Faucet standards
Water Efficiency Management
Faucet standards include a water efficiency management component, which aims to promote advancements in water-saving technology, improve the water efficiency of water-using products, and encourage the adoption of water-saving products. Internationally, many countries and regions with high population density and water scarcity have implemented corresponding water efficiency registration systems. These systems cover a wide range of water-using products to ensure sustainable water use.
| Product Standards | Water efficiency standards | Record keeping management | |
| America | √ | √ | √ |
| Australia, New Zealand, Singapore | √ | √ | √ |
| China | √ | √ | × |
Standards Related to Faucets and Aerators in Filing/Certification Rules
The filing and certification rules for faucets and aerators generally address two key aspects:
Changes in Water Flow Rate with Pressure:
The standards in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and China require that the fluctuation in product flow rate under different pressures must meet specific index requirements. This demonstrates that the stability of water flow rate is an important criterion for measuring product quality. An excellent aerator ensures that the water output per unit time remains consistent across different usage conditions.
Upper and Lower Limits for Water Flow Rate Settings:
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, North America, and China classify products by establishing flow rate limits. For example:
- Australia certifies faucets and aerators with a 6-star rating system.
- China categorizes such products into three levels.
- North America sets flow rate limits but does not implement a star rating system.
Since 2010, China has introduced water efficiency rating standards for faucets, toilets, showers, and other water-using products, such as GB 25501 and GB/T 25502. These standards specify water consumption and flow rate requirements for products. However, the filing and certification of water efficiency for these products were not promptly promoted. It was not until 2017 that China began implementing water efficiency filing for sanitary ware products. Currently, there are no relevant filing or certification requirements for faucets and aerators.
Australia/New Zealand/Singapore: Water Efficiency Labeling Requirements
In Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, local governments require sanitary ware products (such as faucets, showers, and toilets) to display water efficiency labels before they can be circulated in the market. This requirement is part of the WELS (Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards) certification. The water efficiency test methods for these products are based on the AS/NZS 6400 standard, which is used in conjunction with relevant product standards.
AS/NZS 6400 is a grading standard divided into chapters by product type. Faucets and aerators are addressed in separate chapters within the standard. A comparison of the requirements reveals that the standards for faucets (including high- and low-pressure applications for different purposes) and aerators are nearly identical. This highlights the significant influence of aerators on the flow performance of faucet products.
| Unit: L/s | ||
| Grade | Flow value | Scope |
| Z | 0.15 | 0.125≤Q≤0.15 |
| A | 0.25 | 0.225≤Q≤0.25 |
| S | 0.33 | 0.30≤Q≤0.33 |
| B | 0.42 | 0.38≤Q≤0.42 |
| C | 0.5 | 0.48≤Q≤0.50 |
| D | 0.63 | 0.58≤Q≤0.63 |
| Rating | Flow range (Faucet) | Flow range (Aerator) |
| 0 Star | ≥ 16.0 | ≥ 16.0 |
| 1 Star | ≥ 12.0,≤16.0 | ≥ 12.0,≤16.0 |
| 2 Star | ≥ 9.0,≤12.0 | ≥ 9.0,≤12.0 |
| 3 Star | ≥7.5 ,≤9.0 | ≥7.5 ,≤9.0 |
| 4 Star | ≥ 6.0,≤7.5 | ≥ 6.0,≤7.5 |
| 5 Star | ≥ 4.5,≤6.0 | ≥ 4.5,≤6.0 |
| 6 Star | ≥ 1.1,≤ 4.5 | ≤ 4.5 |
When evaluating and testing faucets (except bathtub faucets) and bubblers, the product flow rate should be tested at 150kPa, 250kPa, 350kPa, and 500kPa, and the corresponding interval should be selected for rating based on the average flow rate under pressures of 150kPa, 250kPa, and 350kPa. At the same time, the flow stability of the faucet is also an important indicator required in Australia/New Zealand/Singapore. The flow fluctuation difference of all products of different grades under different pressures cannot exceed 2L/min. United States: The management method of water efficiency labelling of American products is based on a series of documents issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the management of energy (water) consuming products. The industry calls it Watersense certification/filing. In terms of faucet certification/filing, Watersense has two characteristics: 1. WaterSense filing is only for household products. Faucets used for commercial purposes do not consider water-saving requirements. Some star ratings (1 star~3 star) in WELS certification do not apply to household products, which is worth noting. 2. WaterSense filing only requires bathroom faucets (basin faucets) and aerator products, but not kitchen faucets (kitchen) flow, which is different from the water efficiency requirements for faucets in some other countries and regions.
Evaluation and Testing of Faucets and Bubblers
When evaluating and testing faucets (excluding bathtub faucets) and bubblers, the product flow rate should be tested at 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, and 500 kPa. The corresponding rating is determined based on the average flow rate under pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, and 350 kPa. Additionally, flow stability is an important indicator required in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The flow fluctuation difference for all products, regardless of grade, must not exceed 2 L/min under different pressures.
United States: Water Efficiency Labeling and Watersense Certification
The water efficiency labeling of products in the United States is managed through a series of documents issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for energy- and water-consuming products. This system is commonly referred to as Watersense certification or filing. For faucet certification and filing, Watersense has two key characteristics:
Household Products Only:
Watersense filing applies exclusively to household products. Faucets used for commercial purposes are not subject to water-saving requirements. Notably, some star ratings (1-star to 3-star) in WELS certification do not apply to household products.
Limited Scope:
Watersense filing only requires certification for bathroom faucets (basin faucets) and aerator products. Kitchen faucets are excluded, which differs from the water efficiency requirements for faucets in other countries and regions.
Does WaterSense apply to kitchen faucets?
Exclusion of Kitchen Sink Faucets from Watersense Specifications
Kitchen sink faucets were excluded from the Watersense specifications due to their unique uses and user expectations, which require additional considerations when defining performance. One major performance consideration is a kitchen faucet's ability to effectively rinse dishes. Additionally, kitchen faucets are frequently used for filling pots or containers, and significantly increased wait times for these tasks might not be acceptable to most users.
Watersense determined that reducing the maximum flow rates of kitchen faucets could lead to user dissatisfaction and conflict with its program goals of increasing efficiency while maintaining or improving performance. To ensure user satisfaction and a high level of performance, a higher maximum flow rate than what is suitable for lavatory faucets may be necessary for kitchen faucets.
Does WaterSense apply to Public bathroom faucets?
Exclusion of Public Restroom and Metering Faucets from Watersense Specifications
Public restroom and metering faucets (faucets designed to discharge a specific amount of water or operate for a set duration per use) were also excluded from the Watersense specifications. This exclusion is due to their distinct uses and performance expectations, as well as the existence of standards that already govern their maximum flow rates.
For example, public restroom faucets are primarily used for handwashing or simple rinsing, unlike lavatory faucets in homes and private bathrooms, which serve a wide range of purposes. As a result, the maximum flow rate for public restroom and metering fixtures can be set significantly lower than that of private lavatory faucets without negatively impacting user satisfaction.