Document ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2006-0408-0137
Agency: epa
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2021-06-30T04:00Z

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(R) Program (Renewal)," OMB control number 2040-0272, EPA ICR number 2233.08.

	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. 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, 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: 
       Irrigation professional certification programs
       Residential toilets
       Residential faucets
       Flushing urinals
       Showerheads
       New homes
       Weather-based irrigation controllers 
       Pre-rinse spray valves
       Flushometer toilets
       Spray sprinkler bodies
       Soil-moisture-based irrigation controllers

Over the three-year ICR period, WaterSense may carry out efforts to support potential specification development or guidance for up to seven water-efficient products, including:
       Pool covers
       Water softeners
       Bath and shower diverters
       Irrigation spray sprinkler nozzles
       Kitchen faucets
       Flow detection devices
       Cooling towers
      
	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 is also signed by EPA. Professional Certifying Organizations (PCOs) wishing to join the program must complete an Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval in addition to their Partnership Agreement. 
      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-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 describes 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 may 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 water-efficient products.
      
      1(c)	Development of this ICR Renewal
      
      The WaterSense program is continually looking for opportunities to improve the program and identify approaches to reduce the burden for partners and the Agency. In April 2020, subsequent to the 2[nd] public comment period for renewal of the current one-year ICR, the EPA released a Federal Register notice (85 FR 20268) that described the result of an Agency review of existing product specifications. The notice also sought input on whether and how the program could better understand and collect information on consumer satisfaction with labelled products. Specifically, EPA sought input on how it could design a study or studies for use in future reviews that incorporate customer consideration. As an example, we highlighted interest in how we could use a survey or surveys to determine what type of products consumers would like to see on the market, the performance attributes that are important to consumer choice and satisfaction, the range of performance customers are seeking in those attributes, and what additional features or options related to efficiency consumers would like to see in WaterSense products.  
      
      As terms of clearance for the ICR, OMB required that EPA (1) summarize and address the relevant comments it receives on the Federal Register notice (FRN), (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. WaterSense published the FRN on April 10, 2020 with a comment deadline of June 9 (later extended to July 24 in response to requests). A total of 110 entries were submitted to the docket (EPA-HQ-OW-2020-0026) and a compilation of the comments received can be found on the Product Specification Review page on the WaterSense website. Based on the comments received on the notice (and summarized below), there is no support for conducting a survey or study on consumer satisfaction for use in future product reviews. There is, however, support for general surveys that would help to provide information to improve awareness of the WaterSense label, which is covered under the existing ICR. Because the current ICR added "satisfaction with products" as an additional data item that could be investigated under any survey, WaterSense will be able to get feedback on consumer satisfaction under the auspices of a broader awareness survey and will be able to use information provided from the comments in implementing any survey.  

   The FRN requested feedback on three specific issues.  The text below in bold reflects the text from the Summary section of the FRN.  It is followed by the description of the request in Section V of the FRN.
 
    EPA is seeking input and requesting information on any data, surveys, or studies to help assess consumer satisfaction with WaterSense labeled products, which could inform future product specification development.  Section V. text: Specifically, the EPA is requesting information on any data, surveys, or studies that have assessed consumer satisfaction with WaterSense labeled or standard products.
          16 commenters provided information on studies or data that either assessed customer satisfaction or inferred customer satisfaction from other data.
          Separately, 8 commenters noted customer satisfaction with rebated products.
   
    EPA is also seeking input on how to design a study or studies to inform future reviews that incorporate customer satisfaction considerations.  Section V. text: Specifically, the EPA is seeking input on how it could design a study or studies for use in future reviews that incorporate customer considerations. For example, we are interested in input on how we could use a survey or surveys to determine what type of products consumers would like to see on the market, the performance attributes that are important to consumer choice and satisfaction, the range of performance customers are seeking in those attributes, and what additional features or options related to efficiency consumers would like to see in WaterSense products. The EPA is also interested in input on the collection method, frequency, and source of the information as we seek to balance any burden the collection would impose on the public with the usefulness the information would provide the Agency.
          11 commenters provided input on potential survey/study design.  In some cases, the comments noted that any survey should be limited to evaluating brand awareness or should be conducted by entities other than EPA.  
          Separately, 10 of the commenters noted that they supported consumer satisfaction surveys as a means to improve awareness of the label and WaterSense (e.g., awareness, beliefs).  

