|
News
Contacts
News from the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute
- 06.23.10
PMI Welcomes Fair Trade Committee Co-Chair – Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) President Lee Mercer of Moen Incorporated has made his selection for a new co-chair to help lead PMI’s Fair Trade Committee. Mike Douglass, manager of faucet engineering for Elkay Manufacturing Company, will serve alongside existing co-chair, Dale Gallmann, product compliance manager for Bradley Corporation.
- 05.21.10
PMI Welcomes New Technical Committee Co-Chair – Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) President Lee Mercer of Moen Incorporated has made his selection for a new co-chair to help lead PMI’s Technical Committee. Mark Malatesta, fittings engineer for American Standard Brands, will serve alongside existing Co-chair Casey Hayes, director of engineered solutions for Haws Corporation. Klaus Fromme recently retired from Bradley Corporation, leaving this opening for a co-chair.
- 04.14.10
PMI Volunteers on San Diego Habitat for Humanity Project – Preceding the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) Spring Meeting this March, members and staff volunteered on Habitat for Humanity’s G Avenue project in National City, CA. PMI’s team assisted with foundation preparation, retaining wall construction, irrigation system installation and other tasks. When completed in 2011, the project will provide eight semi-attached, two-story homes. Each home will have three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths.
- 04.07.10
PMI Announces Changes to Board of Directors – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute announces that Jack Krecek, vice president and general manager of the Commercial Business Unit for Elkay Manufacturing Company, has moved into the role of First Vice President and will serve as PMI's President in 2011. Stewart Yang, vice president of engineering for Kohler Co., will move into the role of Second Vice President. Yang will become PMI President in 2012.
- 04.07.10
PMI Hosts Spring Meeting – Plumbing Manufacturers Institute hosted its Spring Meeting, March 14-17, 2010, at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA. The theme for the Spring Meeting, "Expanding the Value," is an appropriate one, according to Barbara C. Higgens, PMI's executive director. "As times change and the plumbing industry changes, PMI is working to expand membership, influence, offerings, service and global reach." PMI again assembled a top-notch list of guest speakers and topics that both informed and entertained.
- 02.04.10
PMI Welcomes New Board Member and Committee Chair – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) announces the election of Fernando Fernandez to the PMI Board of Directors as a director at large and the appointment of Michael Martinez as the co-chair of the Universal Conformity Assessment Committee.
- 02.01.10
PMI Names New Director of Strategy and Technology – David Hagopian has joined PMI as Director of Strategy and Technology. He will be responsible for analyzing and reporting proposed code and standard changes, maintaining and managing effective relationships with PMI members, certification agencies and industry peers and representing PMI at various industry meetings.
- 01.06.10
PMI Hosts 2010 Spring Meeting – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) will host its 2010 Spring Meeting, March 14-17, at the Hotel Del Coronado, located in San Diego, CA. This year’s meeting will revolve around the theme “Expanding the Value.” Sustainability, legislation, regulation and standards harmonization remain high on PMI’s radar screen.
- 11.02.09
PMI Announces Dates and Locations for 2010 Meetings – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) announces that it has chosen the dates and locations for its 2010 meetings.
- 10.31.09
PMI Hosts Fall Meeting – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) hosted its Fall Meeting, October 11-14, 2009, at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The theme for the Fall Meeting was “Shaping the Legacy for a Sustainable Future,” reflecting the growing mindset of efficiency and sustainability in the plumbing manufacturing industry.
- 10.30.09
PMI Announces 2010 Board President, Officers and New Board Members – Members of the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) elected Lee Mercer, director of product compliance for Moen Incorporated, Board President for the year 2010. Mr. Mercer was elected at the 2009 Fall Meeting held October 11-14 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA. Mr. Mercer succeeds 2009 PMI President, Walt Strader, vice president, strategic technology for Price Pfister (Ret.), who will continue to serve as PMI Immediate Past President.
- 10.16.09
PMI collaborates with the Alliance for Water Efficiency at Greenbuild and beyond – United in their goal to develop water efficient and sustainable plumbing products, systems and practices, the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) expands its collaboration with the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). AWE will join PMI at Greenbuild 2009, booth #3746, to promote their shared initiatives and activities for water conservation and waste reduction.
