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1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION

1(a) Title and Number of the Information Collection Request

This Information Collection Request (ICR) is entitled “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 

(EPA’s) WaterSense® Program (Renewal)” ICR number 2040-0272, Agency No. 2233.06.

1(b) Short Characterization

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. WaterSense

partners with manufacturers, professional certifying organizations, irrigation professionals, retailers and 

distributors, home builders, licensed certification providers and promotional partners [e.g., utilities; federal, state,

and local governments; non-governmental organizations (NGOs)] to market and adopt WaterSense, and/or stock 

or provide products and services that meet the water use and performance specifications developed by 

WaterSense. The program was developed and is managed by EPA’s Office of Water (OW). To date, the program 

has developed specifications for the following products/services: 

 Professional certification programs

 Residential toilets

 Residential faucets

 Flushing urinals

 Showerheads

 New homes

 Weather-based irrigation controllers

Over the three-year ICR period, WaterSense plans to develop specifications for up to three water-efficient 

products,

1

including:

 Pre-rinse spray valves

 Flushometer toilets

 Soil-moisture-based irrigation controllers

An organization’s decision to participate in WaterSense is completely voluntary. Participation begins with 

the completion and submittal to EPA of a Partnership Agreement that provides EPA with general information 

about the organization and its facilities committed to WaterSense. It is signed by a senior official who has 

authority to commit his/her organization to the program and also is signed by EPA. Individual certified 

professionals (e.g., irrigation partners) also complete a Partnership Agreement to join the program.

WaterSense currently asks all organizational partners to submit an Annual Reporting Form to inform 

EPA of their program-related activities. Partners are asked to submit results via the Annual Reporting Form in 

the following areas: WaterSense labeled products, services, and new homes; promotional activities; product sales

and shipment information; program mark usage; plans for submitting award applications; and program feedback. 

EPA uses the information collected to track the progress of the program in transforming the market for water-

 

1 Note: this list of products may change based on available information obtained via EPA’s research activities. EPA will issue 

a formal notice of intent (NOI) for each product entering the specification process to allow full stakeholder input and 

involvement in the specification development process.
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efficient products and practices, to provide information on WaterSense labeled water-efficient products and 

services to consumers, and to recognize partner accomplishments. 

EPA offers an awards program to recognize significant WaterSense partners’ accomplishments. 

Participation in the awards program is voluntary. Those parties who desire special recognition are required to 

submit an Awards Application. The Awards Application is submitted electronically and enumerates a partner’s 

achievements in key criteria. 

WaterSense partners with licensed certification providers, who oversee inspections of new homes to 

determine if they meet the WaterSense specification. Each licensed certification provider is asked to submit a

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form that includes information about the number and general location of labeled

homes, data collected for each home per the inspection documentation, and a summary of any issues or concerns

identified during the inspection process. 

To assess progress in educating consumers about the WaterSense program, EPA will conduct a brief 

Consumer Awareness Survey of a sample of consumers two times during the next three years. The purpose of 

these surveys will be to obtain information at the national level on consumer awareness and the understanding of 

WaterSense, the value accrued to the label in the eyes of consumers, the influence of the program on purchasing 

decisions, satisfaction with labeled products, and effective methods of communicating the benefits of waterefficient products.

2. NEED FOR AND USE OF THE COLLECTION

2(a) Need and Authority for the Collection

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 help

WaterSense demonstrate results and carry out evaluation efforts to ensure continual program improvement. In 

addition, data will help EPA monitor market penetration and inform future product categories and specifications. 

Both the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) have water conservation 

provisions and authorities that support WaterSense as currently described. Section 104(a) and (b) of the CWA 

broadly authorizes the Administrator to establish national programs for the reduction of pollution, which may 

include cooperation with, encouragement of, and assistance for public and private efforts to prevent, reduce, and 

eliminate pollution. Section 104(o) of the CWA also authorizes the Administrator to conduct research on methods 

of reducing the total flow of sewage, including unnecessary water consumption, which is a recognition by 

Congress that water consumption is directly related to sewage flow and thus to potential water pollution. Section 

1442(a)(1) and (2) of the SDWA also provides a source of authority for some aspects of WaterSense. Those 

provisions authorize the Administrator to provide demonstrations relating to the provision of a dependably safe 

supply of drinking water. Because both a dependable and safe supply of drinking water depends upon water 

availability, water conservation demonstrations are authorized under these sections.

The 1993 Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) (PL 103-62) requires federal agencies to 

develop plans for what they intend to accomplish, measure how well they are doing, make appropriate decisions 

based on the information they have gathered, and communicate information about their performance to Congress 

and to the public. In response, EPA develops a five-year Strategic Plan that is submitted to Congress. Goal 2 of 

this plan focuses on ensuring that the nation’s water is both clean and safe. The 2011-2015 EPA Strategic Plan 

highlighted support for sustainable infrastructure as a key strategy in achieving progress for its goal of Protecting 

America’s Waters. The WaterSense program, which was initiated in 2006, is a key element of EPA’s strategic 

planning efforts to promote the sustainability of water systems and support adaptation to climate change. 