    The EPA is also requesting input on whether it should include consumer satisfaction criteria into the WaterSense program guidelines and, if included, what criteria should be considered and how. Section V text: Lastly, the EPA seeks input on whether there are specific consumer satisfaction considerations, test methods, or additional criteria it should consider adding to the WaterSense guidelines.
          None of the commenters indicated support for including consumer satisfaction criteria in program specifications or guidelines.
          43 of the commenters explicitly noted that customer satisfaction should NOT be added to program guidelines.
          59 of the commenters did not express an opinion on the specific question. Instead their focus was on expressing their general satisfaction with the program.
          For 3 of the commenters, it was unclear if they had an opinion. And for 5, the question was not applicable (e.g., request for extension). 
          Separately, 8 commenters noted they believe that customer satisfaction is already taken into consideration within specification performance criteria.

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.  
      Congress formally authorized the WaterSense program through the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-270). Section 4306 of the law establishes WaterSense as a voluntary program to identify and promote water-efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services. The law also directs the Agency to regularly estimate the water and energy savings associated with the use of WaterSense labeled products and enhance public awareness of the WaterSense label and water-efficiency through outreach and public education.
      Both the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) also 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 2018-2022 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 infrastructure. 
      The Executive Order 13834 "Efficient Federal Operations" calls for federal agencies to reduce potable and non-potable water consumption. WaterSense helps agencies achieve reductions through labeled products and other technical assistance. 
	
      2(b)	Practical Utility/Users of the Data

	The information collected by WaterSense is not designed or intended to support regulatory decision-making 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.

Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval 

	EPA will use information from the Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval to verify that the organizational eligibility requirements have been met, as listed in the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System. 

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

	To date, EPA has not formally assessed consumer awareness of the WaterSense brand or consumer satisfaction with labeled products. EPA plans to develop a consumer survey (telephone or internet based) to assess consumer awareness of the WaterSense label and satisfaction with labeled products. The survey will also assess which methods of communicating water-efficient products are most effective, assess the cost-effectiveness of its outreach efforts and better target future efforts.  The survey will be informed by comments received on the April 2020 Federal Register notice described in section 1(c). EPA anticipates it will compare results of this survey with future surveys to assess progress in educating consumers and satisfaction with products.

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.			

	3(b)	Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB

	This ICR was available for public comment for 60 days from February 24, 2021 through April 26, 2021. No comments were received. 

	3(c)	Consultations
		
	WaterSense staff asked current WaterSense partners to provide input on WaterSense data collection efforts. The following partners provided input:
	
Name
Affiliation
Partner Type
Jana Vierola
San Diego County Water Authority
PCO
James Lim
City of Durham
Promotional 
Jacob Atalla
KB Home 
Builder
John Alexander
Sunshine Construction
Builder
Robert Zimmerman
Kohler
Manufacturer
Paul Patton
Delta
Manufacturer
Mark Schleier
The Home Depot
Retailer/Distributor
Ashton Stewart
TRA Certification Int'l
Provider

	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. Partners did not provide specific suggestions for improving the forms, but some long-time partners noted that completing the reporting forms took less time over the years as they were converted to online format and partners became more familiar with the data requested.
		
	3(d)	Effects of Less Frequent Collection

      The Partnership Agreement is a one-time information submittal for organizations that wish to participate in WaterSense as partners. Less frequent collection of this data is not feasible. 
      The Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval is a one-time information submittal for organizations that wish to manage a WaterSense Labeled Professional Certifying Organization program. 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.
      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(R) 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 may 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 and regulations under 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).