- 08.04.09
PMI Leads Green Coalition to Drive New Water Efficiency Standards, including HETs, in Texas – A coalition led by the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute recently helped Texas join California as the second state nationwide to require high-efficiency toilets (HETs) in all new residential and commercial construction. An HET is defined as a water closet that uses no more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush (GPF), or 20% less than the 1.6-GPF models mandated by the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).
- 08.04.09
PMI Announces Fall Meeting Dates
- 07.24.09
PMI Adopts New Position Statement Calling for Maximizing Consumer Choice and Water Efficiency – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) recently adopted a new position statement advocating the efficient use of water while also maximizing consumer choice on water-saving products. As the new statement notes, “We believe that these two objectives are not mutually exclusive and can be achieved simultaneously.”
- 05.08.09
PMI Updates Mission Statement to Highlight “Environmental Sustainability” in Plumbing Products – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) recently updated its mission statement, pledging to “promote the environmental sustainability of plumbing products, as well as water efficiency, health, safety and quality” and to “represent openly the members' interests and advocate for sound environmental policies in the regulatory/legislative processes.” This is the first significant change to the mission statement since its adoption in 2006.
- 02.18.09
Newly-Named ‘Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition’ (PERC) Identifies Drainline Transport as First Joint Project – The newly-named Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition, (PERC) formed last month through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), has identified Drainline Transport as its first research project. The Coalition is comprised of five industry organizations seeking to conduct much-needed research in a number of areas. Representing the Coalition on the initial conference call to establish the first project were: Mary Ann Dickinson, Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE); Pete De Marco, International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Jay Peters, International Code Council (ICC); Ike Casey, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC); and Barbara Higgens, Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI).
- 02.02.09
Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Announces Semi-Annual Spring Meeting Dates – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) will host its semi-annual meeting on April 5-8, 2009 at The Grove Park Inn, located in Asheville, North Carolina. In these difficult economic times, the theme “Leading the Legacy” has been chosen to illustrate how PMI and its member companies are leading the way through the tumultuous economic downturn we are currently seeing.
- 01.06.09
Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Form a Water Efficiency Research Coalition – The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in a ceremony held in Washington DC January 6, at the offices of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson. PMI will partner with four other plumbing organizations to share research on water efficiency. The other organizations participating in the signing were the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the International Code Council (ICC), and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE).
Back to top
News About Clean Water
- 06.03.10
Safe Drinking Water is Essential – Documentaries, data, interactive maps and more helps to engage and educate online visitors, as well as “to advance the health and well-being of the world by improving access to clean water, public health and primary care, basic education, and economic development opportunities.”
- 05.30.10
Drinking Water Week YouTube Video Contest – Film a creative video highlighting how you celebrated Drinking Water Week, post it to YouTube and follow the instructions for a chance to win $1000 toward the AWWA bookstore.
- 05.03.10
The Adventures of Super Toilet – “The Adventures of Super Toilet is a fun, but important, reminder to kids everywhere of the importance of clean toilets, safe drinking water and good hygiene.”
- 05.02-08.10
Drinking Water Week – An opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.
- 04.07.10
Access to potable water and sanitation is scarce in much of Macedonia – "Habitat for Humanity Macedonia's pilot Water Supply and Sanitation Project, executed in partnership with the Public Enterprise 'Turija' from the Municipality of Vasilevo, helped serve almost 100 families in less than two months by connecting their homes to potable running water and proper sanitation."
- 04.06.10
"… safe, clean drinking water has greatly reduced diarrhea in children and eradicated hepatitis." – Habitat for Humanity partnered with ETP Slovakia, a Slovak NGO, to deliver a project tailor-made for Svinia, Slovakia: "renovating homes and improving the general health of the people in the settlement. All existing 120 homes were renovated, disinfected and pest-controlled; all water wells were cleaned, disinfected, repaired and sealed with concrete lids to prevent pollution."
- 04.05.10
More than half of Laos lacks access to clean water – while about one-third of the people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities, according to Habitat for Humanity. In response, Habitat focuses on improving water and sanitation facilities through the provision of loans to families for the construction of toilets, latrines and wells.