The Executive Orders 13423 and 13514 “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic 

Performance” call for federal agencies to improve water efficiency and management and purchase WaterSense 

labeled products as available.
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2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data

The information collected by WaterSense is not designed or intended to support regulatory decisionmaking by OW or other EPA offices. In the case of programmatic partnership data, it is voluntarily reported by 

individual EPA WaterSense partners. EPA will use information collected for a variety of purposes, described 

below.

Partnership Agreement

EPA will use information submitted in the Partnership Agreement to officially establish participation in 

WaterSense and list partners on the WaterSense website. Data from Partnership Agreements will be entered into 

a program database that will serve as a source of general information, assist EPA in tracking program progress, 

and provide contact information to allow EPA to keep partners informed of activities of interest to them.

Annual Reporting Form

EPA will use updated annual data supplied by partners to monitor the progress of WaterSense in 

stimulating the supply of and demand for water-efficient products in the market, to determine the impact of 

WaterSense on national water conservation, and to ensure information provided to the public on WaterSense 

labeled products and services is current. This information will also be used to promote WaterSense and recognize 

partner accomplishments.

Awards Application

EPA will use information from the Awards Application to select and recognize outstanding 

accomplishments that promote water efficiency and similar efforts.

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form

EPA will use information from the Provider Quarterly Reporting Forms to track information about the 

number and general location of WaterSense labeled homes, data collected for each home per the inspection 

documentation, and a summary of common issues and concerns identified during the inspection process.

Consumer Awareness Survey

EPA will use data from a telephone consumer survey to assess consumer awareness of the WaterSense 

label and brand. In the future, EPA will compare results of this survey with future surveys to assess progress in 

educating consumers. EPA will also conduct an Internet-based survey to determine which methods of 

communicating water-efficient products are most effective, assess the cost-effectiveness of its outreach efforts and 

better target future efforts.

3. NON-DUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA

3(a) Non-Duplication

The information to be obtained under this ICR has not been collected by EPA or any other federal agency. 

Other non-federal organizations promote water conservation, but do not offer a comprehensive program to label 

products and services on a national basis. OW is continuing to work with non-EPA programs to ensure that water 

conservation promotional efforts build on one another rather than duplicate efforts.
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3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB

Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (78 FR 13872) on March 1, 

2013 during a 60-day comment period. No comments were received. There will be an additional 30 days 

for public comments when this ICR is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.

3(c) Consultations

WaterSense staff asked current WaterSense partners to provide input on WaterSense data collection 

efforts. The following partners provided input:

Name Affiliation

Laura Wing City of Thornton

Carol Ward-Morris Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

Jacob Atalla KB Home

Evan Matzen HD Supply Facilities Maintenance

Annette Mowad The Home Depot

Lee Mercer Moen Incorporated

Carissa Sawyer EnergyLogic, Inc.

Partners provided feedback on the amount of time needed to respond to WaterSense data collection forms 

and provided suggestions for improving data collection. EPA incorporated feedback on the time needed to 

complete the forms in the burden estimate. Additional suggestions made by partners include using an online form 

for the partnership agreement, removing supplemental materials from the awards application, and changing the 

new homes inspection form to a rewritable PDF format. 

3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection

The Partnership Agreement is a one-time information submittal for organizations and certified 

professionals that wish to participate in WaterSense as partners. Less frequent collection of this data is not 

feasible. 

Partners submit the Annual Reporting Form to inform EPA of their program-related activities. 

Recognizing and promoting water-efficient products and innovative product development is important to show 

consumers that simple everyday decisions, including purchasing WaterSense labeled products that perform as 

well as or better than their less efficient counterparts, can have a positive impact on the environment and save 

money on utility bills. Partners are asked to submit results via the Annual Reporting Form in the following 

areas: WaterSense labeled products, WaterSense labeled new homes, WaterSense labeled certification programs, 

promotional activities, and product sales and shipment information. Requesting this information less frequently 

would hinder Agency efforts to generate relevant and timely case studies, provide up-to-date information on

WaterSense labeled products and services to the public, and assess program results that are helpful to participants. 

It also would hinder the ability of the Agency to review the activities by individual organizations and the program 

as a whole and to gain the information necessary to publicly recognize significant partner water efficiency 

activities.
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The Awards Application is requested for partners desiring additional recognition. Less frequent 

collection would hinder EPA efforts to provide timely recognition of achievements.

The Provider Quarterly Reporting Form is requested from licensed certification provider partners

every three months to determine the number and general location (e.g., city, state) of WaterSense labeled homes, 

data collected for each home per the inspection documentation, and a summary of issues and concerns identified 

during the inspection process. Similar programs (e.g., the ENERGY STAR® New Homes program) collect data 

from certification providers on the same schedule. Thus, EPA is planning on collecting data from licensed 

certification providers on the same schedule as ENERGY STAR. To keep the public informed of the availability 

of WaterSense labeled new homes in a particular area, timely data is needed.

