commentEPA Releases Standard for Showerheads
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In September 2009 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its long-awaited draft WaterSense standard for showerheads. The intent, according to EPA, is for WaterSense showerheads to “not only save water but also perform as well as or better than conventional models on the market.”
The new standard will set a maximum flow rate for WaterSense-labeled showerheads of 2.0 gallons per minute at 80 psi (pounds per square inch) water pressure and require that the showerheads meet specific performance requirements: adequate flow rate across a range of pressures (delivering at least 60 percent of the maximum flow at 20 psi and 75 percent at 45 psi); a minimum spray force of 2.0 ounces at 20 psi; and suitable spray coverage (using an apparatus that measures the distribution or spread of water from the showerhead). In addition, the showerhead must not be packaged with instructions that show a user how to modify its maximum flow rate.
WaterSense-labeled showerheads are expected to begin appearing in early 2010.
Copyright 2009 by BuildingGreen, LLC
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