Monthlong campaign connects policymakers with water-efficiency
strategies to support economic development
Ontario, California — Communities can't thrive without reliable, affordable water. From the homes we live in to the businesses that drive our economy, water systems are the foundation of prosperity. Yet across America, aging infrastructure, rising costs, and growing demand for water are colliding with limited resources.
Today, IAPMO® launches March4Water 2026, its annual observance month, to raise awareness about how communities can build resilience to water stress. This year's theme, “Water Solutions for Growing Communities,” demonstrates how water efficiency offers a proven path forward for policymakers facing the challenge of supporting economic growth while protecting drinking water supplies.
Anchored by World Plumbing Day (March 11) and World Water Day (March 22), March4Water connects state and local policymakers with evidence-based solutions to create a safer, healthier, and more affordable built environment.
“Through measures such as right-sizing plumbing systems and implementing water reuse with trained skilled professionals, communities can attract economic development while protecting public health and keeping costs down,” IAPMO CEO Dave Viola said. “Water efficiency doesn't just conserve. It creates capacity for growth. As IAPMO celebrates its centennial year, we’re equipping decision-makers with the technical roadmap they need to meet industrial demand while ensuring clean drinking water for their constituents.”
Water Efficiency as Economic Development
Water efficiency measures are typically the most affordable way to meet local water needs, according to the Pacific Institute Report “Untapped Potential.” Right-sizing pipes using the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator® tool can save up to $190,000 on multi-family projects and $5,000 per single-family home construction, directly addressing housing affordability. Homes offer the largest water savings potential, from 250 to 1,500 gallons per dwelling annually through simple fixture upgrades.
Communities facing water stress can benefit from onsite non-potable water reuse and rainwater catchment systems that create reliable additional water supplies while protecting existing drinking water sources. Reducing demand on water systems through efficiency measures can defer or eliminate the need for costly new infrastructure while reducing the energy required for water treatment and distribution.
Building the Right Workforce Capacity
A competent workforce to install and maintain modern water systems is essential for community resilience. As water sector technologies become more advanced, there is a need for skilled professionals who understand both traditional plumbing and emerging solutions, jobs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency refer to as “water protection specialists.”
IAPMO certifies water efficiency professionals and provides training on water efficiency and conservation practices, water auditing, and backflow prevention to help ensure communities can adopt and maintain water solutions that optimize water use in homes and buildings.
Free Resources Available
State government offices will host events throughout March to promote water solutions in their regions. IAPMO has assembled comprehensive resources at uniformcodes.org/march4water, including:
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH®), the public charity of IAPMO, will lead a new IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge® this summer to upgrade critical plumbing infrastructure at Los Angeles Mission, a nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in downtown Los Angeles.
ASSE International is seeking working group members to support the update of ASSE 19000, Hydronic Systems Professional Qualifications Standard.
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH®), the public charity of IAPMO, has released its 2025 Impact Report. The report highlights how targeted plumbing projects helped improve health, safety, and daily life for more than 5,000 individuals across five countries.