The Consumer Awareness Survey will be conducted two times over the next three years. Less frequent 

collection would hinder an accurate comparison of attitudes.

3(e) General Guidelines

All of the collection activities described within this ICR fall within OMB’s General Guidelines.

3(f) Confidentiality

All shipment and sales data submitted by WaterSense manufacturer and retailer/distributor partners are

collected as confidential business information (CBI). EPA’s contractor, Eastern Research Group (ERG), is 

currently managing CBI collected on this project using the procedures outlined in ERG’s CBI security plan 

entitled Security Plan for Handling Confidential Business Information Under the Clean Water Act. Project staff 

are trained in CBI-handling procedures, as outlined in this plan. Only staff demonstrating their understanding of 

CBI handling procedures by passing a written test will be permitted access to CBI.

3(g) Sensitive Questions

No questions of a sensitive nature are asked in any of the forms.

4. THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED

4(a) Respondents and SIC Codes

Respondents will consist of WaterSense partners and participants in the consumer survey. WaterSense

partners include product manufacturers; professional certifying organizations; retailers; distributors; utilities;

federal, state, and local government; home builders; irrigation professionals; licensed certification providers; and 

NGOs. Non-partner respondents will not have SIC codes as they will be randomly sampled citizens.

SIC codes for likely partners include: 

SIC Code SIC Title

3261 Vitreous China Plumbing Fixtures and China 

and Earthenware Fittings and Bathroom 

Accessories

5074 Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies 

(Hydronics, sold via retail method)

3432 Plumbing Fixture Fittings and Trim (except 

shower rods and lawn hose nozzles)

3523 Farm Machinery and Equipment (except corrals, 
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stalls, holding gates, hand clippers for animals, 

and farm conveyors/elevators)

5251 Hardware Stores

5211 Lumber and Other Building Materials Dealers 

(home center stores)

5083 Farm and Garden Machinery and Equipment 

(Wholesale) (sold via retail method)

4941 Water Supply

8399 Social Services, NEC (environment, 

conservation, and wildlife advocacy)

3843 Dental Equipment and Supplies

1521 General Contractors-Single-Family Houses

1522 General Contractors-Residential Building, Other 

Than Single-Family 

1542 General Contractors-Nonresidential Buildings, 

Other than Industrial Buildings and Warehouses

8611 Business Associations

9511 Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste 

Management

4(b) Information Requested

Once a prospective partner organization reviews WaterSense materials and decides to join the program, it 

will submit the appropriate Partnership Agreement for its partnership category (Attachments 1-7). EPA also 

asks partners to submit an Annual Reporting Form and Awards Application (voluntarily at the partner’s 

discretion). These documents are included in Attachments 8-29. Licensed certification providers for WaterSense 

labeled new homes are asked to submit a Provider Quarterly Reporting Form (Attachment 30). A sample 

Consumer Awareness Survey is included as Attachment 31. 

Partnership Agreement 

Program participants complete and submit to EPA a two-page Partnership Agreement appropriate to 

their partnership category that provides basic organization information.

(i) Data Items:

The reporting items for all partners include:

• Organization name (or name of individual for irrigation partner).

• Name, title, address, county, postal code, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, and primary 

function of the partner’s primary contact person.

• Approximate number of employees at the joining organization.

• How the partner heard about WaterSense.

• Signature, name, and title of senior official and the date signed.

Additional reporting items for builder and irrigation partners include:

• Service area

Additional reporting items for manufacturer partners include:
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• Contact information for reporting, marketing, technical contacts

(ii) Respondent Activities:

Organizations conduct the following activities in order to complete and submit the Partnership 

Agreement:

• Review the WaterSense website, agreement, and other necessary materials.

• Select a primary, technical, marketing, and/or reporting contact for the program.

• Complete the Partnership Agreement, including obtaining the signature of a senior official.

• Send the completed form to EPA via fax, mail, or online.

Irrigation partners conduct the following activities to complete the Partnership Agreement:

• Review the WaterSense website, agreement, and other necessary materials.

• Complete the Partnership Agreement, locate proof of certification document.

• Send the completed form and proof of certification to EPA via fax, mail, email, or online.

Annual Reporting Form

Program participants complete and submit to EPA a standard Annual Reporting Form that describes the 

participant's program-related activities. The Annual Reporting Form may contain both descriptive information 

and quantified results. 

(i) Data Items:

The reporting items include:

• Participant information (e.g., organization name, name, phone number, and email address of the 

partner’s primary contact.)

• Current water-efficient products, services, and activities

– Manufacturers: shipment data for both WaterSense and non-WaterSense labeled products 

(option to provide data confidentially), information on product availability and

promotional efforts, program feedback.

