The American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that no changes or updates will be made to the WaterSense program specifications. The announcement was made April 7, after the Trump administration originally wanted to end the program.
This follows a review as directed by “America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018,” which includes language officially authorizing the program in perpetuity. The law required the EPA to “consider for review and revise, if necessary, any WaterSense performance criteria adopted before Jan. 1, 2012.”
“By maintaining the existing WaterSense specifications, EPA is ensuring responsible conservation of our nation’s water supply without adding unnecessary specifications or creating undue burdens on the economy,” said Andrew Wheeler, EPA administrator.
The EPA plans to engage with WaterSense stakeholders and the public. “The industry realizes the importance of the WaterSense program,” said Dain Hansen, executive vice president of government relations for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). “The program has garnered support from manufacturers, environmental advocates, SDOs, associations and professional societies across the country. To know that the program will continue is welcome news and we, along with the industry, will continue to be strong supporting partners of the WaterSense program and the entire EPA.”
The program is also supported by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and its members.
The WaterSense program for plumbing is modelled after the Energy Star program for HVAC equipment. For more information about the WaterSense program, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.
