SGS Earns EPA Approval for WaterSense Faucet & Toilet Certification
TULSA, Okla., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ — SGS Consumer Testing Services announced today that it has become one of the first independent licensing bodies authorized to test and certify bathroom sink faucets and high-efficiency tank-type toilets for compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense water efficiency and performance standards. The program enables qualifying products to carry the WaterSense label, helping consumers easily identify products that save water while still performing as well as or better than their less efficient counterparts.
For faucets, the WaterSense specification sets the maximum flow rate at 1.5 gallons per minute tested at a flowing pressure of 60 pounds per square inch, compared to the industry standard of 2.2 gallons per minute. For toilets, the WaterSense program sets the maximum water use level at 1.28 gallons per flush for single-flush and 1.40/.9 gallons per flush for dual-flush toilets, compared to the industry standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.
The program is designed to help protect the future of the U.S. water supply by encouraging the use of, and enhancing the market for, water-efficient products and practices. The WaterSense label also helps manufacturers differentiate their products by appealing to consumer and commercial purchasers who wish to conserve natural resources as well as lower their water bills.
“The WaterSense program provides multiple competitive advantages for manufacturers, from demonstrating environmental responsibility and long-term cost benefits to providing promotional opportunities through various EPA tools and resources,” said Scott Parkhurst, Technical Manager of SGS. “Being licensed by the EPA to provide WaterSense testing and certification will enable us to help clients leverage these opportunities to build their business.”
SGS’s new WaterSense testing and certification capabilities extend the company’s long-standing testing services for the plumbing industry, including prototype testing, complete production article evaluation, follow-up inspection, listing and labeling, independent test witnessing, liability claim investigation, and complete evaluations of fixtures and fittings for compliance to applicable standards.
The new service also complements SGS’s initiatives to support environmentally friendly products, ranging from textiles, computer products, biodegradable packing materials and consumer electronics to green-label bearing products and less noise-producing equipment.
Inquiries about SGS’s WaterSense testing and certification services should be directed to stephen.parkhurst@sgs.com.
About SGS Consumer Testing Services
SGS Consumer Testing Services is a division of the SGS Group, which is the world’s leading verification, testing and certification company. The company’s comprehensive testing, product inspection, process assessment and technical services cover the entire supply chain from product development to retailing for electrical products, wireless products, soft line products, hard line products and food products. SGS’ global network and expertise provide a single consolidated source that can help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers reduce risk, improve efficiency and product quality, and ensure compliance to both national and international standards. SGS Group has more than 50,000 employees and over 1,000 offices and laboratories in 140 countries. For more information about SGS Consumer Testing Services, visit www.us.sgs.com/cts
SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services