 Frequently
Asked Questions: WaterSense Certification and Labeling of High-Efficiency Toilets
How do I get the WaterSense label for my high-efficiency toilet?
The first step toward obtaining the WaterSense label is for the
product manufacturer to enter into a WaterSense partnership agreement
with EPA. Manufacturers can sign a WaterSense
partnership agreement with EPA once a draft specification has
been released for a product they produce or manufacture under a
private label. Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will
have 12 months to obtain certification for a product that conforms
to the relevant WaterSense specification.
The second step is to have one of EPA's licensed
certifying bodies certify your product for conformance to the
High-Efficiency Tank-Type Toilet
Specification. Manufacturers apply directly to the licensed
certifying body for certification. Once your product is certified,
the licensed certifying body will provide you with artwork for the
WaterSense label with its name underneath the label. You must use
this label in accordance with the WaterSense
label use guidelines.
Which certifying bodies can certify my product?
A listing of EPA licensed certifying
bodies is posted on the WaterSense Web site or may be obtained
from the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367). Certifying
bodies are approved for each individual specification, so be sure
to choose one that is licensed to the High-Efficiency
Tank-Type Toilet Specification.
What about products previously tested under the predecessor UNAR
specification?
Products previously tested under the UNAR specification must be
certified for conformance to the WaterSense
High-Efficiency Tank-Type Toilet Specification in order to earn
the WaterSense label.
How much will product certification cost?
The cost structure for product certification is determined by the
licensed certifying bodies. EPA anticipates that the testing fee
and cost for certification of products, which may include opening
a new certification file or adding models to an existing file, will
be in line with the current cost structure to have tank-type toilets
certified by an accredited certifying body.
How long will certification take?
The exact process and timing will be determined by the licensed
certifying body conducting the certification. Licensed certifying
bodies recognize that time to market is an important consideration
and will compete for a manufacturer's business in this area. EPA
anticipates that the time to achieve product certification to WaterSense
specifications will be similar to the time it currently takes to
get plumbing products certified to American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) and other relevant standards.
How will consumers know my product has been certified?
Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are allowed to
bear the WaterSense label. In addition, EPA maintains a Web
registry of WaterSense labeled products. To get your products
included on this list you must submit to EPA a new
certified product notification form for each certified model.
EPA will verify the product certification information with the licensed
certifying body that conducted the certification. This process, from
notification to listing on the WaterSense Web site, may take up to
two weeks.
I am an overseas manufacturer looking to get my products certified
for WaterSense. Will there be certifying bodies in my country that
can conduct the certification?
WaterSense anticipates that at least some of its licensed
certifying bodies will have offices worldwide with the capability
to conduct product certifications for WaterSense. Please keep in
mind, however, that to be eligible for the WaterSense label, you
must sell or intend to sell products in the United States that meet
the relevant WaterSense specification
within one year of partnership with EPA. Please contact one or more
of EPA's licensed certifying bodies to determine if they certify
products in your area.
Will this certification process apply to all products?
EPA will require all WaterSense labeled products to be certified
by a licensed certifying body. EPA may, however, adjust the specific
certification requirements as appropriate for individual product
categories.
This document is also available in PDF
(2 pp, 38K, About
PDF).
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