– Retailers and Distributors: sales data for both WaterSense and non-WaterSense labeled 

products (option to provide data confidentially), information on product availability and 

promotional efforts, program feedback.

– Promotional Organizations (utilities; state, local, and federal governments, nonprofits, 

and professional and trade associations): past and planned promotional activities, water 

supply information, rebate information, program feedback.

– Professional Certifying Organizations: total number of professionals certified through

WaterSense labeled programs to deliver water-efficient services, promotional, recruiting, 

and educational efforts.

– Builders: total number of homes built/sold, number of WaterSense labeled homes 

built/sold, and marketing efforts to promote WaterSense labeled products and services. 

(ii) Respondent activities:

Builder and promotional partners conduct the following activities in order to complete and submit the

Annual Reporting Form:

• Review instructions for online form. 

• Review records to assess promotional activities, WaterSense program mark usage, rebate 

information, and new homes information for builders
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• Complete and submit the Annual Reporting Form online.

Manufacturer/retailer/distributor partners conduct the following activities in order to complete and submit

the Annual Reporting Form:

• Review instructions for online and hard-copy forms.

• Review records to assess promotional efforts, WaterSense program mark usage, and customers 

reached during the reporting year. 

• Complete and submit the Annual Reporting Form online.

• Collect and review records to assess product data during the reporting year, including nonWaterSense labeled and WaterSense labeled product shipments and sales.

• Send the hard-copy confidential PDF to EPA via mail.

• Respond to EPA questions to clarify data.

Awards Application

Partners who wish to receive additional recognition can submit an Awards Application for products 

and/or services they provided that promote water efficiency or water conservation efforts or adhere to waterefficient guidelines. These applications will be used to recognize outstanding accomplishments in each award 

category. Submission of this application is strictly voluntary; applicants only need to complete an Awards

Application if they wish to be considered for an award. Submitting an Annual Reporting Form is a prerequisite 

for applying for an award (except for irrigation partner who are not required to submit annual reporting forms.).

(i) Data Items:

The application items include:

• Applicant information (e.g., organization or individual name, name, phone number, and email 

address of the primary contact person).

• Award information (e.g., category, products or services, qualifications, relevant activities).

(ii) Respondent Activities:

Applicants conduct the following activities in order to complete and submit the Awards Application:

• Review instructions and eligibility requirements.

• Gather information.

• Complete application form and supplemental materials.

• Submit the application online.

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form

On a quarterly basis, licensed certification provider partners will complete and submit a list of 

information about the number and features of homes that have received the WaterSense label.

(i) Data Items:

The reporting items include:

• Participant information (e.g., organization name, name, phone number, and email address of the 

partner’s primary contact person).

 New home information (e.g., number and general location of WaterSense labeled homes, number 

and issues related to homes that did not qualify, builder organization, aggregate data collected for 
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the homes per the inspection documentation, summary of any issues and concerns identified 

during the inspection process).

(ii) Respondent Activities:

Organizations conduct the following activities in order to complete and submit the Provider Quarterly 

Reporting Form:

• Collect and review records.

• Review instructions for submission.

• Complete the Provider Quarterly Reporting Form.

• Submit the report online.

Consumer Awareness Survey

EPA will conduct a phone survey of consumers to collect baseline data about consumer awareness of the 

WaterSense label, brand, and messaging. EPA will also conduct an Internet-based survey to collect information 

on which methods of communicating water efficient-products are most effective. Part B of this supporting 

statement describes the sampling methodologies.

(i) Data Items:

a. Phone Survey

 Awareness of WaterSense label.

 Source of information related to WaterSense (e.g., how did they hear about it).

 Identification of WaterSense labeled products.

 Message retention.

 Opinion on the value of water.

 Key factors in purchasing water-using products/appliances.

 Likelihood of purchasing a WaterSense labeled product versus a conventional product.

 Influence on the presence or absence of the WaterSense label on purchasing decisions.

 Promotion preferences.

b. Internet Survey

 Opinion on the value of water.

 Key factors in purchasing water-using products/appliances.

 Message retention.

 Promotion preferences.

(ii) Respondent Activities:

Respondents conduct the following activities in order to complete the Consumer Awareness Survey:

• Receive phone call or Internet/email request and agree to participate in survey.

• Listen to/review survey instructions.

• Respond to survey questions.

5. THE INFORMATION COLLECTED—AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION 

METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

5(a) Agency Activities
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WaterSense will require EPA to engage in the following activities related to the Partnership Agreement,

Annual Reporting Form, Awards Application, Provider Quarterly Reporting Form, and Consumer Awareness 

Survey:

Partnership Agreement 

 Update Partnership Agreements for existing partnership categories, and post to the WaterSense 

website.

• Answer questions posed by potential participants regarding partnership.

• Review completed agreements, record/enter information into a database, and update WaterSense

website.

 Respond to partners to welcome them to WaterSense or explain why the organization is ineligible for 

partnership.

