ISO 31600:2022
(Main)Water efficiency labelling programmes – Requirements with guidance for implementation
Water efficiency labelling programmes – Requirements with guidance for implementation
This document specifies requirements for a water efficiency labelling programme for plumbing products and water using appliances along with guidance for their implementation. This document applies to the following products: a) showers; b) tap (faucet) equipment; c) flow regulators (flow controllers); d) water closet (toilet) equipment; e) urinal equipment; f) dishwashers; g) clothes washing machines; h) the dryer function of combination washer/dryers, where they use water to dry a load.
Programmes d’étiquetage pour une utilisation rationnelle de l’eau - Exigences et recommandations pour la mise en œuvre
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 31600
First edition
2022-06
Water efficiency labelling programmes
– Requirements with guidance for
implementation
Reference number
ISO 31600:2022(E)
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
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© ISO 2022
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 General terms . 1
3.2 Pressure . 3
4 Water efficiency labelling programme requirements . 3
Annex A (informative) General guidance for a water efficiency labelling programme .5
Annex B (informative) Existing water efficiency labelling programmes by country or
region — Plumbing products .21
Annex C (informative) Existing water efficiency labelling programmes by country – Water
using appliances .39
Annex D (informative) Guidance on conformity assessment .46
Annex E (informative) Examples of existing water efficiency programme labels .60
Bibliography .64
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Project Committee ISO/PC 316, Water efficient products - Rating.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
Introduction
The purpose of ISO 31600 is to provide a set of best practices and guidance for the preparation and
implementation of a water efficiency labelling programme for plumbing products and water using
appliances. A key focus is to provide the criteria for developing countries to establish an effective water
efficiency labelling standard that will save water resources.
This project was approved on the basis that consumer empowerment through the communication of a
product’s water efficiency is a proven way of saving both water and energy. Several countries around
the world already have well-established and effective water efficiency labelling programmes which
empower consumers to make choices favouring more water efficient fixtures and appliances without
compromising on human hygiene and sanitation. These existing labelling programmes were consulted
in the development of this document.
ISO 31600 aims to globally encourage the development of national standards for water efficiency
labelling, which will further lead to development and marketing of water efficient products, and
enable consumers to make an informed choice, positively influencing manufacturers to improve the
performance of their products through consumer demand. This document does not seek to establish
ways to use water efficiency labelling in policies or programmes. The intention is to provide an
understanding of the essential requirements for the development of an effective water efficiency
labelling programme.
This document refers to existing national standards for the determination of water consumption and
other important test procedures and requirements that form the critical underpinnings of a water
efficiency labelling programme. Countries without national standards for products may formulate
their own national standard either by adopting a national standard from a supporting country or by
preparing an indigenous standard, to meet the requirements in Clause 4.
NOTE National regulations can also apply.
This document contains five informative annexes, with Annex A providing suggested universal tests
for the determination of water consumption and Annexes B to E providing descriptions of a number
of existing schemes/programmes. Countries that do not have an existing water efficiency labelling
programme may consider these examples to select and adopt those best suited for their markets and
conditions when developing their own water efficiency labelling programme.
Application of this document presupposes awareness of water efficiency programmes and regulations
in the applicable country.
An overview of how to use this document, including the pathway to demonstrate conformance, is
provided in Figure 1.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
Figure 1 — Pathway to ISO 31600 conformance
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 31600:2022(E)
Water efficiency labelling programmes – Requirements
with guidance for implementation
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for a water efficiency labelling programme for plumbing
products and water using appliances along with guidance for their implementation.
This document applies to the following products:
a) showers;
b) tap (faucet) equipment;
c) flow regulators (flow controllers);
d) water closet (toilet) equipment;
e) urinal equipment;
f) dishwashers;
g) clothes washing machines;
h) the dryer function of combination washer/dryers, where they use water to dry a load.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 General terms
3.1.1
water efficiency
accomplishment of a function, task, process, service or result, with the minimum amount of water
needed for the safe operation of the product
[SOURCE: ISO 24513:2019, 3.4.7, modified — At the end of the definition, "practicable" has been replaced
by "needed for the safe operation of the product".]
