EPA Refreshes WaterSense Survey for Thirsty Manufacturers
Published Date: 3/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA is renewing its WaterSense program’s info collection to keep promoting water-saving products and practices. This affects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who use WaterSense-labeled products. They’re asking for public comments by May 27, 2025, to make sure the process stays smooth and effective without adding extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Partners Must Submit Annual WaterSense Reports
If you are a WaterSense partner (manufacturers, retailers/distributors, builders, certifying organizations, utilities, NGOs, or trade associations), you may submit a Partnership Agreement and must submit an Annual Reporting Form each year. EPA estimates 1,224 total respondents per year, with a total estimated burden of 8,710 hours per year and total estimated cost of $989,335 per year.
New Voluntary Forms Added; Burden Increased
WaterSense added new optional forms (e.g., landscape transformation stories, partner success stories, event notifications) and reports an increase of 1,949 hours in total estimated respondent burden compared with the prior approved ICR; the ICR also reflects updated labor rates and lessons from a recent consumer awareness survey.
Shipment and Sales Data Treated as Confidential
Manufacturers and retailers/distributors who submit shipment and sales data to WaterSense will have that data collected as Confidential Business Information (CBI). EPA's contractor will manage CBI under a named security plan and only trained staff who pass a written test will have access.
EPA Will Survey Consumers About WaterSense
EPA may conduct one Consumer Awareness Survey and ad hoc 'Pulse Surveys' over the three-year period of this information collection to assess consumer awareness and understanding of WaterSense-labeled products and consumer satisfaction with labeled products.
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