 Sign agreement.

Annual Reporting Form (All Partners)

• Develop/revise PDF reporting forms, and online forms. Post to website and communicate reporting 

requirements.

• Answer partner questions about forms.

• Receive and review the annual reports for consistency and completeness and place any follow-up 

calls necessary.

• Maintain a tracking system and record/enter information into database.

• Develop annual data summary.

Awards Application 

 Update application to be submitted by partners, post to website, and communicate requirements for 

applying.

 Maintain a tracking system to record each participant’s awards application status and review 

submission.

 Respond to applicant questions about awards applications.

 Determine which applications deserve recognition.

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form

 Update reporting form and communicate reporting requirements.

 Maintain a tracking system to record results of report in database.

 Answer partner questions about information to be submitted.

 Compile list of number of homes and general location.

Consumer Awareness Survey

 Craft sampling methodology.

 Select sample.

 Develop survey scripts and instructions.

 Implement survey.

 Analyze data.

 Report results via program documents (e.g., annual accomplishments report), presentations, and 

website.
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5(b) Collection Methodology and Management

In collecting and analyzing the information associated with this ICR, EPA uses a telephone system, 

personal computers, and database software. EPA ensures the reasonableness and completeness of collected 

information by reviewing each submittal. EPA enters the information obtained from the forms into a database. 

EPA plans to offer all information collection instruments in hard copy and electronically. Electronic 

submissions do not have a significant impact on respondent or Agency burden.

5(c) Small Entity Flexibility

All data collected under this ICR are voluntarily reported. EPA expects that some of the participants in 

WaterSense will be small entities. EPA has designed its reporting materials to minimize respondent burden while 

obtaining sufficient and accurate information. 

5(d) Collection Schedule

Organizations may submit a Partnership Agreement to join WaterSense at any time. Partners will 

submit Annual Reporting Forms to EPA every year that the partner participates in the program. Partners who 

submit an Annual Reporting Form may submit one or more Awards Applications for review and possible 

recognition by EPA. Licensed certification providers will submit the Provider Quarterly Reporting Form four 

times per year. EPA will implement a Consumer Awareness Survey two times during the next three years.

6. ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION

6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden

EPA used input from partners and its experience implementing WaterSense and other voluntary programs 

to estimate burden estimates for respondents. Exhibit 1 presents the burden hours and costs per respondent, as 

well as for all respondents during each of the three years covered under this ICR. 

6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs

Exhibit 1 presents the estimated annual respondent costs for information collection activities associated 

with WaterSense. The estimated annual respondent costs are discussed below.

Estimating Labor Costs

The labor rates used to determine the estimated costs to respondents are consistent with the hourly wage 

rates published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics publications on employment and earnings. Rates include the cost 

of overhead and fringe benefits. EPA estimates an average respondent hourly labor rate (i.e., hourly plus 

overhead) of $96.42 for managerial staff, $74.86 for technical staff, and $40.42 for clerical staff.

Estimating Capital and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Costs

EPA will encourage partners to submit materials electronically and also retain materials in electronic 

format to conserve paper. For this reason, EPA estimates minimal copying, faxing, and mailing costs ($2 per 

partner, plus an additional $5 if applying for an award). 

6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Costs
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EPA used its experience implementing WaterSense and other voluntary programs to estimate burden 

estimates for Agency staff. Exhibit 2 presents the burden hours and costs per respondent, as well as for all 

respondents during each of the three years covered under this ICR. The hourly labor rates used to determine the 

estimated costs to the Agency are based on the 2012 GS pay schedule available from the Office of Personnel 

Management. EPA estimates an average hourly labor cost of $107.54 for managerial staff and $72.82 for 

professional staff. The labor costs are based on the following GS levels and steps: managerial rates were based on 

GS Level 15, Step 5 and professional labor rates were based on GS Level 13 Step 3. EPA multiplied hourly rates 

by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6.

EPA anticipates communicating with partners electronically rather than mailing paper, so it has included 

minimal photocopying and postage costs.

Exhibit 2 shows the aggregate annual Agency burden and costs for the information collection activities 

associated with WaterSense. The annual burden to the Agency is approximately 4,816 hours, at a cost of 

approximately $383,854. The three-year, bottom-line burden for the life of this ICR is therefore 14,448 hours and 

$1,151,561.

6(d) Estimating the Respondent Universe and Total Burden and Costs

The universe of each respondent activity varies depending upon the specific activity. The respondent 

universe for each information collection activity associated with EPA’s WaterSense program is presented and 

explained separately below. 

Partnership Agreement

EPA estimates that 1,265 partners will join the program (675 irrigation partners, 300 promotional 

partners, 90 retailers and distributors, 120 manufacturers, 15 professional certifying organizations, 60 builders, 

five licensed certification providers) over the three-year period, for an average of 421 partners per year.