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
3.1.2
banded (tiered) labelling programme
programme that allows products to be labelled with various rated levels of water consumption
Note 1 to entry: Products can be differentiated by various visual means, e.g. stars or other markings, for
identifying incremental levels of water efficiency (3.1.1). See Annex E for examples of existing water efficiency
programme labels.
3.1.3
single threshold labelling programme
programme that requires all labelled products to meet a single water consumption requirement,
typically expressed as a maximum
Note 1 to entry: Labelled products may or may not include the product’s water efficiency (3.1.1) rating. See
Annex E for examples of existing water efficiency programme labels.
3.1.4
shower assembly
combination of a shower control (valve) complete with shower hose (flexible or rigid) and shower outlet
3.1.5
shower outlet device
device through which water is intended to pass to form spray for bathing purposes
EXAMPLE showerheads, handheld showerheads, body sprays and rain shower outlet devices
Note 1 to entry: A shower outlet device can be sold separately or as part of a shower assembly.
3.1.6
tap(s)
faucet(s)
device through which water is intended to pass with an inlet and connection, and a control (valve) for
drawing or regulating the flow of water
Note 1 to entry: A typical application for a tap (faucet) is over a basin (lavatory) (3.2.6), sink or laundry tub.
3.1.7
flow regulator
flow controller
flow control device used to control the rate of water flow in a tap (faucet) (3.1.6), shower outlet device
(3.1.5) or shower assembly (3.1.4)
Note 1 to entry: Device can be sold separately or located within (upstream of the outlet) or at the very end
(forming part of the outlet) of the water flow passage through a product.
Note 2 to entry: When sold separately, they are typically sold as part of an aerator subassembly or as a stand-
alone component intended to be installed in a shower outlet device or shower assembly solution.
3.1.8
water closet
toilet
sanitary plumbing fixture that consists typically of a water-flushed bowl connected to a drainage
system and fitted with a device for flushing water to cleanse the bowl after defecation and urination
3.1.9
urinal
sanitary plumbing fixture typically connected to a water flushing device for the reception and flushing
away of urine into a drainage system
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
3.1.10
pressure flush valve
flushometer valve
device that controls the release of water to flush a urinal (3.1.9) or water closet (toilet) (3.1.8)
3.2 Pressure
3.2.1
pressure
measured force behind water system delivered through a plumbing system
Note 1 to entry: The plumbing system water supply of each country will determine the amount of pressure
delivered to a water using outlet or fixture.
3.2.2
high pressure
hot-water and cold-water static supply pressures at or above a stated pressure for the country of
intended installation
Note 1 to entry: This is typically in a fully pumped plumbing system installation.
3.2.3
low pressure
hot water and cold-water static supply pressures below a stated pressure for the country of intended
installation
Note 1 to entry: This is typically in gravity fed plumbing system installations.
3.2.4
static pressure
measure of the at rest pressure in a plumbing system
3.2.5
dynamic pressure
pressure in a plumbing system under flow conditions
3.2.6
basin
lavatory
fixture for holding water for washing the hands or face, whether with one tap (faucet) (3.1.6) to allow a
single user or a number of taps (faucets) spaced to allow simultaneous users
Note 1 to entry: The term lavatory is used in some countries, but can also refer to the room in which water closets
(toilets) (3.1.8) or urinals (3.1.9) can be positioned, along with a basin for washing of hands.
4 Water efficiency labelling programme requirements
To demonstrate conformance to this document, the water efficiency labelling programme shall:
a) For the product, include or reference to (a) national standard(s);
NOTE 1 A national standard(s) provides the foundation for enabling a water efficiency labelling
programme and can cover requirements for inherent product characteristics, e.g. public health and safety,
material requirements, interchangeability, durability (life testing), performance requirements, and
minimum conformance marking and/or labelling requirements.
