WaterSense and Water Efficient Products

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. The program helps consumers identify water-efficient products and programs. The WaterSense label indicates that these products and programs meet water efficiency and performance criteria.

The Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) sets the purchasing specifications for water-efficient product categories commonly purchased by federal agencies. Products meeting these performance requirements fulfill FEMP-designated product requirements. However, FEMP does not endorse specific products.

Requirements and Policy

Statutory Requirements

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) requires agencies to identify all "covered facilities" that constitute at least 75 percent of the agency's facility energy and water use. A covered facility may be defined as "a group of facilities at a single location or multiple locations managed as an integrated operation." An energy manager must be designated for each of these covered facilities. Each facility's energy manager is responsible for:

• Completing comprehensive energy and water evaluations of 25 percent of covered facilities each year, so that an evaluation of each such facility is completed at least once every four years;
• Implementing identified energy and water efficiency measures;
• Following up on implemented measures, including fully commissioning equipment, putting in place operations and maintenance plans; and measuring and verifying energy and water savings.

Federal Acquisition Regulation

FAR Part 23.202 sets federal policy to acquire supplies and services that promote water efficiency and help foster markets for emerging technologies. This policy extends to all acquisitions, including those below the simplified acquisition threshold.

Find and Purchase

WaterSense products, identified with the WaterSense symbol, are available for purchase at GSA Advantage!®. The EPA’s WaterSense website lists qualifying water-efficient products. Be sure to purchase products marked with the WaterSense label when they are available. WaterSense currently covers the following product categories:

• Bathroom Sink Faucets;
• Flushing Urinals;
• High-Efficiency Toilets;
• Landscape Irrigation Services;
• New Homes;
• Pre-rinse Spray Valves;
• Showerheads; and
• Weather or Sensor-based Irrigation Control Techniques.

FEMP lists specifications for water-saving products in the upper 25 percent of their class. Visit the FEMP website to view the specifications and guide in the selection to water-efficient products.