SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Supporting documents that explain in detail the information that EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/​dockets.

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: EPA is collecting, on a voluntary basis, data from the states on their progress toward substantial implementation of protection strategies for all community water systems (CWSs). The information to be collected will help states and EPA understand the progress toward the Agency's goal of increasing the number of CWSs (and the populations they serve) with minimized risk to public health through development and implementation of source water protection strategies for source water areas. In April of 2015, the National Water Program published guidance for meeting the water-related goals in the FY 2014-2018 EPA Strategic Plan. In keeping with this guidance, EPA specifically tracks the percentage of all CWSs that are implementing source water protection and the percentage of the total population which is served by those systems.

Form Numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: 51.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary.

Frequency of response: Annual.

Total estimated burden: 342 hours. Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

T otal estimated cost: $14,853 (per year).

Changes in Estimates: There is a decrease in the total estimated burden of 1,026 hours and a decrease in the total estimated cost of $130,416 from the existing ICR. This decrease is because source water protection programs are maturing. State databases are fully developed and tracking is routine compared to the burden and costs ( printed page 56466) calculated for the existing ICR. The change in costs due to increased hourly labor charges is also factored into this estimate.

80 FR 56465