NOTE 2 Reference can also be made to national regulations.
b) Include aspects of water efficiency test(s) requirements for the product or reference the applicable
water efficiency test in the national standard(s);
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
c) Have a method to evaluate and determine a product’s water efficiency or water efficiency rating
based on the results of the water efficiency test(s) as per Clause 4 b);
d) Have a labelling method that identifies the product as being water efficient based on the assessment
provided as per Clause 4 c).
NOTE 3 For guidance on the requirements for setting up a complete water efficiency labelling programme, see
Annex A.
NOTE 4 For information and guidance on the above requirements and water efficiency tests as applied to
existing water efficiency labelling programmes, see Annex B for plumbing products and Annex C for water using
appliances.
NOTE 5 For information on conformity assessment procedures for products of a water efficiency labelling
programme, see Annex D.
NOTE 6 For examples of labels for a water efficiency labelling programme, see Annex E.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
Annex A
(informative)
General guidance for a water efficiency labelling programme
A.1 General
This annex provides the aspects of water efficiency tests for plumbing products and water using
appliances that form part of a water efficiency labelling programme. Best practice options are provided,
including existing test methodologies and test methods based on parameters as specified in this annex.
This annex allows a country to evaluate the most suitable water efficiency labelling programme criteria
for that country.
This annex sets the basic principles for what is required for a water efficiency labelling programme
that meets the requirements of this document. The use of this annex provides the necessary criteria
for the development of a water efficiency labelling programme based on best practices. It provides the
methodology parameters to achieve determination of a product’s/appliance’s water efficiency. Water
efficiency testing criteria are provided for guidance and use in this annex.
A.2 Generic labelling programme guidelines
A.2.1 Banded (tiered) and single threshold labelling programmes
A.2.1.1 General
Developers of water efficiency labelling programmes may choose between developing a banded (tiered)
labelling programme or a single threshold labelling programme. Both have advantages, as detailed
below. Both types of programmes have proven to be effective at improving water efficiency at national
levels.
A.2.1.2 Banded (tiered) labelling programmes
Banded (tiered) labelling programmes offer the following advantages:
a) Allow for the use of product with different rated levels of water consumption to support varied
water infrastructure needs of the country of intended installation (e.g. to support drainline
transport of solid waste in building drains or sewers);
b) Provide manufacturers with an incentive to achieve higher levels of efficiency.
A.2.1.3 Single threshold labelling programmes
Single threshold labelling programmes offer the following advantages:
a) Allow for more precise forecasts of water use as all newly installed products provide the maximum
allowed water efficiency level, or less;
b) Allow manufacturers to focus product development efforts on a single, maximum level of efficiency;
c) Allow programme developers to update programme requirements as improved technologies enter
the marketplace.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
A.2.2 Water efficiency rating systems
A.2.2.1 Objective
A rating system in a water efficiency labelling programme is intended to differentiate the more water
efficient product/appliance from less efficient models and to provide water efficiency information of
the model.
NOTE As mentioned in Clause 4 d), the label can or cannot include the product’s water efficiency rating. The
clauses in this Annex serve as a guidance for other countries that intend to develop their own rating system and
labelling system.
A.2.2.2 Rating systems
A rating system can consist of a number of metrics applicable to the plumbing fitting or appliance being
rated.
Typically, this is based on the consumption of water in relation to the specific use, for example:
a) Litres per minute [typically used for taps (faucets) and showerheads];
b) Litres per cycle, load, place setting, or other such basis for comparison [typically used for clothes
washers, dishwashers and metering taps (faucets)];
c) Litres per flush [typically used for water closets (toilets) and urinals].
Additional metrics can be used to help qualify the rating of the water consumption:
— Maximum water consumption;
— Minimum water consumption;
— The test pressure at which a flow rate was determined [typically used for taps (faucets) and
showerheads];
— Minimum and / or maximum place settings (typically used for dishwashers).
