Low-flow WaterSense Devices

WaterSense doesn't go below 0.8 gpm currently, and I don't believe any of the currently certified products go below 1.0 gpm.

Echoing this response - we received a comment that (residential) private lav faucet flowrates are required to be at least 1.0 gpm. 

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is used by many (not sure if all) states, and their minimum for residential lavatory faucets is 0.8 GPM. Hence...

Oh heck Maude, we were all on the wrong track if you are looking for commercial faucets. Since you didn't state, everyone went down the residential path. Yes, there are TONS of them. We usually suggest Toto, https://www.totousa.com/products/commercial#subcategories=10170249937293649938 but the commercial division of every major plumbing fixture manufacturer makes both 0.5 GPM and 0.35 varieties.

Oh heck, sorry, were you looking for commercial lav faucets? These are NOT YET ELIGIBLE to be labeled WaterSense. WaterSense started with residential products and is only gradually working into commercial fixtures (urinals and toilets). It hasn't gotten to the faucets yet. LEED stipulates that if a product type is not yet covered under the WaterSense criteria, obviously, it's exempt from that requirement for LEED. And bad on the WaterSense site for referring to "Bathroom Faucets and Showers" and not making clear these are residential!

Post from Ellen Grossi: We inquired about dorm restrooms with 0.5 gpm faucets because they are not WaterSense but considered private lavatories. Note the dorms have multiple stalls and are shared amongst many students. Below is the response we received for our specific project. Yes, the project can use 0.5 gpm lavatory faucets for the dorm restrooms. The faucets in the dorm residents restrooms would be considered private lavatory faucets. USGBC has approved a project-specific exception for this project to use a non-WaterSense labeled private lavatory fixture since the flow rate is less than the 1.5 gpm maximum required by WaterSense.

Hello Craig, We have a similar issue on one of our projects thats also a dorm. We're using 0.35 gpm & 0.5 gpm faucets for the lavatories (classified as private fixtures). Could you please let us know what arguement did you submit to LEED to get exception for the use of these low flow aerated faucets?

In theory, you shouldn't have to argue for it, but it is advised to include a short narrative explaining context to prevent a review comment on it by a less-informed reviewer. The "Public Versus Private Lavatories" section of the credit guidance (under the Further Explanation section, pg 275 if you have a PDF of the v4 guide) labels dorms as private. 

Agree with Emily 110%. 

Let me rephrase my scenario - LEED classifies dorm restrooms as private use. However, they are being shared by multiple students. We have faucets installed in these restrooms that are commercial faucets (0.35 gpm) that are not WaterSense labeled. Per Craigs comment, USGBC has made a project specific exception to allow using non WaterSense labeled faucets for this type (private) of use. Looking for some backup that I can provide to the LEED reviewer for using non WaterSense labeled faucets in this type of setting. I appreicate all the help. Thanks everyone!