EPA pauses development of WaterSense spray sprinkler nozzle specification

The draft specification, initially released in November 2023, proposed criteria for spray sprinkler nozzles to earn the WaterSense label.
The EPA pauses its WaterSense nozzle specification, allowing the irrigation industry to lead on developing practical water-saving standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., has announced it is pausing development of a WaterSense specification for spray sprinkler nozzles. This move comes after receiving feedback from stakeholders, including the Irrigation Association, utilities, manufacturers and environmental groups. 

The draft specification, initially released in November 2023, proposed criteria for spray sprinkler nozzles to earn the WaterSense label. It focused on water efficiency and performance metrics such as application rates, distribution uniformity and matched precipitation.  

However, public comments highlighted a lack of consensus on some of these criteria, prompting the EPA to shift its approach. 

Nathan Bowen, policy and industry advancement vice president at the Irrigation Association, says the association appreciates the EPA’s decision to pause development.  

“This provides the industry with the opportunity to contribute to a stakeholder-driven standard setting process, ,” he says. “We believe this approach will result in more effective solutions tailored to reflect the realities of the irrigation industry.” 

Industry to lead specification development 

The IA has recommended developing a voluntary, consensus-based standard that would establish performance attributes and test methods for high-efficiency spray sprinkler nozzles. Bowen says this collaborative effort will ensure any future specifications are grounded in sound science and industry best practices. 

“We are committed to working towards a standard that not only supports water conservation but is also achievable for manufacturers and beneficial for contractors and consumers,” Bowen says. 

Addressing industry concerns 

One of the key points of contention in the draft specification was the proposed application rate of 1.2 inches per hour. While this benchmark was designed to promote water savings, some manufacturers and practitioners raised concerns about its feasibility and the potential impact on product design and system flexibility. 

The IA has emphasized that the industry needs time to explore alternative performance measures and develop solutions that address these challenges. “This pause allows us to take a closer look at what truly defines efficiency and how we can ensure these standards work in real-world applications,” Bowen says. 

Next steps 

While the EPA has paused its specification development, the agency will continue working with the IA and other stakeholders to support the standard-setting process. If the industry cannot reach a consensus within a reasonable timeframe, the EPA may revisit its original draft criteria. 

In the meantime, utilities are encouraged to use the draft specification’s application rate criteria as a guideline for rebate programs. According to the EPA, this threshold aligns with attributes used by manufacturers to identify high-efficiency nozzles. 

Bowen says the IA remains committed to advancing water-use efficiency in the irrigation sector. “The industry has an important role to play in ensuring our water resources are managed wisely,” he says. “By taking the lead on this specification, we can set a strong foundation for future innovation and sustainability.” 

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