	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 concerning sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, or other matters usually considered private 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; 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
                                     0721
Crop Planting, Cultivating, and Protecting (irrigation system operating services)
                                     0781
Landscape Counseling and Planning
                                     1521
General Contractors-Single-Family Houses
                                     1522
General Contractors-Residential Building, Other Than Single-Family 
                                     1531
Operative Builders
                                     1542
General Contractors-Nonresidential Buildings, Other than Industrial Buildings and Warehouses
                                     1711
Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning Contractors 
                                     1799
Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified
                                     3088
Plastics Plumbing Fixtures
                                     3261
Vitreous China Plumbing Fixtures and China and Earthenware Fittings and Bathroom Accessories
                                     3432
Plumbing Fixture Fittings and Trim (except shower rods and lawn hose nozzles)
                                     3523
Farm Machinery and Equipment (except corrals, stalls, holding gates, hand clippers for animals, and farm conveyors/elevators)
                                     3585
Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment
                                     3589
Service Industry Machinery, Not Elsewhere Classified (commercial kitchen equipment)
                                     3843
Dental Equipment and Supplies
                                     4941
Water Supply
                                     5072
Wholesale-Hardware
                                     5074
Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies (Hydronics, sold via retail method)
                                     5083
Farm and Garden Machinery and Equipment (Wholesale) (sold via retail method) 
                                     5211
Lumber and Other Building Materials Dealers (home center stores)
                                     5251
Hardware Stores
                                     8399
Social Services, NEC (environment, conservation, and wildlife advocacy)
                                     8611
Business Associations
                                     8999
Services, Not Elsewhere Classified (Environmental Consultants)
                                     9511
Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management
                                     9531
Administration Of Housing Programs

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 1-6). Professional Certifying Organizations will also submit an Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval (Attachment 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 8-21. Licensed certification providers for WaterSense labeled new homes are asked to submit a Provider Quarterly Reporting Form (Attachment 22). A sample Consumer Awareness Survey is included as Attachment 23.  

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 
	::	Name, title, department, address, city, state, postal code, phone number, alternate phone number, and e-mail address
	::	Approximate number of employees at the joining organization
	::	Industry/SIC/NAICS code
             ::            Organization website
             ::            Organization type
	::	How the partner heard about WaterSense
	::	Name and email of authorized partner representative and the date completed 

	Additional reporting items for builder partners include:
	::	Service area and home building activities

	Additional reporting items for Professional Certifying Organizations include information on: 
              ::            Number of current certified professionals
              ::            State(s)where the labeled program is offered

	Additional reporting items for manufacturer partners include:
	::	Contact information for reporting, marketing, technical contacts
 Information on product types, product certification plans, and brand names

	Additional reporting items for retailer/distributor partners include:
 Information on business practices, product types, private labeling plans, and brand names

	(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.
	::	Consult with legal counsel as needed.
	::	Complete and submit the Partnership Agreement online, including the name of an authorized partner representative.
	
Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval

Professional certifying organizations (PCOs) seeking the WaterSense(R) label for a professional certification program should complete the Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval to document that the organizational eligibility requirements have been met, as listed in the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System.
			

				
 Data Items:
            
	The additional items for PCO partners include:
 Name of PCO  
	::	Contact name, address, city, state, postal code, phone number, alternate phone number, fax number, and e-mail address
 Program website (if applicable) 
 Standard to which certifying organization is accredited 
 Procedures for management of certified professionals' eligibility requirements
 Development and maintenance of certification exams
 Security of assessment instruments
 Letter of intent and letters of reference (if applying to label a program)
 Procedures to revoke certification from certified professionals
      
      (ii)	Respondent Activities:

      Organizations conduct the following activities in order to complete and submit the Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval:
 Review the application.
 Indicate which labeled program is being evaluated or adopted. Adopting PCOs must include the Parent PCO's name, contact information, and approval date.
 Complete, sign, and submit the application via email. 
 Respond to EPA questions as needed. 

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; total number of professionals certified yearly; number of times certification is offered per year; promotional, recruiting, and educational efforts; information on the operation and management of the program; and program feedback.
                   Builders: total number of homes built/sold, number of WaterSense labeled homes built/sold, and marketing efforts to promote WaterSense labeled products and services, program feedback. 
							
(ii)	Respondent activities:

      Builder, promotional, and PCO 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, new homes information for builders, and certified professional information for PCOs.
 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 non-WaterSense 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 water-efficient 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.
	
       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)

       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, written statement, and optional supplemental materials.
 Submit the application materials online.

Provider Quarterly Reporting Form

	On a quarterly basis, licensed certification provider partners will complete and submit a list of information about the verifiers that are approved to conduct certification, the number and features of homes that have received the WaterSense label. 

       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)
      ::	Verifier information (e.g. name, contact, service territory)
       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 the homes per the inspection documentation, summary of any issues and concerns identified during the inspection process)

       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 and submit the report online. 

