WaterSense 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 certified professionals (e.g. certified irrigation auditors, designers, or installation and maintenance professionals) to deliver water-efficient services. 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.
As part of strategic planning efforts, EPA encourages programs to develop meaningful performance measures, set ambitious targets, and link budget expenditures to results. Data collected under this ICR will assist WaterSense demonstrating results under and carrying out evaluation efforts to ensure continual program improvement. In addition, data will help EPA monitor market penetration and inform future product categories and specifications.
The WaterSense program has been modified and expanded since the original ICR was approved. The program is expanding in the number of products certified, new partners joining and reporting, and the addition of the New Homes portion of the program. Despite this expansion, the overall burden estimate for this collection is 28,830 hours lower than the current ICR because EPA also has a better understanding of how long it actually takes partners to complete program forms now that the program is underway. Operation & Maintenance cost estimates have risen substantially however, since product testing by certifying bodies was found to be more expensive than previously estimated and many more products are expected to undergo this testing in the next three years.
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.
Water Efficiency Collection - State/Local Governments