When shopping for a new faucet, most people focus on style, finish, and price. While these are all important, there’s another crucial factor worth considering: eco-certification. An eco-certified faucet is designed to conserve water, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact without sacrificing performance. In an era where sustainability is becoming increasingly important for both homeowners and businesses, knowing how to identify and verify eco-certified faucets is a valuable skill.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of eco-certifications for faucets, why they matter, and how you can confirm that a faucet meets green standards before making a purchase.
Why Eco-Certification Matters
Water conservation is no longer just a trendy idea—it’s a necessity. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks and inefficient fixtures waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually. Faucets alone can account for over 15% of indoor household water use.
Eco-certified faucets are engineered to reduce water consumption without compromising on functionality. Instead of pouring out 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or more, many eco-friendly faucets limit flow to 1.5 GPM while maintaining strong pressure. Over time, this translates to thousands of gallons of water saved, lower utility bills, and a reduced environmental footprint.
By ensuring your faucet carries a recognized certification, you gain confidence that it has been tested and approved to meet strict sustainability criteria.
Step 1: Look for the WaterSense Label
The most widely recognized certification for faucets in the United States is the EPA WaterSense label. Launched in 2006, WaterSense is a voluntary program that identifies water-efficient products that meet rigorous performance standards.
A faucet with the WaterSense label must:
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Use 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or less, compared to the standard 2.2 GPM.
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Provide equal or better performance compared to non-certified models.
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Pass independent testing for efficiency and durability.
To check if a faucet is WaterSense certified:
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Look for the WaterSense logo (a water droplet with a checkmark) on the product packaging, website, or manual.
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Visit the EPA’s official WaterSense product database online and search for the brand and model.
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Ask the retailer directly if the faucet is certified.
If the faucet is not listed, it’s not certified—no matter what marketing language is used.
Step 2: Check for Other Global Certifications
While WaterSense is most common in North America, other regions have their own eco-certification programs. If you’re buying internationally or want extra assurance, look for:
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WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) – Used in Australia and New Zealand. Faucets receive a star rating from 1 to 6, with 6 being the most efficient.
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KIWA or WRAS approvals – Common in Europe, confirming compliance with water efficiency and safety standards.
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LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – While not a faucet-specific certification, LEED credits can be earned by installing certified low-flow fixtures in buildings.
Understanding regional certifications ensures that your faucet meets efficiency standards recognized globally.
Step 3: Verify Manufacturer Claims
Not every product that claims to be “eco-friendly” or “green” is truly certified. Marketing terms can be misleading, so always verify official certification. To do this:
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Check official documentation – Look for a WaterSense, WELS, or equivalent certificate in the product listing.
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Visit the manufacturer’s website – Reputable brands often list certifications in detail.
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Contact customer service – If the information isn’t easy to find, request confirmation in writing.
Remember: a faucet that claims to save water but lacks certification may still be efficient—but without third-party verification, there’s no guarantee of performance.
Step 4: Evaluate Technical Specifications
Even if a faucet isn’t certified, you can still check its specifications to gauge water efficiency. Focus on:
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Flow rate (GPM or L/min) – For eco-certification, flow should be 1.5 GPM or less in the U.S., or under 6 liters per minute internationally.
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Aerator design – Aerators mix air with water to maintain strong pressure while reducing flow. Many eco-certified faucets use advanced aerators.
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Spray patterns – Some faucets feature spray modes optimized for rinsing with minimal water use.
Cross-checking the specs against certification requirements helps confirm whether a faucet is truly eco-friendly.
Step 5: Consider the Installation Environment
Certification is important, but how a faucet is installed and used matters too. Even an eco-certified faucet may waste water if not used properly. Consider:
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Bathroom faucets – Look for WaterSense certification and flow rates of 1.5 GPM or less.
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Kitchen faucets – Since kitchens often require higher flow for tasks like filling pots, opt for models with dual settings (high-flow for filling, low-flow for rinsing).
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Commercial settings – Hands-free, sensor-activated faucets often conserve water by automatically shutting off after use.
Choosing the right faucet type for the environment maximizes efficiency.
Step 6: Look for Bonus Sustainability Features
Beyond basic eco-certification, some faucets go a step further with innovative green features:
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Temperature limiters – Prevent excessive hot water use, reducing energy consumption.
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Leak prevention technology – Ceramic disc cartridges and advanced seals reduce drips and wasted water.
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Recyclable materials – Some manufacturers use recycled brass or stainless steel in construction.
While not required for certification, these extra features contribute to overall sustainability.
Benefits of Choosing an Eco-Certified Faucet
By ensuring your faucet is eco-certified, you gain several advantages:
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Water conservation – Save thousands of gallons annually without compromising performance.
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Lower utility bills – Reduced water use means smaller monthly bills.
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Energy savings – Using less hot water lowers energy costs.
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Compliance with green building standards – Essential for businesses pursuing LEED or BREEAM certification.
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Peace of mind – Assurance that your purchase truly benefits the environment.
Final Thoughts
Checking if a faucet is eco-certified is more than just scanning for buzzwords. It requires verifying official labels, researching manufacturer claims, and evaluating performance specifications. The most trusted certification in the U.S. is the WaterSense label, but global alternatives like WELS and WRAS also confirm water efficiency.
With eco-certified faucets, you can save money, conserve resources, and contribute to a greener planet—all while enjoying reliable performance in your kitchen, bathroom, or workplace.
So, the next time you’re shopping for a faucet, don’t just think about looks. Take a moment to check for eco-certification. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for your home, your wallet, and the environment.