Consumer Awareness Survey 

	EPA may conduct surveys of consumers via phone or internet to collect baseline data about consumer awareness and satisfaction with the WaterSense label, brand, and messaging. EPA may also conduct a survey to collect information on which methods of communicating about water efficient-products are most effective. While previous ICRs have included burden for EPA to conduct such surveys to assess consumer awareness, the agency has not yet completed a survey. As discussed above in section 1(c), in April 2020 EPA published a notice seeking input from the public on whether and how the program could better understand and collect information on consumer satisfaction with labelled products. Based on the comments received, EPA intends to maintain a consumer awareness survey within the ICR and carry out survey(s) during the period covered by the collection. Part B of this supporting statement describes the sampling methodologies and the section below describes the types of data items EPA may seek information for within a survey instrument.

       Data Items: 
      
             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.
             Satisfaction with products (WaterSense labeled or not)
             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.
                 
       Respondent Activities:
            
      Respondents conduct the following activities in order to complete the Consumer Awareness Survey:
 Receive survey request and instructions and respond to questions. 
            

5.	THE INFORMATION COLLECTED -- AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

	5(a)	Agency Activities

	WaterSense will require EPA to engage in the following activities related to the Partnership Agreement, Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval, 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, save 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.
 Approve and sign agreement.

Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval
 Update application and communicate application requirements.
 Answer partner questions about information to be submitted.
 Receive and evaluate documentation submitted to verify that the organization meets all requirements. 
 Maintain a list of all programs certified to the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System on the WaterSense website.  

Annual Reporting Form (Promotional, Builder, and PCO Partners)
	::	Develop/revise online reporting 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.

Annual Reporting Form (Manufacturer and Retailer/Distributor Partners)
	::	Update Excel and PDF reporting forms, and online forms. Post to website and communicate reporting requirements.
	::	Answer partner questions about forms.
	::	Receive and review the Excel and PDF 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 partner 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 and report results via program documents, presentations, and website.

5(b)	Collection Methodology and Management

	In collecting and analyzing the information associated with this ICR, EPA uses a telephone system, personal computers, electronic form software, and customer relations management 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 uses the input/export features of the software whenever possible to minimize errors.
	EPA plans to offer all information collection instruments electronically with hard-copy versions upon request. Electronic submissions do not have a significant impact on respondent or Agency burden. Annual reporting forms for manufacturers and retailers are the only forms that must be submitted in hard-copy for confidentiality per our approved CBI plans. The additional burden of hard-copy submissions is minimal for the risk reduction. 

	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. Professional Certifying Organizations may submit the Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval as a supplement to their Partnership Agreement 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. While EPA did not conduct a Consumer Awareness Survey during the prior-approved ICR period, EPA plans to 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 $116.94 for legal staff, $115.54 for managerial staff, $86.98 for technical staff, and $45.22 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, and mailing costs ($6.70 per manufacturer or retailer/distributor partner). 
      
      6(c)	Estimating Agency Burden and Costs

	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 2018 GS pay schedule available from the Office of Personnel Management. EPA estimates an average hourly labor cost of $117.12 for managerial staff and $79.30 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 3,624 hours, at a cost of approximately $305,381. The three-year, bottom-line burden for the life of this ICR is therefore 10,872 hours and $916,143.

      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 445 partners will join the program (250 promotional partners, 58 retailers and distributors, 90 manufacturers, 35 builders, six professional certifying organizations, six licensed certification providers) over the three-year period, for an average of 148 partners per year.
      
      Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval 

	EPA estimates that six professional certifying organizations will join the program and complete the Application for PCO Approval over the three-year period, for an average of two 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 5 to 45 percent of partners in each category (see Part B). EPA anticipates receiving a total of 1,140 annual reporting forms over three years, with an average of 245 per year for promotional, builder and PCO partners and 135 per year for manufacturer and retailer/distributor partners.  

      Awards Application

      EPA plans to continue its successful WaterSense awards program. EPA anticipates receiving a total of 105 award applications, averaging 35 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 51 Provider Quarterly Reporting Forms per year on average, for a total of 155 reports over three years. 
      