- 04.04.10
In rural Kyrgyzstan, less than 20 percent have access to running water in their homes – "It is not unusual for three generations to be crowded into a single room with no heating or water supply," reports Habitat for Humanity. "In rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, many communities have no access to central water and sewage systems. In response to this need, Habitat developed in partnership with another NGO an ecologically friendly toilet. The eco-toilet is an innovative, low-cost solution that provides clean, sanitary conditions and also prevents pollution of soil and water from waste products. The design is simple and can be constructed using local materials."
- 04.03.10
Grand Challenge: Provide Access to Clean Water – The National Academy of Engineering has noted clean water access as one of the global grand challenges. “The world's water supplies are facing new threats at every turn; affordable, sophisticated technologies could make a difference for millions of people around the world. The availability of water for drinking and other uses is a critical problem in many areas of the world.” Read more, view photos, watch interview clips and add comments.
- 04.03.10
Only 58 percent of the 7 million people of Tajikistan have access to clean, safe water – And, 51.1 percent of the Tajik population contracts one or more water-borne illness annually, according to Habitat for Humanity. "Habitat Tajikistan, in partnership with a local NGO, has developed a low-cost appropriate solution to the problem – the bio-sand water filter. One filter costs $163 and provides clean and safe drinking water for two families."
- 04.02.10
City of Minneapolis challenges residents to wean off bottle water – TapMpls asks city residents to pledge to drink more tap water, while supporting and protecting sustainable, local resources. "The federal standards the City of Minneapolis meets for tap water are even higher than those required for bottled water. Minneapolis tap water, which originates from the Mississippi River, does not deplete Twin Cities ground water reservoirs."
- 03.22.10
American Public Health Champion Receives 2010 Stockholm Water Prize – Dr. Rita Colwell, distinguished professor from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, has been named the 2010 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate. “Dr. Colwell’s pioneering research on the prevention of waterborne infectious diseases has helped protect the health and lives of millions.”
- 03.22.10
World Water Day Panelists Urge New Mindset for Wastewater Treatment – United Nations Environment Program report highlights wastewater management investment as “one of the best financial decisions a government can make.” Download report and watch video at http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/sickwater/
- 03.22.10
EPA outlines new vision for clean, safe drinking water – U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson shared a new vision meant to streamline decision-making and expand protection under existing law and promote cost-effective new technologies to meet the needs of water-stressed communities. Specifically, this shift in drinking water strategy is organized around four key principles:
- Address contaminants as a group rather than one at a time so that enhancement of drinking water protection can be achieved cost-effectively.
- Foster development of new drinking water treatment technologies to address health risks posed by a broad array of contaminants.
- Use the authority of multiple statutes to help protect drinking water.
- Partner with states to share more complete data from monitoring at public water systems.
- 03.17.10
Thousands of water and sewer systems may be too old to function properly – “Today, a significant water line bursts on average every two minutes somewhere in the country, according to a New York Times analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data.”
- 03.15.10
One billion could miss sanitation goal without boost to efforts, say UN agencies – Nearly 39% of the world’s population, or 2.6+ billion people, live without improved sanitation facilities, according to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme Report on Water Supply and Sanitation titled “Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water: 2010 Update.” Download a PDF of the full report at http://www.unicef.org/media/files/JMP-2010Final.pdf
- 03.15.10
Tap Project calls attention to world water issues – “During World Water Week, March 21-27, 2010, the UNICEF Tap Project will once again raise awareness of the world water crisis and vital funds to help the millions of children it impacts daily. All funds raised support UNICEF’s water, sanitation and hygiene programs, and the effort to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.”
- 03.12.10
South African Water Research Commission announces “Nanotechnology – a revolutionary water treatment solution” – “A common problem in developing countries is drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria and viruses, which are the main cause of water-borne diseases. …The use of nanofibres, such as those fabricated by electrospinning, offers one potential solution for the present obstacles to reliable water treatment. The small pore size, high specific surface area and high porosity of electrospun nanofibre webs can be utilised to separate solid impurities from the liquid phase through filtration, ensuring good quality drinking water.”
- 03.09.10
Plain Talk About Drinking Water, available from AWWA – Includes answers to 231 common questions about water – "As consumers become more concerned with where their water comes from and what it contains, they also want to know more about how to protect it from contamination, how to conserve it, and the truth about home water-treatment devices." (non-members' cost $17.95US)
- 02.17.10
One Year Later, EPA-Funded Recovery Act Projects Yielding Cleaner Air, Water, And Land Across New York – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is providing more than $560 million for environmental cleanups and upgrades across New York State including about $87 million for drinking water projects, reports WaterOnline.com.
