Product Background Materials
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This page provides background information about the specification development process associated with WaterSense labeled products. The current versions of the specification for each product can be found on the Specification tab for the respective product in the Products section.
- Residential Toilet Background
Background Materials
Version 1.1 of the WaterSense Specification for Tank-Type Toilets and Supporting Materials
- Version 1.1 of the WaterSense Specification for Tank–Type Toilets (PDF)(14 pp, 108 K, About PDF)
- Summary of Revisions to the WaterSense Specification for Tank–Type Toilets (PDF) (5 pp, 52 K, About PDF)
Version 1.0 of the WaterSense Tank-Type High–Efficiency Toilet Specification and Supporting Materials
- Version 1.0 of the WaterSense Tank–Type High-Efficiency Specification (PDF) (12 pp, 166 K, About PDF)
- WaterSense Labeled Toilet Specification Supporting Statement (PDF) (4 pp, 69 K, About PDF)
EPA's Response to the Public Comments on the Draft High-Efficiency Toilet Specification
EPA provided a response to public comments received on the draft specification:
- Response to Issues Raised During Public Comment on April 2006 Draft Specifications for WaterSense Labeling of Tank-Type High-Efficiency Toilets (PDF) (16 pp, 200 K, About PDF)
Stakeholder Comments on the Draft High-Efficiency Toilet Specification
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments until late June 2006:
- Comments: High-Efficiency Toilets (PDF) (51 pp, 585 K, About PDF)
Draft High-Efficiency Toilet Specification
EPA issued draft specifications in early April 2006:
- High-Efficiency Toilet Announcement Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 354 K, About PDF)
- Draft High-Efficiency Toilet Specification (PDF) (14 pp, 78 K, About PDF)
- Bathroom Sink Faucet Background
Background Materials
EPA's Response to the Public Comments
EPA provided a response to public comments received on the draft specifications:
- Response to Public Comments Received on February 2007 Draft WaterSense High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Specification (PDF) (12 pp, 105 K, About PDF)
Stakeholder Comments on High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Specification
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments until late May 2007:
- Comments: High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucets (PDF) (36 pp, 213 K, About PDF)
Draft High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Specification
EPA issued a draft specification in February 2007:
- High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 117 K, About PDF)
- Draft High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Specification (PDF) (3 pp, 112 K, About PDF)
- Draft High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucet Specification Supporting Statement (PDF) (7 pp, 179 K, About PDF)
On March 1, 2007, EPA hosted a call with stakeholders to discuss the Draft Specification for High-Efficiency Bathroom Sink Faucets. For more information, please see the presentation from the public meeting (PDF) (25 pp, 178 K, About PDF).
- Flushing Urinals Background
Background Materials
EPA's Response to the Public Comments
EPA provided a response to public comments received on the draft specification:
- Response to Public Comments Received on January 2009 Draft WaterSense High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification (PDF) (23 pp, 120 K, About PDF)
Stakeholder Comments on Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments until late March 2009:
- Comments: Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal (PDF) (77 pp, 1.7 MB, About PDF)
Public Meeting on the Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification
On February 5, 2009, EPA hosted a public meeting on the draft high-efficiency flushing urinal specification. For more information, please review:
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (5 pp, 37 K, About PDF)
- Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification Presentation (PDF) (16 pp, 147 K, About PDF)
Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification
EPA issued a draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification in January 2009.
- Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 24 K, About PDF)
- Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification (PDF) (3 pp, 42 K, About PDF)
- Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification Supporting Statement (PDF) (7 pp, 44 K, About PDF)
Notification of Intent
EPA issued a notification of intent to develop a specification for high-efficiency urinals in May 2008:
- Notification of intent (NOI) (PDF) (6 pp, 56 K, About PDF)
- Flushometer Valve Toilets Background
Background Materials
EPA’s Response to Public Comments
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments on the draft specification through March 2015. In addition, on January 15, 2015, EPA hosted a stakeholder teleconference and webinar to discuss the development and content of the draft specification. For more information, please review the following documents:
- Response to Public Comments Received on December 2014 WaterSense Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets (PDF) (27 pp, 336 K, About PDF)
- Comments on the Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets (79 pp, 13.8 MB, About PDF)
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets Draft Specification Public Meeting Summary (11 pp, 267 K, About PDF)
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets Draft Specification Public Meeting Presentation (32 pp, 697 K, About PDF)
Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets and Supporting Documentation
On December 18, 2014, EPA released its Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets. The draft specification and supporting documentation are found below.
- Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets Cover Letter (2 pp, 142 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets (7 pp, 226 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Flushometer-Valve Water Closets Supporting Statement (10 pp, 267 K, About PDF)
Notice of Intent
In August 2013, EPA issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to develop a draft specification for flushometer-valve toilets. On September 12, 2013, EPA held a public meeting to address questions regarding the NOI and gather input from stakeholders for specification development. For more information, please review the following documents:
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets NOI (12 pp, 100 K, About PDF)
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets NOI Public Meeting Summary (12 pp, 145 K, About PDF)
- Flushometer-Valve Toilets NOI Public Meeting Presentation (43 pp, 266 K, About PDF)
- Showerheads Background
Background Materials
Version 1.0 of the WaterSense Specification for Showerheads and Support Materials
- WaterSense Specification for Showerheads (PDF) (11 pp, 265K, About PDF)
- WaterSense Specification for Showerheads Supporting Statement (PDF) (12 pp, 132K, About PDF)
- Detailed Drawings for the Force Balance Test Apparatus (PDF) (18 pp, 400K, About PDF)
EPA's Response to the Public Comments
EPA provided a response to public comments received on the draft specification:
- Response to Public Comments Received on the September 2009 WaterSense Draft Specification for Showerheads (PDF) (17 pp, 140 K, About PDF)
Stakeholder Comments on Draft Specification for Showerheads
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments until early November 2009:
- Comments: Draft Specification for Showerheads (PDF) (20 pp, 184 K, About PDF)
Public Meeting on the Draft Specification for Showerheads
On October 21, 2009, EPA held a teleconference and Webinar with stakeholders to discuss the Draft Specification for Showerheads. For more information, please review:
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (4 pp, 32 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Showerheads Presentation (PDF) (39 pp, 304 K, About PDF)
Draft Specification for Showerheads
EPA issued a Draft Specification for Showerheads in September 2009.
- Draft Specification for Showerheads Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 391 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Showerheads (PDF) (11 pp, 164 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Showerheads Supporting Statement (PDF) (11 pp, 96 K, About PDF)
- Detailed Drawings for the Force Balance Test Apparatus (PDF) (18 pp, 400 K, About PDF)
Notification of Intent
In August 2007, EPA initiated specification development for showerheads. Please review the notification of intent to develop a specification for showerheads for further background information.
- Notification of Intent (NOI) (PDF) (5 pp, 48 K, About PDF)
- Weather Based Irrigation Controllers Background
Background Materials
EPA's Response to Public Comments
EPA provided a response to public comments received on the draft specification:
- Response to public comments received on the Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (39 pp, 280 K, About PDF)
Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
In January 2011, EPA released a revised draft specification for weather-based irrigation controllers for public comment. This revised draft includes several significant changes to the first draft, which are outlined in the supplemental documents below.
Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Supporting Documentation
- Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 480 K, About PDF)
- Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (8 pp, 64 K, About PDF)
- Summary of Major Changes to the Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (6 pp, 50 K, About PDF)
To assist manufacturers in certifying and labeling their products once the final specification is released, EPA developed guidance on the certification process.
- Draft Supplemental Guidance for WaterSense Certification and Labeling of Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (10 pp, 73 K, About PDF)
WaterSense also conducted follow-up research at the University of Florida regarding the use of the Smart Water Application Technologies™ (SWAT) protocol as the performance test for the specification.
- Examination of SWAT Protocol Utilizing a Performance Analysis of Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers: Update with Extended Data (2011) (PDF) (48 pp, 616 K, About PDF)
- Examination of SWAT Protocol Utilizing a Performance Analysis of Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (2009) (PDF) (111 pp, 4.5 MB, About PDF)
Stakeholder Comments on the Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments until March 21, 2011.
- Comments: Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (87 pp, 711KB, About PDF)
Public Meeting on the Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
On February 23, 2011, WaterSense held two public meeting webinars. For more information, please review:
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (13 pp, 76 K, About PDF)
- Revised Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Presentation (PDF) (28 pp, 831 K, About PDF)
First Draft Specification—November 2009
EPA issued an initial draft specification for weather-based irrigation controllers in November 2009. For more information, please review:
Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Supporting Documentation
- Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 441 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (5 pp, 52 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Supporting Statement (PDF) (12 pp, 87 K, About PDF)
- Examination of SWAT Protocol Utilizing a Performance Analysis of Weather-based Irrigation Controllers (PDF) (111 pp, 4.5 MB, About PDF)
Stakeholder comments on Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments until January 18, 2010
Public Meeting on the Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers
On December 4, 2009, EPA held a public meeting in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss the Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers. In addition, WaterSense held two webinars on December 16, 2009. For more information, please review:
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (13 pp, 76 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Presentation (PDF) (28 pp, 831 K, About PDF)
Notification of Intent
On April 19, 2007, EPA hosted a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the technical issues and specification development process for weather-based irrigation control technologies. For more information, please review:
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (24 pp, 96 K, About PDF)
- Meeting Agenda (PDF) (2 pp, 26 K, About PDF)
- EPA's Notification of Intent (PDF) (14 pp, 193 K, About PDF)
- Weather- or Sensor-Based Irrigation Control Technologies Notification of Intent Stakeholder Meeting Presentation (PDF) (18 pp, 2.4 MB, About PDF)
- Overview of Notification of Intent and Technical Issues Presentation (PDF) (44 pp, 4.6 MB, About PDF)
-
Climate-Based Irrigation Controller Protocol Presentation (PDF) (18 pp, 983 K, About PDF)
Certification and Labeling
On September 15, 2008, EPA hosted a webinar to familiarize irrigation manufacturers of weather-based irrigation controllers with the WaterSense certification and labeling process. For more information, please review:
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (6 pp, 39 K, About PDF)
- WaterSense Certification and Labeling Presentation (PDF) (26 pp, 193 K, About PDF)
- Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Background
Background Materials
Final Specification
EPA released a final WaterSense Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves on September 19, 2013. The specification was sunset on January 1, 2019.