Annual Reporting Form

EPA requires submission of one Annual Reporting Form per organization partner for each year the 

partner participates in the program. To date, the program has generally received annual reporting forms from 

approximately 10 to 45 percent of partners in each category (see Part B). In 2014, EPA plans to begin collecting 

annual reporting forms from professional certifying organizations. EPA anticipates receiving a total of 1,005

annual reporting forms over three years, with an average of 335 per year for organizational partners. 

Awards Application

EPA plans to continue its successful WaterSense awards program. EPA anticipates receiving a total of 

100 award applications, averaging 33 per year.

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form

EPA requests a Provider Quarterly Reporting Form four times a year from each licensed certification 

provider. Over the three-year period, EPA expects to collect 33 Provider Quarterly Reporting Forms per year, for 

a total of 100 reports over three years.
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Consumer Awareness Survey

EPA plans to initiate the collection of information in two consumer awareness surveys. EPA anticipates 

collecting information from 800 individuals over three years, averaging 266 per year. 

Total Burden and Costs

Exhibit 1 shows the aggregate annual respondent burden and costs for the information collection activities 

associated with WaterSense. Estimated respondent burden hours are presented on a per-respondent basis for the 

information collected under the Partnership Agreement, Annual Reporting Form, Awards Application, Provider 

Quarterly Reporting Form, and Consumer Awareness Survey. The annual burden to the universe of respondents is 

approximately 4,110 hours, at a cost of approximately $316,018. The three-year, bottom-line burden for the life of 

this ICR is therefore 12,330 hours and $948,054.

EPA expects responses from individuals (e.g., certified professionals and consumers), private sector 

businesses, and state and local governments. EPA estimates that 30 percent of the respondents will be state and 

local governments, 20 percent will be private sector businesses, and 50 percent will be individuals. Table 1

summarizes the total estimated annual burden over three years. Table 2 summarizes the total estimated annual and 

three-year costs by sector.

Table 1: Total Estimated Annual Respondents and Annual and Three-Year Burden Hours by Sector

Respondents Respondents

Per Year

Burden Hours 

Per Year

Respondents 

Over Three Years

Total Burden Hours 

Over Three Years

State, local, and tribal 

government

326 1,233 978 3,699 

Private Sector 217 822 652 2,466

Individuals 544 2,055 1,631 6,165

Table 2: Total Estimated Annual and Three-Year Costs by Sector

Respondents Labor Costs

Per Year

O&M Costs

Per Year

Total Costs Per 

Year

Total Costs Over 

Three Years

State, Local, and Tribal 

Governments

$94,421 $385 $94,805 $284,416

Private Sector $62,947 $256 $63,204 $189,611

Individuals $157,368 $641 $158,009 $474,027

6(e) Bottom-Line Burden Hours and Costs Tables

Table 3 summarizes the total estimated annual burden hours and costs for respondents and for the 

Agency. The total cost for respondents is $316,018 and the hourly burden is approximately 4,110 hours. The total 

cost for the Agency is $383,854 and the hourly burden is approximately 4,816 hours. Table 3 displays these 

combined estimates, as well as the grand total of $699,872 and the hourly burden of approximately 8,926 hours 

for all information collection activities under WaterSense.
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Table 3: Total Estimated Annual Burden Hours and Costs for Respondents and EPA

Burden Hours Total Cost

Respondents 4,110 $316,018

Agency 4,816 $383,854

Total 8,926 $699,872

6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden

The WaterSense program has been modified and expanded since the 2010 ICR was approved; 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, eliminating product notification forms for manufacturers, and 

deciding not to require irrigation partners to report annually have led to significantly reduced operation & 

maintenance costs and a lower estimated burden. The overall burden estimate for this collection is lower than the 

current ICR because EPA also has a better understanding of how long it takes partners to complete program forms 

and better historical data to project new partners/forms over the next three years.

6(g) Burden Statement

The estimated average annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is

five hours for organizational partners, who are not manufacturers, retailer/distributors or licensed certification 

providers, and who are not applying for an award. The average burden increases by three hours for manufacturer 

and retailer/distributor partners and by five hours for licensed certification providers. Award applicants are 

estimated to spend an additional 25 hours on average. The respondent reporting burden for each information 

collection activity for WaterSense is presented separately below. Partner participation in the program is 

completely voluntary, and thus the entire reporting and recordkeeping burden will be incurred by partners that 

voluntarily choose to participate in WaterSense.

Partnership Agreement

The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with completing the Partnership 

Agreement is estimated to be two hours for organizations and two-and-a-half hours for irrigation partners. This 

estimate includes times for reviewing the instructions on the Partnership Agreement, completing and reviewing 

the information requested, and submitting it. 

Annual Reporting Form

The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with the Annual Reporting Form

is five hours for builder, promotional partner, and professional certifying organizations and eight hours for 

manufacturer and retailer/distributor partners. This estimate includes gathering data such as product sales, number 

of products purchased, and number of rebates issued; compiling this information; and submitting it to EPA. 

