Boston, Massachusetts — Nearly 200 Massachusetts plumbing industry leaders met with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and other key policymakers at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday for the third annual Plumbing Industry Day. Plumbing Industry Days are organized to provide expert insights to legislators and staff on policies that impact public health, water quality, and economic sustainability.
During literature drops in legislative offices and legislator visits, the group focused on showing support for:
- The Massachusetts Plumbing Code
- Increased funding for the Division of Occupational Licensure
- Graywater legislation
- Plumbing inspector mutual aid legislation
- Safe drinking water in schools legislation
The plumbing industry in Massachusetts, including manufacturing, wholesale, and retail, has a combined direct economic impact exceeding $1.2 billion. Additionally, the manufacturing in the industry supports more than 5.980 jobs, paying more than $429 million in wages, and helping to generate more than $414 million in tax revenue.
“Safe and reliable water systems don’t happen by chance— they require skilled plumbing professionals governed by effective codes and standards,” said Peter Kelly, IAPMO® director of Field Services. “As Massachusetts faces increasing demands on its water infrastructure, it is essential that we support policies that protect public health, promote economic opportunity, and ensure access to clean, safe water.”
Massachusetts Plumbing Industry Day aligns with World Plumbing Day, World Water Day and IAPMO’s annual March4Water celebration, which unites policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to address the pressing issues impacting water systems, from aging infrastructure to the increasing strain placed on plumbing systems by climate challenges such as droughts, hurricanes, and severe weather events.
In addition to Kelly, IAPMO participants included: Hugh Kelleher, former executive director of the Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association; Mike Morris, partner at Tremont Strategies Group; Peter DeFreitas, director of New England Training and Education; and Jim Scarborough, senior director of Government Relations. Also in attendance were representatives from the MA PHCC, GBPCA, regional inspector associations, UA Locals 12, 4, 51 and 104, and apprentices.