	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, Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval, Annual Reporting Form, Awards Application, Provider Quarterly Reporting Form, and Consumer Awareness Survey. The annual burden to the universe of respondents is approximately 3,212 hours, at a cost of approximately $293,189. The three-year, bottom-line burden for the life of this ICR is therefore 9,636 hours and $879,567.
      EPA expects responses from individuals (e.g., certified professionals and consumers), private sector businesses, and state and local governments. EPA estimates that 40 percent of the respondents will be state and local governments, 30 percent will be private sector businesses, and 30 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
                                      353
                                     1,284
                                       
                                     1,059
                                    3,855 
Private Sector
                                      265
                                      964
                                      795
                                     2,892
Individuals
                                      265
                                      964
                                      795
                                     2,892
                                       
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
                                                                      $117,276 
                                                                           $363
                                                                       $117,638
                                                                       $352,914
Private Sector
                                                                        $87,685
                                                                           $272
                                                                        $87,957
                                                                       $263,871
Individuals
                                                                        $87,685
                                                                           $272
                                                                        $87,957
                                                                       $263,871

	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 annual total cost for respondents is $293,189 and the hourly burden is approximately 3,312 hours. The annual total cost for the Agency is $305,381 and the hourly burden is approximately 3,624 hours. Table 3 displays these combined estimates, as well as the grand annual total of $598,570 and the annual hourly burden of approximately 6,836 hours for all information collection activities under WaterSense. Table 4 displays these combined estimates, as well as the bottom-line 3-year grand total of $1,795,710 and the hourly burden of approximately 20,508 hours for all information collection activities under WaterSense.

Table 3: Total Estimated Annual Burden Hours and Costs for Respondents and EPA
      

                                 Burden Hours
                                  Total Cost
Respondents
                                                                          3,212
                                                                       $293,189
Agency
                                                                          3,624
                                                                       $305,381
Total
                                                                          6,836
                                                                       $598,570

Table 4: Total Estimated Three-year Burden Hours and Costs for Respondents and the Agency

 
                              3-year Burden Hours
                               3-year Total Cost
Respondents
                                                                          9,636
                                                                       $879,567
Agency
                                                                        10,872 
                                                                       $916,143
Total
                                                                         20,508
                                                                     $1,795,710

      6(f)	Reasons for Change in Burden

      There is no change in burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. 

      6(g)	Burden Statement

      The estimated average annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is three 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 six hours for manufacturer and retailer/distributor partners. The average annual burden for licensed certification providers is one hour for quarterly reporting. Award applicants are estimated to spend an additional 25 hours on average. New organizations joining the program are estimated to spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours on average completing a Partnership Agreement. Participants in the consumer survey are estimated to spend 0.25 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 1.5 hours for organizations. This estimate includes reviewing the instructions on the Partnership Agreement, completing and reviewing the information requested, and submitting it. The estimate is increased by one hour if the organization's legal department reviews the Agreement's terms and conditions before submitting the Agreement. 
      
      Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval 

	The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with completing the Application for Professional Certifying Organization Approval is estimated to be three hours for organizations. This estimate includes reviewing the instructions on the Application for PCO Approval, 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 three hours for builder, promotional partner, and professional certifying organizations and nine hours for manufacturer and retailer/distributor partners. This estimate includes gathering data such as product sales/shipments, number of promotional activities, 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. 
      
      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 one hour 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. While EPA has included information about surveys in previous ICRs, it had not yet conducted them due to resource issues. However, the agency intends to carry out surveys during the period covered by this renewal. There is no change in burden from the previously approved collection.
      
      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. Also, you can send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17[th] Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OW-2006-0408 and OMB Control Number 2040-0272 in any correspondence.
      

Exhibit 1. Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost
      
                        Information Collection Activity
                        Hours and Costs Per Respondent
                             Total Hours and Costs
                           Labor/Non-Labor Breakdown
                                       
                                     Legal
                                    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
                              Labor Cost Per Year
                           Non-labor Costs Per Year
                                                                    Hourly Rate
                                                                         116.94
                                    115.54
                                     86.98
                                     45.22
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                          Partnership Agreement (PA)
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
Review the EPA WaterSense website, agreement, and other necessary materials.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                        $101.26
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            148
                                                                            148
                                                                        $14,986
                                                                        $14,986
                                                                             0
Select a primary, technical, marketing, and/or reporting contact person for the program.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $21.75
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            148
                                                                             37
                                                                         $3,219
                                                                         $3,218
                                                                             0
Consult with legal counsel.
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                        $116.24
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             37
                                                                             37
                                                                         $4,301
                                                                         $4,301
                                                                             0
Complete and submit the PA online.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $21.75
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            148
                                                                             37
                                                                         $3,219
                                                                         $3,218
                                                                             0
Subtotal
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                              0
                                                                            2.5
                                                                        $261.00
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
 
