WaterSense®

 Label

Use Guidelines for the Media

Using the WaterSense Label

The WaterSense label was created to identify products, homes, and programs that meet the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) criteria for water efficiency and performance. To maintain 

the integrity of this mark, use of the WaterSense label is restricted to the following: 

•	 WaterSense manufacturer partners and their designated advertising/promotional outlets.

•	 WaterSense licensed certification provider partners when used on new homes certificates.

•	 Professional certifying organizations that meet WaterSense specifications for programs.

This mark may also be used by media outlets in order to assist audiences in identifying the 

WaterSense label. By making the label available to media, WaterSense 

intends to increase awareness of the label, and the media outlet is responsibile for adhering to these guidelines to ensure the label is displayed 

properly and is protected from copying, downloading, or reproduction.

What is the WaterSense label? 

The WaterSense label is a copyrighted mark used to designate a product 

or home that meets EPA’s criteria for water efficiency and performance, or 

a professional certification program that meets EPA’s program specifications. It is a circular mark that includes the WaterSense leaf/drop image

surrounded by the words “WaterSense” and “Meets EPA Criteria.” When the label appears in conjunction with a certified product, the name of the licensed certifying body is identified underneath 

the label. However, for media reproduction purposes, the certifying body identifier should not be 

included.

How can the WaterSense label be used by the media?

Use only the original art files as provided by EPA. The WaterSense label may not be altered, cut, separated, or otherwise distorted in size or appearance. Colors must be reproduced in their entirety. Pure

black versions are available by request for one-color applications. The media can use the WaterSense 

label in the following ways:

•	 In articles or other printed materials about the WaterSense program that advise readers about

how to identify WaterSense labeled products, homes, or programs.

•	 On websites that describe the WaterSense program and its label. If the website lists or describes

specific products that are labeled, the label can be near those products. The Web host is responsible for ensuring the labeled products match those on the EPA registry of WaterSense labeled 

products, and that the label cannot be copied or downloaded for use by anyone other than the 

approved media outlet.

June 2013
•	 In product articles, publications, or catalogs focusing on products, the WaterSense label can be

used in direct conjunction with labeled products, if designated by a manufacturer. In such cases, 

the label artwork must include the words “certified by” and the name of the licensed certifying 

body underneath the label.

Please note: The WaterSense label should only be used on informational materials and should not be 

disseminated to other entities for their promotional purposes. The WaterSense label may not be used 

to imply EPA endorsement of a company, organization, product, builder, or service, and should never

be associated with products, homes, or programs that do not meet the WaterSense program criteria.

Using the WaterSense Promotional Label

WaterSense has also developed a promotional label to encourage consumers 

to look for the WaterSense label. The promotional label is a colored box that 

displays the WaterSense label accompanied by the words “look for.” This mark 

may also be appropriate for use in the media, and can be used more broadly 

than the label itself. The promotional label, which is also available in Spanish 

and French, is available from EPA’s WaterSense program. Email watersense@

epa.gov or call (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) for a copy.

June 2013