An example of a rating system in a banded (tiered) labelling programme for basin taps (faucets) is
illustrated in Table A.1.
Table A.1 — Basin taps (faucets) rating system example
Rating Flow rate Q
(l/min)
1 7,5 ≤ Q ≤ 9,0
2 6,0 ≤ Q < 7,5
3 4,5 ≤ Q < 6,0
4 1,5 ≤ Q < 4,5
NOTE 1 ‘Rating 4’ is the most water efficient.
NOTE 2 ‘Rating 1’ is the least water efficient.
NOTE 3 ‘9,0 l/min’ is the maximum water consumption.
NOTE 4 ‘1,5 l/min’ is the lowest water consumption.
NOTE 5 ‘l/min’ is the water consumption unit.
NOTE 6 ‘4,5 ≤ Q < 6,0’ is the water consumption range.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
A.2.3 Water consumption
A.2.3.1 Determination of water consumption
The water consumption of the product should be determined in accordance with the following
subclauses for plumbing products:
— A.4 Shower Outlet Devices and Shower Assembly Solutions;
— A.5 Taps (faucets);
— A.6 Flow regulators (flow controllers);
— A.7 Water closets (toilets);
— A.8 Urinals.
The water consumption of the product should be determined in accordance with the following
subclauses for water using appliances:
— A.9 Dishwashers;
— A.10 Clothes washers;
— A.11 Combination washers / dryers.
A.2.3.2 Rating of product/appliance
The rating of a product/appliance should be determined in accordance with the rating system specified
in A.2.2.
A.2.4 Labelling guidelines
A.2.4.1 Labels
Every model should be issued with a water efficiency label. Every label should meet the minimum
requirements as specified in A.2.4.2 and A.2.4.3.
NOTE See Annex E for examples of existing water efficiency programme labels.
A.2.4.2 Label specifications
The specifications of a label should consist of the following:
a) Rating representation, e.g. pass, meets, conforms, star rating, tick;
b) Design of label;
c) Font type e.g. Arial;
d) Font size;
e) Language, e.g. all information in English;
f) Water efficiency label information (see A.2.4.3).
A.2.4.3 Label information
A label should contain the following information:
a) Water efficiency rating;
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
b) Product brand;
c) Product model number;
d) Water consumption;
e) Type of product;
f) Number of place settings (applicable for dishwashers);
g) Rated capacity (applicable for washing machine and washer/dryer).
A.2.4.4 Additional label information
The following additional information can be included on the label:
a) Standard number (e.g. ISO 31600:2022);
b) Name of supplier;
c) Recommended wash programme (applicable for clothes washing machines);
d) Intended application, e.g. shower outlet;
e) Label dimensions;
f) Colour specifications and minimum resolutions, e.g. pantone codes;
g) Registration number or unique number issued to the model, QR code or its equivalent;
h) Any other information.
A.2.4.5 Printed labels
The label should be produced or printed in full or proportionately larger, in accordance with any
applicable national label specifications, or in any case of a size such that it can be reasonably read and
comprehended by consumers.
A.2.4.6 Display of label
The water efficiency labelling programme should detail the appropriate manner the label is displayed at
the point of sale. The label may be affixed securely on the physical model or placed near to the product/
appliance or on its packaging at point of sale. For product sold at retail, the label should be affixed in a
prominent position for consumers to view the water efficiency information and compare with ease.
A.2.4.7 Use of label in advertisements
The water efficiency labelling programme should detail the appropriate manner for the use of the label
in product advertisements or marketing.
Where it is not feasible to place all water efficiency information as specified in A.2.4.3 for each model in
a printed advertisement, for example, due to space constraints, the advertisement for the model should
contain the following:
a) Water efficiency rating;
b) Product brand;
c) Product model number.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
The following additional information can be included on the label:
— Registration number or unique number issued to the model or its equivalent.