                                                                            259
                                                                        $25,725
 
                                                                               
      Application for Professional Certifying Organization (PCO) Approval
                                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
Review the application. 
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              1
                                                                            $87
                                                                            $87
                                                                             0
Indicate which labeled program is being evaluated or adopted. Adopting PCOs must include the Parent PCO's name, contact information, and approval date.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                        $101.26
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              2
                                                                           $203
                                                                           $203
                                                                             0
Complete, sign, and submit the application via email.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                        $101.26
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              2
                                                                           $203
                                                                           $203
                                                                             0
Respond to EPA questions as needed.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              1
                                                                            $87
                                                                            $87
                                                                             0
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              2
                                                                          $0.00
                                                                              3
                                                                        $289.50
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
 
                                                                              6
                                                                           $580
 
                                                                               
               Annual Reporting Form (Promotional, Builder, PCO)
                                       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
Review instructions for online form.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            245
                                                                            123
                                                                        $10,655
                                                                        $10,655
                                                                             0
Review records to assess promotional activities, WaterSense program mark usage, rebate information, new homes information for builders, and certified professional information for PCOs.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            1.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                        $188.24
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            245
                                                                            490
                                                                        $46,119
                                                                        $46,119
                                                                             0
Complete and submit the Annual Reporting Form online.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            245
                                                                            123
                                                                        $10,655
                                                                        $10,655
                                                                             0
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            2.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              3
                                                                        $275.22
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
 
                                                                            736
                                                                        $67,429
 
                                                                              
        Annual Reporting Form: Manufacturers and Retailer/Distributors
                                       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
Review instructions for online and hard copy forms.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            135
                                                                             68
                                                                         $5,871
                                                                         $5,871
                                                                             0
Review records to assess promotional efforts, WaterSense program mark usage, and customers reached during the reporting year.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            1.5
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                        $188.24
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            135
                                                                            270
                                                                        $25,412
                                                                        $25,412
                                                                             0
Complete and submit the Annual Reporting Form online.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            135
                                                                             68
                                                                         $5,871
                                                                         $5,871
                                                                             0
Collect and review records to assess product data during the reporting year, including non-WaterSense and WaterSense labeled product shipments and sales.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              3
                                                                              0
                                                                              4
                                                                        $376.48
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            135
                                                                            540
                                                                        $50,825
                                                                        $50,825
                                                                             0
Send the hard copy confidential PDF to EPA via mail.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $22.61
                                                                             0
                                                                          $6.70
                                                                            135
                                                                             68
                                                                         $3,957
                                                                         $3,052
                                                                           $905
Respond to EPA questions to clarify data.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              1
                                                                              0
                                                                            1.5
                                                                        $144.75
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            135
                                                                            203
                                                                        $19,541
                                                                        $19,541
                                                                             0
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                            6.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              9
                                                                        $819.06
                                                                             0
                                                                          $6.70
 
                                                                          1,217
                                                                       $111,477
 
                                                                              
                              Awards Applications
                                       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
Review instructions and eligibility requirements.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                        $173.96
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             35
                                                                             70
                                                                         $6,089
                                                                         $6,089
                                                                              0
Gather information.
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                             12
                                                                              0
                                                                             14
                                                                      $1,274.84
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             35
                                                                            490
                                                                        $44,619
                                                                        $44,619
                                                                              0
Complete application form, written statement, and optional supplemental materials. 
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              7
                                                                              0
                                                                              8
                                                                        $724.40
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             35
                                                                            280
                                                                        $25,354
                                                                        $25,354
                                                                              0
Submit the application online. 
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                         $86.98
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             35
                                                                             35
                                                                         $3,044
                                                                         $3,044
                                                                              0
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                              3
                                                                             22
                                                                              0
                                                                             25
                                                                      $2,260.18
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                            875
                                                                        $79,106
 
