EPAÂs Water Efficiency Program is a voluntary program designed to create self-sustaining markets for water efficient products and services via a common label. The program provides incentives for manufacturers to design, produce, and market water-efficient products. In addition, the program provides incentives for service providers (e.g., landscapers) to deliver water-efficient products. The program also encourages consumers and commercial and institutional purchasers of water-using products and systems to choose water-efficient products and engage in water-efficient practices.
EPAÂs Water Efficiency Program partners with manufacturers, retailers, utilities, state and local governments, NGOs, plumbers, developers, contractors, architects, landscapers, irrigation professionals, and service certification programs to market and adopt the Water Efficiency Program, and provide labeled products and programs. To participate in the program, organizations will complete a Partnership Agreement, which details the partner and EPA commitments under the program, and is signed by a senior official at both EPA and the partner organization. EPA asks manufacturers, certification programs, and builders to submit an EPA Water Efficiency Program New Certified Product Notification Form within 12 months of execution of the Partnership Agreement. This document provides EPA information to verify that the product or service meets EPA specifications based on independent testing. EPA will use this information to inform the public on water efficient products and services. In addition, EPA requests partners submit promotional plans and annual updates on progress implementing the program. EPA intends to use this information to identify partnership opportunities and assess progress meeting program goals.
In the third year of the program, EPA plans to initiate an awards program that will require interested partners to submit an awards application form. Participation in the awards program is strictly voluntary. The purpose this information collection is to document partner successes for further recognition. Partners may designate certain information submitted under this ICR as confidential business information. All information identified as confidential business information collected under this ICR will not be available to the public. Participation on the awards program is entirely voluntary.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.