
Faucet Types at right for more information.
BUILD
SPECIFY and INSTALL kitchen faucets that have a flow
rate between 1.5 gpm and 1,8 gpm to save water
compared to the federal standard,
CHECK state efficiency standards to ensure kitchen
faucets meet local requirements. See Learn Local
Requirements at right for more information.
= | VERIFY
OBTAIN the makes and model numbers for all kitchen
faucets in a home and look up the rated flow rate.
VERIFY the maximum flow rate from each kitchen sink
faucet. Use a small bucket or attach a flow-measuring bag
to the faucet spout, turn on the water completely while
starting a stopwatch and, after 10 seconds, turn off the
water and check the volume of water collected.
*NOTE: Consult with the Home Certification Organization for
specific verification protocols.
percent water efficiency requirement,
Method (WACM).
Faucet Types
Spray Modes: Some faucets allow the
user to switch between a traditional
faucet flow and a spray stream to assist
with rinsing.
Pull-Down and Pull-Out: Some faucets
allow the flow direction to be manipulated
by pulling the faucet spout away from the
rest of the fixture using a flexible hose.
Both "pull-down" and "pull-out" designs
are common in the marketplace.
Sensor Technology: Some kitchen faucet
products are equipped with touch or no-
touch (sensor) technology that allows
activation without having to pull the
handle.
Learn Local Requirements
Some states and municipalities have set
more stringent efficiency standards,
requiring kitchen faucets to have a flow
rate below the federal 2.2 gpm standard.
However, in some cases, faucets are
allowed to be equipped with a temporary
"boost" mode to override the typical
operating flow and assist with quicker pot
filling or other volumetric needs. The
faucet is required to revert back to its
typical flow rate once it is turned off.
States that have adopted kitchen faucet
efficiency standards can be found on the
Appliance Standards Awareness Project
web page at https://appliance-
sta nd a rd s. org/p rod u ct/f a u cets.
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

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