                                                                              
                Provider Quarterly Reporting Form (Annualized)*
                                       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
Review instructions.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $21.75
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             51
                                                                             13
                                                                         $1,109
                                                                         $1,109
                                                                              0
Collect and review records.  
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $43.49
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             51
                                                                             26
                                                                         $2,218
                                                                         $2,218
                                                                              0
Complete and submit report online.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $21.75
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             51
                                                                             13
                                                                         $1,109
                                                                         $1,109
                                                                              0
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                         $86.98
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                             52
                                                                         $4,436
 
                                                                              
                    Consumer Awareness Survey (Annualized)
                                       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
Receive survey request and instructions and respond to questions.
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                          0.125
                                                                          0.125
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $16.53
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                            266
                                                                             67
                                                                         $4,396
                                                                         $4,396
                                                                             0
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
                                                                          0.125
                                                                          0.125
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $16.53
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                             67
                                                                         $4,396
 
                                                                              
TOTAL
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            7.5
                                                                         35.125
                                                                          $0.63
                                                                          43.75
                                                                      $4,008.47
                                                                              0
                                                                          $6.70
                                                                          2,593
                                                                          3,212
                                                                       $293,189
                                                                       $292,284
                                                                           $905
      
*Quarterly Reports will be requested four times a year; data will be presented on an annual basis.

Exhibit 2. Estimated Annual Agency Burden and Cost

                        Information Collection Activity
                        Hours and Costs Per Respondent
                             Total Hours and Costs
                                       
                                    Manager
                                 Professional
                             Agency 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
                                    117.12
                                     79.3
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                          Partnership Agreement (PA)
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
Update PAs and post to website.
                                                                              1
                                                                              2
                                                                              3
                                                                        $275.72
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              6
                                                                             18
                                                                         $1,654
Answer questions posed by potential participants regarding partnership.
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                              2
                                                                        $158.60
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             50
                                                                            100
                                                                         $7,930
Review completed agreements, save information into a database, and update WaterSense website.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                         148.33
                                                                          74.17
                                                                         $5,881
Respond to the partner to welcome them to WaterSense or explain why organization is ineligible for partnership.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                         $79.30
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                         148.33
                                                                         148.33
                                                                        $11,763
Approve and sign agreement.
                                                                              0
                                                                           0.25
                                                                           0.25
                                                                         $19.83
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                         148.33
                                                                          37.08
                                                                         $2,941
Subtotal
                                                                              1
                                                                           5.75
                                                                           6.75
                                                                        $573.10
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                            378
                                                                        $30,169
      Application for Professional Certifying Organization (PCO) Approval
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
Update application and communicate application requirements.
                                                                              1
                                                                              2
                                                                              3
                                                                        $275.72
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              1
                                                                              3
                                                                           $276
Answer partner questions about information to be submitted.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                         $79.30
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              2
                                                                           $159
Receive and evaluate documentation submitted to verify that the organization meets all requirements. 
                                                                              0
                                                                              3
                                                                              3
                                                                        $237.90
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              6
                                                                           $476
Maintain a list of all programs certified to the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System on the WaterSense website.  
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              2
                                                                              1
                                                                            $79
Subtotal
                                                                              1
                                                                            6.5
                                                                            7.5
                                                                        $632.57
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                             12
                                                                           $989
               Annual Reporting Form (Promotional, Builder, PCO)
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
Develop/revise online reporting forms, post to website, and communicate reporting requirements.
                                                                              5
                                                                             35
                                                                             40
                                                                      $3,361.10
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              3
                                                                            120
                                                                        $10,083
Answer partner questions about forms.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             20
                                                                             10
                                                                           $793
Receive and review the reports for consistency and completeness and place any follow-up calls necessary.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                         $79.30
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            245
                                                                            245
                                                                        $19,429
Maintain a tracking system to record information into database.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             10
                                                                              5
                                                                           $397
Develop annual data summary.
                                                                             10
                                                                             40
                                                                             50
                                                                      $4,343.20
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              1
                                                                             50
                                                                         $4,343
Subtotal
                                                                             15
                                                                             77
                                                                             92
                                                                      $7,862.90
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                            430
                                                                        $35,045
    Annual Reporting Form (Manufacturer and Retailer/Distributor Partners) 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
Update Excel and PDF reporting forms, online forms, post to website, and communicate reporting requirements.
                                                                              5
                                                                             50
                                                                             55
                                                                      $4,550.60
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                              6
                                                                            330
                                                                        $27,304
Answer partner questions about forms.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                         $79.30
                                                                             0
                                                                              0
                                                                             22
                                                                             22
                                                                         $1,745
Receive and review the Excel and PDF reports for consistency and completeness and place any follow-up calls necessary.
                                                                            0.5
                                                                              4
                                                                            4.5
                                                                        $375.76
                                                                             0
                                                                          $1.00
                                                                            135
                                                                            608
                                                                        $50,863
Maintain a tracking system to record/enter information into database.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                            135
                                                                             68
                                                                         $5,353
Develop annual data summary.
                                                                             10
                                                                             40
                                                                             50
                                                                      $4,343.20
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              1
                                                                             50
                                                                         $4,343
Subtotal
                                                                           15.5
                                                                           95.5
                                                                            111
                                                                      $9,388.51
                                                                              0
                                                                          $1.00
 