- WaterSense Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves (PDF) (5 pp, 163 K, About PDF)
- WaterSense Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Supporting Statement (PDF) (10 pp, 281 K, About PDF)
EPA’s Response to Public Comments
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments on the WaterSense Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves until early April 2013. In addition, on March 20, 2013, EPA held a teleconference and webinar with stakeholders to discuss the draft specification. For more information, please review:
- Response to Public Comments Received on the February 2013 WaterSense Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves (PDF) (14 pp, 226 K, About PDF)
- Comments: Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves (PDF) (33 pp, 329 K, About PDF)
- Meeting Summary (PDF) (7 pp, 60 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Presentation (PDF) (39 pp, 1.1 MB, About PDF)
Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves and Supporting Documentation
EPA issued a WaterSense Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves on February 7, 2013. The draft specification and supporting documentation are found below:
- Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 36 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves (PDF) (22 pp, 999 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Commercial Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Supporting Statement (PDF) (12 pp, 130 K, About PDF)
Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Field Study
To ensure the efficiency and performance of high efficiency pre-rinse spray valves before developing a specification, EPA conducted a field study to assess pre-rinse spray valve water use, energy use, and performance. Information regarding the scope and results of the pre-rinse spray valve field study are found below:
- Pre-Rinse Spray Valve Field Study Report (PDF) (136 pp, 1.5 MB, About PDF)
- Pre-Rinse Spray Valve Research Study Scope (PDF) (6 pp, 72 K, About PDF)
- Pre-Rinse Spray Valve Research Needs Meeting Agenda (PDF) (2 pp, 24 K, About PDF)
- Research Needs Meeting Presentation (PDF) (41 pp, 323 K, About PDF)
- Research Needs Meeting Attendee List (PDF) (1 pp, 10 K, About PDF)
Notice of Intent
In July 2009, EPA initiated specification development for commercial pre-rinse spray valves. For further background information, please review the notice of intent to develop a specification for pre-rinse spray valves:
- Pre-Rinse Spray Valves Notice of Intent (PDF) (6 pp, 134 K, About PDF)
- Spray Sprinkler Bodies Background
Background Materials
EPA’s Response to Public Comments
Interested parties had the opportunity to submit comments on the draft specification through February 2017. On January 18, 2017, EPA hosted a stakeholder teleconference and webinar to discuss the development and content of the draft specification. For more information, please review the following documents:
- Response to Public Comments Received on the WaterSense Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies (PDF) (16 pp, 401 K, About PDF)
- Comments on the Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies (PDF) (32 pp, 366 KB, About PDF)
- Spray Sprinkler Bodies Draft Specification Public Meeting Summary (PDF) (6 pp, 63 KB, About PDF)
- Spray Sprinkler Bodies Draft Specification Public Meeting Presentation (PDF) (42 pp, 2.4 MB, About PDF)
Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies and Supporting Documentation
On November 17, 2016, EPA released its WaterSense Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies. For more information, please review the documents below.
- Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies Cover Letter (PDF) (2 pp, 232 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies (PDF) (9 pp, 331 K, About PDF)
- Draft Specification for Spray Sprinkler Bodies Supporting Statement (PDF) (14 pp, 641 K, About PDF)
On December 7, 2016, EPA held an informal information session at the Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the conference, EPA also presented a technical paper on the development of a test method for spray sprinkler bodies and shared the results of performance testing.
- Spray Sprinkler Bodies Draft Specification Public Meeting Presentation (PDF)(24 pp, 2.1 MB, About PDF).
A report detailing the methodology and results of our product performance testing is also available:
Notice of Intent for Landscape Irrigation Sprinklers
In July 2014, EPA issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to develop a specification for landscape irrigation sprinklers. The NOI outlined the performance criteria WaterSense proposed for both high-efficiency nozzles and pressure-regulating sprinkler bodies, and identified issues that still need to be resolved. WaterSense solicited public comment on the NOI, analyzed the public comments, conducted additional research, determined a path forward for this product category, and briefed stakeholders on the developments.
- Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler NOI (PDF)(11 pp, 321 K, About PDF)
- Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler NOI Comments (PDF)(57 pp, 1.5 MB, About PDF)
- Landscape Irrigation Sprinklers: WaterSense Specification Update (PDF) (9 pp, 0.5 MB, About PDF)
In November 2015, WaterSense decided to move forward with developing a draft specification for spray sprinkler bodies with integrated pressure regulation, but put on hold developing a specification for high-efficiency nozzles. If you have questions on these decisions or on information included in the documents listed above, please contact us at watersense-products@erg.com.