- 02.04.10
Hospital bans bottled water – St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, Conn., estimated its staff and visitors consumed 350,000 bottles of water per year, according to WaterTech Online. Now, the health care facility saves financial and natural resources by choosing tap water.
- 02.03.10
World Plumbing Day: March 11, 2010 – “… plumbing is a significant industry and a major contributor to public health and the environment. This year we have chosen the theme 'Plumbing-Vital to Global Health' with the intention being that we highlight just how much our industry contributes to both the health of our people and the health of our planet,” said Robert Burgon, World Plumbing Council chairman.
- 02.03.10
Plumbing and the Haiti Crisis – “The statistics in Haiti present some calamitous results. Twenty-nine percent of Haiti's total population (2.3 million) does not have access to potable water and this was before the earthquake. Even when a public water system is available, many have to travel long distances to collect the water and still it has to be purified. In addition, potable water is not free, for the 80% of Haitians who live in abject poverty the cost of clean drinking water is a significant challenge.”
- 01.25.10
Betting on Water – A new project from the World Resources Institute intends to help identify and measure the water-related risks facing companies and their investors, and lead to better environmental decisions.
- 01.20.10
Lights, Camera, Environmental Action – A partnership of 10 nongovernmental organizations in Indonesia has decided to send the message of environmental conservation through film, with the 2010 South to South Film Festival, or StoS. Movies subjects include the scarcity of clean water due to oil extraction and more.
- 01.15.10
“The Market Grows where Water Flows” – “The UN World Water Development Report is published every three years and is the result of a cooperative effort by 26 UN agencies and entities that make up UN Water. It brings together some of the world's leading experts to analyze the state of our water resources and report to decision-makers in government, business, civil society and the international community. It provides information on trends and explores the options for action.”
- 01.15.10
AWWA urges relief to Haiti – “Access to safe drinking water is frequently among the first threats to survivors in impacted areas. The threat of waterborne disease may persist as the emergency response concludes and the reconstruction effort begins,” said AWWA Interim Executive Director Paula MacIlwaine.
- 01.15.10
World Health Organization Technical Notes for Emergencies – Following the natural disaster in Haiti, the Water, Engineering and Development Centre at Loughborough University, UK, posted these critical reminders from WHO regarding water use in emergency situations.
- 01.15.10
EPA Proposes Standards to Protect Florida’s Waters: Action would decrease amount of phosphorus and nitrogen pollution – “Nutrient pollution can damage drinking water sources; increase exposure to harmful algal blooms, which are made of toxic microbes that can cause damage to the nervous system or even death; and form byproducts in drinking water from disinfection chemicals, some of which have been linked with serious human illnesses like bladder cancer.”
- 01.13.10
Water for Haiti: Now – Dr. Peter Gleick calls for action, donation to help earthquake victims in Haiti.
- 01.12.10
Seven Priorities for EPA’s Future – Protecting America’s Waters listed among EPA’s top priorities.
- 01.06.10
EPA Proposes Designation of Michindoh Aquifer as Sole Source of Drinking Water – Michindoh aquifer is being discussed as the sole source of drinking water for an area comprising nine counties including parts of Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties in Indiana; Branch, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties in Michigan; and Defiance and Fulton counties, and all of Williams County in Ohio. The public comment period on the proposed decision has been extended until Jan. 29.
- 01.03.10
How can I help protect drinking water? – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides resources for people to take an active role in ensuring safe drinking water for themselves and their communities.
- 01.02.10
Keeping Clean In Healthcare Facilities – Commercial Building Products article recommends, “When specifying plumbing products, seek a balance between cleanliness, design, and water conservation.”
- 01.01.10
Environmental Working Group ranks tap water in big cities – e rating for these “water utilities based on three factors: the total number of chemicals detected since 2004; the percentage of chemicals found of those tested; and the highest average level for an individual pollutant, relative to legal limits or national average amounts, including for the most common pollutants (disinfection byproducts, nitrate and arsenic).”
