As a follow up to an article in Issue 1 2025 of Working Pressure, there’s good news to report regarding the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program — it remains a viable program for engineers, designers, and consumers to use water efficiently and reduce utility costs. You may recall that last year’s update suggested that the WaterSense program’s future was a bit uncertain given the actions of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, but the industry rallied around this effective program and it’s here to stay; at least for now.
Accordingly, it’s worth providing an update on the WaterSense program that was discussed at the January ASME/CSA Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings Committee meetings. These updates affect manufacturers, licensed certifying bodies (LCBs), and other industry stakeholders across multiple product categories, including toilets, lavatory faucets, and showerheads.
STATUS OF THE WATERSENSE SPECIFICATION FOR TANK TYPE TOILETS
Implementation of the WaterSense Specification for Tank Type Toilets, Version 2.0 remains on hold. The EPA confirmed that they are not actively working on implementing the updated specification at this time. Until further notice, manufacturers and LCBs should continue to certify and label products in accordance with Version 1.2 of the specification, which allows dual-flush models to have a full-flush volume up to 1.6 gallons. A copy of the most current specification can be found on the EPA’s website at epa.gov/watersense.
NEW TECHNICAL CLARIFICATION FOR TOILET TECHNOLOGIES
WaterSense announced the release of an updated technical clarifications file in January 2026 that includes one new clarification impacting plumbing fixtures, specifically within the WaterSense Specification for Tank Type Toilets. The EPA is modifying the scope of the specification to include certain non-tank type technologies integrated into one piece toilets. This clarification is intended to accommodate residential toilets that perform the same general functions as tank type toilets but utilize an integrated flushometer mechanism. These products may not be able to meet all requirements of the WaterSense Specification for Flushometer Valve Toilets, and the clarification addresses this gap. Stakeholders who are interested in learning more about this product type are encouraged to review this information on the EPA’s website or talk to an LCB.
LAVATORY FAUCET AND SHOWERHEAD SPECIFICATIONS: NO NEW REQUIREMENTS
During the fittings portion of the meeting, WaterSense confirmed that while an updated technical clarifications file was released in January, no new clarifications impact the WaterSense specifications for lavatory faucets or showerheads. Existing certification and labeling requirements for these products remain unchanged.
ANNUAL REPORTING REMINDER FOR MANUFACTURER PARTNERS
As a reminder, WaterSense opened its annual reporting period on January 6, 2026, which supports development of WaterSense’s annual accomplishments report. Manufacturer partners were reminded that shipment data was to be reported by March 2, 2026. This reporting requirement applies across relevant WaterSense product categories and is a condition of ongoing program participation.
RETURN OF ANNUAL MARKET SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS
The last key point communicated at the meeting, and perhaps the most important given its impact to program stakeholders, is the return of annual market surveillance requirements. Program participants likely remember that the EPA suspended this part of the program during the 2024–2025 period due to market uncertainty. With this part of the program reinstated, LCBs are required to retest 15 percent of eligible models per product category. The EPA has issued instructions and, in some cases, designated specific products for testing. All required retesting must be completed by September 30, 2026. These requirements apply across applicable WaterSense product categories and are intended to support ongoing program integrity and consumer confidence.
LOOKING AHEAD
Given the industry support for the WaterSense program, it’s not a surprise that it weathered the storm it faced just a short time ago. Through these challenges, and as an operational objective, WaterSense continues to emphasize clear communication with manufacturers and certifying bodies as the program navigates evolving technologies and market conditions. To remain updated, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor EPA communications and the WaterSense website for further updates at epa.gov/watersense.
