Today’s reality is water efficiency. Due to increasing water scarcity and decreasing water quality, water waste can no longer be tolerated. The plumbing industry has embraced this concept and is stepping up to the challenge. Manufacturers are developing new technologies that save water and energy. Engineers and the trades are investing in new training programs to keep current with these new technologies to make sure they are specified and installed correctly. The development of comprehensive code provisions helps maintain health, safety and plumbing system efficacy.

Being concerned with water availability should be everyone’s responsibility. Water usage is best standardized by putting in place strong codes that take on the power of law. Comprehensive and easy-to-enforce codes provide the best means to ensure that our nation’s buildings embody the most efficient and safest plumbing systems. You need the support of codes that demonstrate the best the industry has to offer.

The Uniform Codes are the result of years of practical experience and applied science taken from multiple stakeholder points of view. The technical committees, subcommittees and working groups are filled with more than 250 expert volunteers dedicated to producing the most comprehensive, discipline-specific, turnkey document. This collaboration yields a code that is enforceable rather than interpretative, while remaining flexible to embrace new technology as it enters the built environment. These codes protect the public and the jurisdiction from incorrect field interpretations by setting provisions that are understandable by all segments of the industry.

Progressive plumbing codes are recognized as an important tool for federal agencies, states and local jurisdictions to standardize water-efficient practices. IAPMO brings together the best subject matter experts in code development at the technical committee level.

The Uniform Codes are transforming the industry. To support the dynamic nature of the codes, IAPMO invests heavily in research. Water-efficiency research topics include:

• Water pipe sizing
• Drain line carry
• Rainwater harvesting
• Reduced flow fixtures

We build understanding of water and energy savings, embedding that knowledge in the most progressive and innovation-friendly codes available. By maintaining the frequency of code revisions, we assist those tasked with water conservation on a local and regional level to keep pace with advances in technology. This continuous refinement ensures that our codes get better with each and every revision.

“Water is more important than oil”
Crown Prince, General Sheikh Mohammed bi Zayed Al Nahyan – UAE