Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Public Health Department has updated Chapter 25 of the Iowa Administrative Code, “State Plumbing Code,” from the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) to the 2024 edition. The update went into effect on March 26.
“The adoption of the most updated and current version of the Uniform Plumbing Code steadfastly demonstrates Iowa’s commitment to help ensure the latest standards reflect the contemporary and pressing challenges facing the state,” said Des Moines Senior Plumbing Inspector Brian Hamner. “This update is critical to strengthening the protection of Iowans from the known and evolving impediments to health and safety. The keystone of what each code update unites towards is access to safer and more reliable drinking water; it is absolutely paramount to protecting the health of all citizens, both now and each day after.”
The UPC requires accredited third-party certification of drinking water treatment devices, fixtures, and components to the relevant American National Standards (ANS). The updates within the 2024 UPC are aligned with meticulous and rigorously tested recommendations throughout the plumbing industry. Updates that address the evolving water landscape in Iowa and beyond include:
The Iowa plumbing industry includes manufacturing, wholesale, and retail and has a combined direct economic impact exceeding $426 million. Additionally, manufacturing in the industry supports more than 1,800 jobs, paying more than $112 million in wages, and helps generate more than $86 million in tax revenue.
Learn more about the UPC and download the Water Demand Calculator.
IAPMO® will once again take a leading role in national High-Performance Buildings Week, returning to Washington, D.C., June 2-4. With the event celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, IAPMO will join members of the High-Performance Buildings Coalition (HPBC) on Capitol Hill to advocate for resilient, efficient, and sustainable building practices.
IAPMO® is seeking applicants to serve as technical experts on Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®) task groups.
In a recent Green Fire Times op-ed, Christoph Lohr, P.E., IAPMO vice president of technical services and research, makes the case that New Mexico is well-positioned to become a national leader in building-level water conservation. Lohr highlights Santa Fe’s proven conservation success, the state’s long-term water challenges, and the need for practical code solutions that help buildings reduce water demand while protecting public health.