In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, this information collection is approved until June 2021. As terms of clearance, EPA is required to (1) summarize and address the relevant comments it receives on the associated FRN it plans to publish soon, (2) explain whether or not it has chosen to design a study for use in future product reviews that incorporates customer considerations (as informed by the comments on the FRN), and (3) if proceeding with such a survey, describe at an appropriate level of detail the related timeline and methodology.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2021
36 Months From Approved
04/30/2020
883
0
1,087
3,212
0
4,110
905
0
1,283
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 and builders to design, produce, and market water-efficient products and homes. The program also encourages consumers and commercial and institutional purchasers of water-using products and systems to choose water-efficient products and use 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 in demonstrating results and carrying out evaluation efforts to ensure continual program improvement. In addition, the data will help EPA estimate water and energy savings and inform future product categories and specifications. All shipment and sales data submitted by WaterSense manufacturer and retailer/distributor partners are collected as confidential business information (CBI) using the procedures outlined in the WaterSense CBI security plan under the Clean Water Act.
The WaterSense program has been modified and expanded since the 2013 ICR was approved in 2016; however, the program has made efforts over the last several years to reduce the burden for its partners and the Agency. Program changes including using online forms for all non-CBI data, discontinuing the individual irrigation partner category, and simplifying the quarterly provider reporting requirements which have led to reduced operation & maintenance costs and a lower estimated burden. The overall burden estimate for this collection is 2,090 hours lower (898 for respondents and 1,192 for EPA) than the current ICR because EPA also better understands how long it takes partners to complete program forms and has better historical data to project new partners/forms over 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.