A.2.4.8 Modification of a labelled product/appliance
Where there is any change to the critical components of the product that affects its performance and
water efficiency, the model should be retested and recertified.
A.2.5 Additional guidance on labelling
Countries that intend to develop their own water efficiency labelling programme are recommended to
include the following provisions:
a) requirements to maintain a proper record system of the labels issued to the products for traceability
and for review of the water efficiency labelling programme;
b) rules and requirements regarding changes of ownership of the manufacturer, supplier or importer
of the labelled product/appliance;
c) rules and requirements on modifications of labelled products that can affect the validity of the
label;
d) rules and requirements on altering, falsifying or forging of the label;
e) rules and requirements to monitor the ongoing conformance of products to the labelling programme
requirements. General information on the various approaches that countries or regions have taken
for this is provided in Annex D.
A.3 General requirements for plumbing products
A.3.1 General
This subclause applies to:
— A.4 Shower Outlet Devices and Shower Assembly Solutions;
— A.5 Taps (faucets);
— A.6 Flow regulators (flow controllers);
— A.7 Water closets (toilets);
— A.8 Urinals.
A.3.2 Conformance to national standard(s)
As a prerequisite, all labelled plumbing products and all components included as part of a labelled
product assembly should conform to all the requirements contained in the applicable national
standard(s) of the country of intended installation.
NOTE National regulations can also apply.
A.3.3 Instructions
The water efficiency labelling programme should require that all labelled products not be packaged,
marked, nor provided with instructions directing the user to an alternative water use setting that
would override the rated flow rate or water consumption volume, as established by the water efficiency
labelling programme. All included instructions related to the maintenance of the product should direct
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
the user on ways to maintain the labelled product at the rated flow rate or water consumption volume
of the product.
A.4 Shower outlet devices and shower assembly solutions
A.4.1 General
This subclause applies to:
— Shower outlet devices;
— Shower assembly solutions.
A.4.2 Included components
Shower assembly solutions should include a shower control valve [tap (faucet)] and a shower outlet
device. Where handheld shower outlet devices are supplied, a compatible flexible hose should also
be supplied. All components included with the shower assembly should be installed according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
A.4.3 Essential testing
A.4.3.1 General
The following test is considered essential for shower outlet devices and should be included in a water
efficiency labelling programme.
A.4.3.2 Determination of shower outlet device flow rate test
The flow rate of the shower outlet device should be determined by the test procedures detailed in the
applicable national standard(s) of the country of intended installation. Flow rates should be expressed
in terms of litres per minute (l/min).
NOTE National regulations can also apply.
A.4.4 Additional suggested testing
A.4.4.1 General
The following tests are offered for consideration for inclusion in a water efficiency labelling programme.
It is possible that they will not be appropriate in all regions.
NOTE 1 The Determination of Spray Coverage and Spray Force tests are only recommended for regions
having predominately pressurized (e.g. water utility supplied) plumbing systems. It is possible that it will not be
appropriate for regions that have predominately low pressure (e.g. roof cistern supplied) plumbing systems.
NOTE 2 Examples of existing water efficiency labelling programmes for plumbing products and water using
appliances are provided in Annexes B and C respectively.
A.4.4.2 Determination of spray coverage
A spray coverage performance test for shower outlet devices should be determined when tested in
accordance with the applicable national standard(s) of the country of intended installation.
NOTE 1 The intent of this test is to ensure that the shower outlet device provides an effective spray coverage
pattern to facilitate bathing. Performance is recorded and expressed in terms of coverage over a defined area.
NOTE 2 National regulations can also apply.
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ISO 31600:2022(E)
A.4.4.3 Determination of spray force test
A spray force test for shower outlet devices should be determined when tested in accordance with
the applicable national standard(s) of the country of intended installation. Performance should be
expressed in terms of newtons (N).
NOTE 1 The intent of this test is to ensure that the shower outlet device provides adequate force to facilitate
bathing.
NOTE 2 National regulations can also apply.
A.4.4.4 P
...
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