IAPMO Launches Month-Long Event to Recognize Plumbing Industry’s Positive Role in Building Resiliency and Protecting Public Health
March4Water is a new annual observance month launching in March 2023 by The IAPMO Group. More than 2.3 billion people globally do not have access to safely managed drinking water, and more than 2.2 million people in the United States live without running water or basic plumbing in their homes. The IAPMO Group recognizes the importance of safe and effective plumbing systems in keeping families and communities healthy and resilient.
March4Water brings together plumbing professionals and water advocates to raise awareness of how water and plumbing impact our lives. Each week in March — which also includes World Plumbing Day (March 11) and World Water Day (March 22) — will focus on the different roles water plays in our lives and the need to ensure our communities are safeguarded and ready for the future:
“More than ever, our communities face new challenges related to water and wastewater systems,” said Dave Viola, The IAPMO Group CEO and World Plumbing Council deputy chair. “Extreme weather events, sea level rise, and the aging infrastructure systems that govern our water supply increase the risks to our families without strong science-based codes and standards.”
Throughout March, IAPMO will host policymaker briefings, offering free webinars on emerging water technologies and providing public awareness materials, while the association’s International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) will continue its annual World Plumbing Day international poster competition for children.
“March4Water is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the hardworking professionals and organizations on the front lines of water safety, and to come together to create plans for more resilient communities,” said Dain Hansen, IAPMO executive vice president of Government Relations. “By recognizing the vital role water plays in our lives, we can raise awareness and prioritize resources to ensure access to clean, safe water for all.”
To learn more, visit www.uniformcodes.org/march4water.
The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) has unanimously approved the adoption of IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) Appendix M — the Water Demand Calculator® — into Chapter 6 of the state’s adopted International Plumbing Code as an alternative methodology for sizing water supply piping in single- and multifamily buildings.
IAPMO® applauds the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for its adoption of the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®) for applications regulated under the state's Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program. The updated code is scheduled to become effective Sept. 1.
IAPMO’s Systems Certification Body (SCB) has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to provide ISO/IEC 20000-1 certification to existing and prospective clients wishing to demonstrate the effectiveness of their IT service management systems.