The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to revise its criteria for faucets and faucet accessories to earn the WaterSense label.
The specification launched in 2007; since then, most faucets now sold in the U.S. meet or exceed the current WaterSense maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Several states have adopted regulations that require that private lavatory faucets not exceed flow rates of 1.5 gpm, and four states do not allow the sale of these faucets with a flow rate over 1.2 gpm.
EPA is considering lowering the maximum flow rate for WaterSense private lavatory faucets to earn the label to either 1.2 gpm or 1.0 gpm. EPA will also clarify that bar sink faucets are covered by the specification. In addition, EPA is considering allowing other types of faucets to earn the WaterSense label, including public use lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets, and metering and self-closing faucets.
Since the program’s inception, WaterSense has helped consumers save a cumulative 7.5 trillion gallons of water and more than $171 billion in water and energy bills, EPA says.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Plumbing | Aug 4, 2017
Shower threshold height – a better shower from the ground up!
Getting the right threshold height for your code-compliant shower installation is critical. In this blog post, we will consider how shower and shower-pan threshold heights work and why they are important for successfully meeting accessibility code requirements.
Sponsored | Plumbing | Aug 2, 2017
The new commercial restroom relies on durability and style
Architects and designers should look for well-designed products that can stand up to the daily demands of such frequented spaces.
Sponsored | HVAC | Apr 6, 2017
Viega ProPress shines in SolarCity construction
Buffalo will be the first city to produce the first-ever true solar roof – a roofing product with solar panels built in.
Architects | Apr 4, 2017
Architect Howard Elkus dies at 78
Cofounder of Elkus Manfredi Architects, his career spanned five decades, and included a spectrum of major design projects.
Sponsored | Plumbing | Feb 22, 2017
Press pipe-joining provides valuable savings on potable water installation at Mercy Health – West Hospital
Nelson Stark selected Viega ProPress for the plumbing installation because the system is flameless and can be installed simultaneously with other utilities since there’s no need for welding or grooving equipment.
Sponsored | Plumbing | Jul 19, 2016
Getting out of the 1960s: New thinking needed for Locker Room Showers
