The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their WaterSense specification for showerheads on March 4, 2010. Manufacturers that produce showerheads meeting the EPA's efficiency and performance criteria can apply to have their products certified to earn the WaterSense label. Manufacturers of high efficiency showerheads must demonstrate through independent testing and certification, that their products meet EPA's criteria. The EPA program requires that manufacturers certifying products be accredited by an EPA-recognized accreditation body. IAS is currently involved in the accreditation of laboratories seeking recognition under the WaterSense program.

According to the EPA, the typical showerhead in use in most American homes uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. The new high-efficiency specification requires a maximum flow rate of no more than 2.0 gallons of water per minute. The EPA estimates that the use of a WaterSense labeled showerhead could save the average household more than 2,300 gallons of water per year. In addition, consumers can also expect energy cost savings by reducing the demand on their water heaters.

In addition to high-efficiency showerheads, the EPA's WaterSense program has specifications in place for toilets, bathroom sink faucets, urinals, and single-family homes. Requirements are currently being developed for weather-based irrigation controllers and spray rinse valves.

More information about the EPA WaterSense program and the new showerhead specifications can be found at http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/.

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