Awards Application

The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with the Awards Application for 

each respondent is estimated to be 25 hours. This estimate includes reviewing the eligibility requirements and 

instruction on the application, gathering data and information for submission, completing the application, 

reviewing the information and narrative description required, and submitting the application to EPA. 
- 15 -

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form

The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with the Provider Quarterly 

Reporting Form for each respondent is estimated to be 10 hours per year. This estimate includes collecting and 

reviewing records, reviewing instructions, completing the reporting form, and submitting the form to EPA.

Consumer Awareness Survey

The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with the Consumer Awareness 

Survey for each respondent is estimated to be 0.25 hours. This estimate includes receiving a phone call (or 

Internet-based request), agreeing to participate in survey, listening to (or reviewing) survey instructions, and 

responding to survey questions.

Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, 

retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a federal agency. This includes the time needed to review 

instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, 

validating, and verifying information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable 

instructions; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise 

disclose the information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 

collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for 

EPA’s regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.

To comment on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, 

and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection 

techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No EPA-HQ-OW-2006-0408, 

which is available for public viewing at the Office of Water Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA 

West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading 

Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone 

number for the Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Office of Water Docket is 

(202) 566-2426. Visit www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view 

public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the 

public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “search,” then key in the docket ID 

number EPA-HQ-OW-2006-0408.
- 16 -

Exhibit 1. Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and 

Cost

Information Collection Activity Hours and Costs Per Respondent Total Hours and Costs

Manager Technical Clerical Respond 

Hours Per 

Year

Labor Costs 

Per Activity 

Per Year

Annual 

Capital 

Startup 

Costs

Annual 

O&M 

Costs

No. of 

Respondent 

Activities 

Per Year

Total 

Respond. 

Hours Per 

Year

Total Cost 

Per Year

Hourly Rate 96.42 74.86 40.42

Partnership Agreement (PA)

Review the EPA WaterSense website, agreement, 

and other necessary materials. 0.5 0 0 0.5 $48.21 196 98 $9,449

Select a primary, technical, marketing, and/or 

reporting contact person for the program. 0.5 0 0 0.5 $48.21 196 98 $9,449

Complete the PA, obtain signature of senior 

official. 0.5 0 0 0.5 $48.21 196 98 $9,449

Send the completed form to EPA via fax, mail, 

email, or online. 0 0 0.5 0.5 $20.21 $2.00 196 98 $4,353

Subtotal 1.5 0 0.5 2 $164.84 392 $32,701

Partnership Agreement: Irrigation Partners

Review the EPA WaterSense website, agreement, 

and other necessary materials. 0 1 0 1 $74.86 225 225 $16,844

Complete the PA, locate certification proof 

document. 0 1 0 1 $74.86 225 225 $16,844

Send the completed agreement and certification 

proof to EPA via fax, mail, email, or online. 0 0.5 0 0.5 $37.43 $2.00 225 113 $8,872

Subtotal 0 2.5 0 2.5 $187.15 563 $42,559

Annual Reporting Form 

Review instructions for online form. 1 0 0 1 $96.42 246 246 $23,719

Review records to assess promotional activities, 

WaterSense program mark usage, rebate 

information, and new homes information for 

builders. 1 2 0 3 $246.14 246 738 $60,550

Complete and submit the Annual Reporting Form. 0 0 1 1 $40.42 246 246 $9,943

Subtotal 2 2 1 5 $382.98 1,230 $94,213

Annual Reporting Form: Manufacturers and 

Retailer/Distributors
- 17 -

Review instructions for online and hard copy 

forms. 0.5 0 0 0.5 $48.21 88 44 $4,242

Review records to assess promotional efforts, 

WaterSense program mark usage, and customers 

reached during the reporting year. 1 0 0 1 $96.42 88 88 $8,485

Complete and submit the Annual Reporting Form 

online. 0 0 1 1 $40.42 88 88 $3,557

Collect and review records to assess product data 

during the reporting year, including nonWaterSense and WaterSense labeled product 

shipments and sales. 1.5 2 0 3.5 $294.35 88 308 $25,903

Send the hard copy confidential PDF to EPA via 

mail. 0 0 1 1 $40.42 $5.00 88 88 $3,997

Respond to EPA questions to clarify data. 1 0 0 1 $96.42 88 88 $8,485

Subtotal 0 2 0 8 $616.24 704 $54,669

Awards Applications

Review instructions and eligibility requirements. 2 0 0 2 $192.84 33 66 $6,364

Gather information. 7 7 0 14 $1,198.96 33 462 $39,566

Complete application form and supplemental 

materials. 4 4 0 8 $685.12 33 264 $22,609

Submit the application online. 0 1 0 1 $74.86 33 33 $2,470

Subtotal 13 12 0 25 $2,151.78 825 $71,009

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form 

(Annualized)*

Collect and review records. 0 0 2 2 $80.84 33 66 $2,668

Review instructions. 0 0 2 2 $80.84 33 66 $2,668

Complete report. 2 0 2 4 $273.68 33 132 $9,031

Submit the report online. 0 0 2 2 $80.84 33 66 $2,668

Subtotal 2 0 8 10 $516.20 330 $17,035

Consumer Awareness Survey

Receive survey request and instructions and 

respond to questions. 0 0.125 0.125 0.25 $14.41 266 67 $3,833

Subtotal 0 0.125 0.125 0.25 $14.41 67 $3,833

TOTAL 18.5 18.625 9.625 52.75 $4,033.60 1,087 4,110 $316,018

*Quarterly Reports will be requested four times a year; data will be presented on an annual basis. 
- 18 -

