2521ss07 PrivateWells Justification

Request for Approval under the “Generic Clearance for Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Projects” (OMB Control Number: 2080-0083)

TITLE OF INFORMATION COLLECTION:

K-12 Crowdsourcing to Monitor Private Wells and Assess Contaminant Sources

PURPOSE:

This project is working with high school STEM classes to assist students in assessing water quality in homes with private drinking water wells. EPA will provide education modules on the importance of water quality to their health, low-cost sampling equipment, and on collecting water quality information.

NEED AND AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION:

This project is being conducted under the auspices of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This project provides an approach for consumers to address problems with their drinking water wells.

USES OF RESULTING DATA:

The data collected will be used to assist people in protecting their water supply and also provide useful temporal and spatial data on localized impacts to this drinking water source.

DATA COLLECTION METHODS:

Written surveys will be collected and samples analyzed in high school STEM classes. Data from the water analysis will be anonymized. Additionally, students will have the option to opt in to provide information beyond their own use.

PARTICIPANT UNIVERSE:

Category of Respondent	No. of Respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Participation Time per response	Burden Hours
High School STEM classes	1000	1	10 hours	10,000 hours
Totals	1000	1	10 hours	10,000 hours

AGENCY COST:  The estimated annual cost to the Federal government is $14,000, based on $70/hr for 200 hours. The first phase will include a more limited number of respondents, approximately $1400.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

The survey will include every participant. Statistical analysis will include the use of statistical software available to the students.

DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES:

Data will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. A QAPP is included with the project.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE INSTRUMENT: (Check all that apply)

[ ] Web-based or Social Media

[ ] Telephone

[ X ] In-person

[ ] Mail

[X] Other, Explain: Training via Skype

INSTRUMENT: See attachment

CONTACT NAME: Fran Kremer EMAIL: [email protected]