Washington, D.C. (May 20, 2019) — The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) is pleased to announce that prominent companies Ferguson, Milwaukee Tool, WinSupply, LIXIL and Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) have pledged support, both financially and in products/materials, for the upcoming Community Plumbing Challenge, set for June 3-7 in the Navajo Mountain region on the Arizona-Utah border. Additionally, three United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the United States, Canada (UA) chapters — Local 400 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin; Local 412 in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas; and Local 469 in Phoenix — are sending members and/or making financial contributions.

This latest edition of the CPC Navajo Nation program will bring together a unique team of volunteer tradespeople from all over the United States, delivering running water and safe wastewater disposal for a series of family homes situated in the remote and isolated Piute Mesa area of Navajo Mountain.

“For more than 140 years, American Standard protected the health of our nation by providing access to safe plumbing,” said Troy Benavidez, Vice President of Public Affairs for LIXIL Americas. “Now, as part of LIXIL, we are committed to bringing safe sanitation to communities around the world and in our own backyard. We are thrilled to partner with IWSH to help bring clean water and sanitation to families on the Navajo Nation and in other underserved communities — helping children and families lead lives that are healthier and safer.”

There’s still time to support and help improve access to safe water supply and sanitation by getting involved in CPC Navajo Mountain. Whether providing financial or in-kind support for the project site works themselves, individuals and organizations have the opportunity make a meaningful contribution that can help demonstrate the importance of plumbing and the WASH sector in protecting public health and safety. Sponsorship opportunities exist that will bring recognition for participating companies and organizations.

“Once again, this is an incredible endeavor the CPC has championed for the betterment of life for these families,” said Michael Kirby, Director of Mechanical Trades for Milwaukee Tool. “We are extremely happy and honored to provide support in association with the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation and the Community Plumbing Challenge, as well as the United Association, to bring water and sanitation to more homes this year.”

Bob Carpenter, LMP, Outreach & Education Manager, USA for RWC, said, “Reliance Worldwide Corporation is proud to provide the materials to the IWSH Foundation that will be used to provide safe drinking water to the people living in areas of the USA where they have previously not had access to it.”

Jeffrey P. Knaus, Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer for UA Local 400, said, “UA 400 Pipe Trades would like to thank the IWSH organization for its leadership in assisting the Navajo Nation in Arizona/Utah this year. We’re very proud to be assisting in your efforts. You truly are changing the lives of these residents.” 

IWSH continues to recruit sponsors and partners for the CPC Navajo Nation program. Water sector companies and organizations that would like to support this initiative, or participate in the upcoming or subsequent events, are invited to get in contact at info@iwsh.org.