Exhibit 2. Estimated Annual Agency Burden and 

Cost

Information Collection Activity Hours and Costs Per Respondent Total Hours and Costs

Manager Professional Respondent 

Hours Per 

Year

Labor 

Costs Per 

Activity Per 

Year

Annual 

Capital 

Startup 

Costs

Annual O&M 

Costs

No.of Agency 

Activities Per 

Year

Total 

Agency 

Hours Per 

Year

Total Cost

Per Year

Hourly Rate 107.54 72.82

Partnership Agreement (PA)

Update PAs and post to website. 2 6 8 $652.00 7 56 $4,564

Answer questions posed by potential participants 

regarding partnership. 0 2 2 $145.64 100 200 $14,564

Review completed agreements, record/enter 

information into a database, and update WaterSense 

website. 0 1.5 1.5 $109.23 196 294 $21,409

Respond to the partner to welcome them to 

WaterSense or explain why organization is ineligible for 

partnership. 0 1.5 1.5 $109.23 196 294 $21,409

Sign agreement. 0 0.25 0.25 $18.21 $2.00 196 49 $3,960

Subtotal 2 11.25 13.25 $1,034.31 893 $65,906

Annual Reporting Form (All Partners)

Develop/revise online reporting forms, post to website, 

and communicate reporting requirements. 5 10 15 $1,265.90 3 45 $3,798

Answer partner questions about forms. 0 1 1 $72.82 100 100 $7,282

Receive and review the reports for consistency and 

completeness and place any follow-up calls necessary. 0 1 1 $72.82 246 246 $17,914

Maintain a tracking system to record/enter information 

into database. 0 0.5 0.5 $36.41 246 123 $8,957

Develop annual data summary. 0 1 1 $72.82 1 1 $73

Subtotal 5 13.5 18.5 $1,520.77 515 $38,023

Annual Reporting Form (Manufacturer and 

Retailer/Distributor Partners)

Update PDF reporting forms, online forms, post to 

website, and communicate reporting requirements. 5 35 40 $3,086.40 3 120 $9,259

Answer partner questions about forms. 0 1 1 $72.82 22 22 $1,602
- 19 -

Receive and review the reports for consistency and 

completeness and place any follow-up calls necessary. 1 3 4 $326.00 $3.00 88 352 $28,952

Maintain a tracking system to record/enter information 

into database. 1 0.5 1.5 $143.95 88 132 $12,668

Develop annual data summary. 2 2 4 $360.72 1 4 $361

Subtotal 9 41.5 50.5 $3,989.89 630 $52,842

Awards Applications

Update application to be submitted by partners, post to 

website, and communicate requirements for applying. 20 30 50 $4,335.40 7 350 $30,348

Maintain Award Application tracking system to record 

each participant’s status and review submission. 0 2 2 $145.64 33 66 $4,806

Respond to partner questions about Award 

Applications. 2 8 10 $797.64 10 100 $7,976

Determine which applicants deserve recognition. 6 10 16 $1,373.44 $5.00 33 528 $45,489

Subtotal 28 50 78 $6,652.12 1,044 $88,619

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form (Annualized)*

Update reporting form and communicate reporting 

requirements. 0 15 15 $1,092.30 1 15 $1,092

Maintain a tracking system to record results of report in 

database. 0 5 5 $364.10 33 165 $12,015

Answer partner questions about information to be 

submitted. 0 1 1 $72.82 10 10 $728

Compile list of number of homes and general location. 0 4 4 $291.28 33 132 $9,612

Subtotal 0 25 25 $1,820.50 322 $23,448

Consumer Awareness Survey

Craft sampling methodology. 8 24 32 $2,608.00 2 64 $5,216

Select sample. 0 24 24 $1,747.68 2 48 $3,495

Develop survey script and instructions. 10 20 30 $2,531.80 2 60 $5,064

Implement survey. 80 400 480 $37,731.20 $2,000.00 2 960 $79,462

Analyze data. 20 120 140 $10,889.20 2 280 $21,778

Subtotal 118 588 706 $55,507.88 1,412 $115,016

TOTAL 162 729.25 891.25 $70,525.47 4,816 $383,854

*Quarterly Reports will be requested four times a year; data will be presented on an annual basis.