Watersense is an EPA program launched in June, 2006 designed to encourage water efficiency in the United States through a special label on products.

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the goal of protecting the future of the US’s water supply. By promoting and enhancing the market for water efficient products and services, WaterSense makes every drop count by leveraging relationships with key utility, manufacturer and retail partners across the U.S.

WaterSense is not a regulatory program, but rather a voluntary program. EPA develops specifications for water efficient products through apublic process. If a manufacturer makes a product that meets those specifications, the product is eligible for third-party testing to ensure the stated efficiency and performance criteria have been met. If the product passes the test, the manufacturer is rewarded with the right to put the WaterSense label on that product.^[2]

WaterSense makes it easy for consumers to differentiate among products that use less water and reinforces that saving water is easy and does not require a major lifestyle change.

Toilets (HETs), flushing urinals, bathroom sink faucets (and accessories), and irrigation professionals who have undergone training by WaterSense-labeled certification programs are all products/services that are readily available to consumers.

Want to find WaterSense approved appliances? The EPA has a very cool database that you can search by category, brands, or models.  Take a look at their database if you are looking to replace a plumbing fixture.