- 12.27.09
Saving our tap water: The problem and solution – Dr. Peter Gleick weighs in on safety of U.S. tap water. “Most of our tap water meets quality standards, most of the time. Drinking water that does not meet a federal health guideline will not necessarily make someone ill. Many contaminants are hazardous only if consumed for years, or not hazardous at all.”
- 12.23.09
Number of urban people without access to water may double by 2015 – Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor reports “that the number of the world's urban population without access to an improved source of drinking water will increase from 137 million (2006) to 296 million (2015).”
- 12.16.09
The New York Times publishes a series on U.S. water pollution and regulations
- 12.15.09
55 million people affected by extreme weather disasters in 2009 – International Strategy for Disaster Reduction reports, "A lack of access to clean water, in fact a lack of access to water at all, is already a major threat to human security. Disasters can be caused by too little water as well as too much water."
- 12.13.09
WaterAid America shares statistics on water use and sanitation issues – 1.4 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 4,000 deaths a day or one every 20 seconds.
- 12.11.09
Think outside the bottle – Water Technology reports that four states are “asking public employees to drink tap water and increase efforts to protect public water supplies.”
- 12.01.09
Copper as an antimicrobial – Three part series on copper's antimicrobial qualities from the Copper Development Association.
- 11.05.09
EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 9 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Jared Blumenfeld to be the Agency’s Regional Administrator for EPA's Region 9. This region encompasses California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and over 140 Tribal Nations.
- 11.05.09
EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 6 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Dr. Alfredo “Al” Armendariz to be the Agency's Regional Administrator for EPA's region 6. This region encompasses Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and 66 Tribal Nations.
- 11.05.09
EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 3 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Shawn M. Garvin to be the agency’s new Regional Administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region (Region 3). This region encompasses Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- 11.05.09
EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 2 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Judith Enck to be the Agency’s Regional Administrator for EPA's region 2. This region encompasses New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and seven Tribal Nations.
- 11.05.09
EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 1 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of H. Curtis “Curt” Spalding to be the Agency’s Regional Administrator for EPA's region 1. This region encompasses Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and ten Tribal Nations.
- 10.29.09
New Global Public Opinion Survey Finds Water Issues are Top Environmental Concern Worldwide –
"A comprehensive global public opinion survey on attitudes about fresh water sustainability, management, and conservation finds that people around the world view water issues as the planet’s top environmental problem, greater than air pollution, depletion of natural resources, loss of habitat, and climate change."
Read more at: http://www.pacinst.org/press_center/press_releases/water_survey_08_09.html
See more at: http://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2009/cob/waterviews/waterviews-infographics/
Back to top
News About Water Efficiency
- 07.30.10
Water Use Statistics – Daily indoor per capita water use in the typical U.S. single family home is 69.3 gallons. Clothes washers, toilets and showers comprise the largest percentage of daily use.
- 07.25.10
Water Conservation Facts: By the Numbers – Planet Green quantifies water conversation.
- 07.20.10
How much water does a leaking faucet waste? – Every drip counts. Add it up using this online calculator from the U.S. Geological Survey.
- 07.10.10
Take a virtual tour of the Water Saver Home – Explore water efficiency option in the online homeplan California Urban Water Conservation Council.
- 07.01.10
Water saving tips and technologies – Download series of PDFs on “Water Smart” homes, yards, gardens and technologies from Clean Water Foundation of Canada.
- 06.30.10
Walk this Way: making the right choices to reduce your water footprint – Wonderful graphic from Fogelson-Lubliner, updated for GOOD.
- 06.25.10
Smarter Water Management – “With advances in technology—sophisticated sensor networks, smart meters, deep computing and analytics—we can be smarter about how we manage our planet’s water,” states IBM Big Green Innovations. See more statistics, tips and research.
- 06.25.10
Grand Hyatt Atlanta High-Efficiency Products – Atlanta area water and sewer rates quadrupled in the last 10 years, and in July 2008, Atlanta faced a 27.5% increase on their water and sewer rates. The programs put into place by the hotel included 460 HETs that contribute to saving 29 gallons per guest night, a 63% water savings over the previous 3.5 gpf toilets, and overall water conservation efforts that contribute to 3,253,000 gallons of water saved per year.
