In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2023
36 Months From Approved
3,990
0
0
77,838
0
0
9,140,000
0
0
"The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 (RLDWA, the Act) modified the technical definition of lead free by lowering the maximum lead content of pipes, fittings, and fixtures from 8% to 0.25% and introduced greater complexity to calculating lead free by requiring that level be met based on a weighted average of wetted surfaces. The Act also created exemptions for certain plumbing products from pre-existing lead free requirements. The final rule establishes product certification requirements for products intended for human consumption applications in public water systems and residential or non-residential facilities to demonstrate compliance with the lead free requirements. These requirements will reduce inadvertent use of non-lead free plumbing products in potable use applications and, consequently, will reduce adverse health effects associated with exposure to lead in drinking water. Manufacturers with 10 or more employees or importers entering products purchased from or manufactured by manufacturers with 10 or more employees must demonstrate compliance with the lead free definition by obtaining third party certification by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited, third party certification body. Firms with fewer than 10 employees can use a third party certification body or self-certify that their products conform to the Safe Drinking Water Acts (SDWA) lead free requirements. This self-certification option also extends to custom fabricated products regardless of a manufacturers number of employees.
The EPA estimates the total burden during this 3-year period will be 128,969 to 233,513 hours, and the average, annual burden number ranges from 42,990 to 77,838 hours. EPA estimated a range of burden (and costs) based on a lower and upper bound estimate of manufacturers that currently use a third party certifying agency. The total costs over the 3-year period are between $20.1 and $34.7 million, or an average of $6.7 to $11.6 million per year."
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing changes to existing regulations to protect the public from lead in plumbing materials used in public water systems or residential or nonresidential facilities providing water for human consumption. The changes in this rule codify aspects of the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 (RLDWA) and the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013 (CFSA). The RLDWA amended section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which prohibits the use and introduction into commerce of certain plumbing products that are not lead free. The RLDWA revised the definition of lead free to lower the allowable maximum lead content of the wetted surfaces of plumbing products from 8.0 percent to a weighted average of 0.25 percent of the wetted surfaces of the wetted surfaces of pipes, fittings, and fixtures; and established a statutory method for calculating lead content. In addition, the RLDWA created exemptions from the lead free requirements for plumbing products that are used exclusively for nonpotable services as well as for other specified products. The CFSA further amended Section 1417 to exempt fire hydrants from these requirements. EPA is also establishing new requirements for manufacturers or importers that introduce into commerce products that must meet lead free requirements to certify such products as being in compliance with the lead free requirements in Section 1417 of the SDWA. EPA expects that these requirements for lead content in plumbing materials used in new installations and repairs will result in fewer sources of lead in drinking water and, consequently, will reduce adverse health effects associated with exposure to lead in drinking water. EPA is also making other changes to the existing regulations to assist in implementation of Section 1417 of the SDWA, as amended. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section details EPAs changes to existing regulations as authorized under the SDWA as amended.
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.
2563ss02.docx
Use of Lead Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder and Flux for Drinking Water