The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft specification for high-efficiency-flushing urinals. The EPA estimates nationwide, older, inefficient urinals waste nearly 45 billion gallons (170 billion L) of water annually. WaterSense, a program of EPA, has developed a draft specification for labeling urinals that are 50 percent more efficient than the current federal standard of 1 gallon (3.78 L) per flush.

To ensure adequate performance, urinals must comply with existing standards for flushing and must be tested for trap-seal restoration and flush effectiveness before they can earn the WaterSense label. The label will be offered later this year with the release of the final specification. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.