U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Federal Energy Management Program – Energy-Efficient Products
FEMP Designated Product: Lavatory Faucets
Legal Authorities
Executive Order 13123 requires federal agencies to reduce water consumption and its associated energy use in their facilities. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 23.2 requires that agencies acquire water saving products designated by FEMP as being among the highest 25 percent for equivalent products.
Information about a water-saving faucet in this section includes the following:
Also provided is a portable document format version of Purchasing Specifications for Lavatory Faucets (PDF 195 KB, 2 pp). Download Adobe Reader.
a Based on ASME test procedure A112.18.1M-1996, with an inlet water pressure of 60 pounds per square inch (psi).
b Includes both metered and automatic faucets that shutoff after a preset time, or when the user moves away.
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This purchasing specification applies to faucets used in commercial restrooms and residential bathrooms. When purchasing showerheads from lavatory faucets from commercial sources, check for models with flow rates (gallons per minute or gallons per cycle) at or below the level shown in the Performance Requirement table above.
Agencies must use FEMP-designated performance requirements for all water-consuming product and system procurements including guide and project specifications, and construction, renovation and service contracts. The requirements should also be used in evaluating responses to solicitations.
The federal supply sources for lavatory faucets are the General Services Administration (GSA) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA sells faucets through its Multiple Awards Schedule program and online shopping network GSA Advantage! DLA offers them through its Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through DoD EMall. Note that not all faucets sold through GSA and DLA meet FEMP's performance requirements, and some that do may not be indicated as such.
Agencies can claim an exception to these requirements only through a written finding that no FEMP-designated product is life-cycle cost effective or meets the functional requirements for a specific application.
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Replacing old lavatory faucets with new low flow or self-closing models is a cost-effective way to save both water and, when hot water is used, energy. Since they are used primarily for hand washing, the faucets are not required to deliver large quantities of water quickly or to have high flow rates. Lavatory faucets that meet the Performance Requirements above provide enough water for washing hands. Self-closing faucets can result in significant water savings but typically cost more and require additional maintenance.
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The current federal standard for lavatory faucets is 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). Faucets predating this standard can use up to 4 gpm. Early replacement can lead to water and energy savings greater than shown in the cost-effectiveness table below. Just replacing the aerator with a low-flow type can yield significant savings. Some aerators can reduce the flow to 0.5 gpm or less, at a fraction of the cost of replacing faucets. Faucets or aerators with flow rates this low should not be installed in kitchen or other sinks where hand washing is not the primary function.
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| Cost-Effectiveness Example |
| Performance |
Base Modela |
Required |
Best Availableb |
Self-Closing |
| Water Use Only |
| Flow Rate |
2.2 gpm |
2.0 gpm |
0.38 gpm |
0.25 gpcc |
| Annual Water Use |
17,160 gallons |
15,600 gallons |
2,964 gallons |
3,900 gallons |
| Annual Water Cost |
$70 |
$62 |
$12 |
$16 |
| Lifetime Water Costd |
$600 |
$530 |
$100 |
$135 |
| With Electric Water Heating |
| Annual Energy Use |
1,010 kWh |
920 kWh |
175 kWh |
230 kWh |
| Annual Energy Cost |
$60 |
$55 |
$10 |
$14 |
| Lifetime Energy Costd |
$460 |
$420 |
$75 |
$105 |
| Lifetime Energy and Water Cost Savings |
— |
$110 |
$885 |
$800 |
| With Gas Water Heating |
| Annual Energy Use |
53 therms |
48 therms |
9 therms |
12 therms |
| Annual Energy Cost |
$32 |
$29 |
$5 |
$7 |
| Lifetime Energy Costd |
$235 |
$210 |
$35 |
$50 |
| Lifetime Energy and Water Cost Savings |
— |
$95 |
$700 |
$650 |
a The flow rate of the Base Model just meets the current federal standards for faucets, based on ASME standard test conditions.
b More efficient products may have been introduced to the market since this specification was published. Performance data for the Best Available model was obtained from the January 2006 California Energy Commission Appliance Database (see For More Information).
b Gallons per cycle. The duration of 1 cycle is based on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) specification of 10 seconds with a flow rate of 1.5 gpm.
c Lifetime Energy or Water Cost is the sum of the discounted value of annual energy or water costs based on average usage and an assumed faucet life of 10 years. Future energy price trends and a discount rate of 3.0% are based on federal guidelines (effective from April, 2005 to March, 2006). Future water and waste water costs are conservatively assumed to increase only at the rate of inflation.
In commercial facilities, faucets are assumed to be used for 1 minute, 30 times per day, 260 days per year. The faucet water temperature is 80°F. For self-closing faucets, each use requires two on-cycles. Electricity and gas prices are estimated at $.06/kWh and $.60./therm, the federal average energy prices in the US. The combined water and wastewater price is $4.00 per 1,000 gallons.
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In the example above, a new faucet just meeting the Required flow rate of 2.2 gpm will save $110 in water and energy costs with electric water heating, or $95 with gas heating. Similarly, the Best Available model, with a flow rate of 0.38 gpm, saves $885 with electric water heating or $700 with gas water heating. When using a self-closing faucet, the cost savings are $820 with electric water heating and $650 with gas water heating.
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FEMP provides cost calculator for faucets. Enter the rates for natural gas, electricity and water at your facility. The output section will automatically display results that better reflect your energy costs.
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