                                                                          1,078
                                                                        $89,607
                              Awards Applications
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
Update application to be submitted by partners, post to website, and communicate requirements for applying. 
                                                                              5
                                                                             25
                                                                             30
                                                                      $2,568.10
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              6
                                                                            180
                                                                        $15,409
Maintain a tracking system to record each participant's Award Application status and review submission.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             35
                                                                             18
                                                                         $1,388
Respond to partner questions about award applications.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                         $79.30
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             10
                                                                             10
                                                                           $793
Determine which applicants deserve recognition.
                                                                              6
                                                                             20
                                                                             26
                                                                      $2,288.72
                                                                             0
                                                                          $5.00
                                                                             35
                                                                            910
                                                                        $80,280
Subtotal
                                                                             11
                                                                           46.5
                                                                           57.5
                                                                      $4,975.77
                                                                              0
                                                                          $5.00
 
                                                                          1,118
                                                                        $97,870
                Provider Quarterly Reporting Form (Annualized)*
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
Update reporting form and communicate reporting requirements.
                                                                              0
                                                                              1
                                                                              1
                                                                         $79.30
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                              4
                                                                              4
                                                                           $317
Maintain a tracking system to record results of report in database.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                          51.67
                                                                             26
                                                                         $2,049
Answer partner questions about information to be submitted.
                                                                              0
                                                                            0.5
                                                                            0.5
                                                                         $39.65
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                             10
                                                                              5
                                                                           $397
Compile list of number of homes and general location.
                                                                              0
                                                                              2
                                                                              2
                                                                        $158.60
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                          51.67
                                                                            103
                                                                         $8,194
Subtotal
                                                                              0
                                                                              4
                                                                              4
                                                                        $317.20
                                                                              0
                                                                              0
 
                                                                            138
                                                                        $10,957
                   Consumer Awareness Survey (Annualized)**
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
 
 
 
Craft sampling methodology.
                                                                              8
                                                                             24
                                                                             32
                                                                      $2,840.16
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                        0.66667
                                                                             21
                                                                         $1,893
Select sample.
                                                                              0
                                                                             24
                                                                             24
                                                                      $1,903.20
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                        0.66667
                                                                             16
                                                                         $1,269
Develop survey script and instructions.
                                                                             10
                                                                             20
                                                                             30
                                                                      $2,757.20
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                        0.66667
                                                                             20
                                                                         $1,838
Implement survey.
                                                                             80
                                                                            400
                                                                            480
                                                                     $41,089.60
                                                                             0
                                                                        $667.00
                                                                        0.66667
                                                                            320
                                                                        $27,838
Analyze data and report results via program documents, presentations, and website.
                                                                             20
                                                                            120
                                                                            140
                                                                     $11,858.40
                                                                             0
                                                                             0
                                                                        0.66667
                                                                             93
                                                                         $7,906
Subtotal
                                                                            118
                                                                            588
                                                                            706
                                                                     $60,448.56
                                                                              0
                                                                        $667.00
 
                                                                            470
                                                                        $40,744
TOTAL
                                                                          161.5
                                                                         823.25
                                                                         984.75
                                                                     $84,198.61
                                                                             0
                                                                              
                                                                        $673.00
 
                                                                          3,624
                                                                       $305,381

*Quarterly Reports will be requested four times a year; data will be presented on an annual basis.
**Consumer Awareness Survey would require 2 of each activity listed during the 3-year period. No. of Agency Activities per Year would be an average of 0.66667 per year.