- 06.25.10
From “garburators” in Canada, to “garbage grinders” in Japan, food waste disposers go by many names around the world. Researchers across the globe agree that disposers don't harm sewer systems and can provide environmental benefits. Click here for studies and statistics from New York to the Netherlands.
- 06.20.10
Water Footprints’ online calculator offers extended assessment for more countries, plus many other tools – Learn about the water footprints of nations, corporations, products and more.
- 06.10.10
One-minute water calculator – This easy, interactive tool from Zerofootprint.net adjusts for U.S. and Canadian households.
- 06.01.10
Water Use: Drop It When It’s Hot – “In addition to putting a strain on local water supplies, peak water use can hurt your wallet; some utilities charge more per gallon during peak season or add a ‘summer overage’ fee to compensate for heavier demands on supply and to encourage efficiency,” warns the WaterSense Web site.
- 05.30.10
Global Innovation Outlook – Report on Water – Watch videos, download report, listed to “Waterwork” podcast, and join the conversation with IBM Global Innovation Outlook.
- 05.25.10
Top Water Conservation Tips – 10 Tips from Planet Green to save water.
- 05.20.10
Project Blue supports youth in taking action on water issues – Part of Jane Godall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Council programs, Project Blue educates and mobilizes youth to take action on protecting Canada’s water resources. The Web site includes child-appropriate videos and tools to learn about shorelines and watersheds, rainwater harvesting, water bottle recycling and more.
- 05.10.10
50 Tips to Reduce Your Water Footprint – H2O Conserve presents educational tips and tools to conserve water resources and calculate savings.
- 05.01.10
Home Water Conservation & Residential Tips: Video Series – California conservationist Cathie Pare' shares water conservation tips including how to reduce water usage from the toilet, in the kitchen and bathroom, and beyond.
• How to Access the Water Meter
• Checking the Water Meter Flow Indicator for Home Water Conservation Tips
• Water Shut-Off Valve for Home Water Conservation Tips
• Inspecting the Kitchen for Water Efficiency
• Inspecting the Bathroom for Water Efficiency
• Check for Toilet Leaks for Home Water Conservation Tips
• Toilet Water Flow Adjustment for Home Water Conservation Tips
• How to Locate a Toilet Leak for Water Conservation Tips
• Managing Appliance Water Usage for Conservation Tips
• New Efficient Technology for Home Water Conservation
- 04.30.10
Green Build Checklist from Habitat for Humanity includes water-efficiency – Habitat for Humanity’s youth-oriented educational materials recommends low-flow toilets and faucets and other water- and energy-efficient tips.
- 04.25.10
Water worries will beat out energy concerns – “Concerns about water will overtake those about energy conservation and waste reduction, according to a survey of architectural and engineering firms and contractors and building owners conducted by McGraw-Hill,” notes The McMorrow Report. Among the statistics: “Brand awareness of water-reducing fixtures is strongest for high-efficiency toilets (48%), water-reducing faucets (30%), and waterless urinals (23%).”
- 04.20.10
20% of household energy use is for heating water in rural Armenia – Habitat for Humanity is helping families in Armenia’s rural communities who “often barely produce enough hot water for their basic needs” and “are particularly vulnerable due to the exorbitant costs associated with connecting to an energy grid.”
- 04.10.10
The Intelligent Use of Water™ Summit: State of the Union – Live broadcast on April 15, 10 a.m. EDT, from the Smithsonian Institution’s Baird Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
- 03.29.10
Water Conservation: It’s a Fixture – The LOTT Alliance in Washington State is reducing wastewater flows to its treatment plants one toilet, one urinal and one faucet at a time. By changing out older water fixtures for more water-efficient ones, the sewer partners of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County have reduced water down the drain and into the sewer system by more than 760,000 gallons per day since 1997, figures show. Conserving water in order to avoid expensive water treatment plant improvement has been the goal, and it's succeeding in the area.
- 03.22.10
Water-Saving Toilets of the Future – “Most likely, you're currently dumping more than a gallon of drinkable water down the sewer each time you flush,” according to GreenBiz.com. For water-efficient models, read the online products’ overview released on World Water Day.
- 03.17.10
Majority of Canadians consider water to be their most important natural resource – The 2009 Canadian Water Attitudes Study reveals more people concerned about quality and availability of freshwater than oil, fisheries, or forests.
- 03.16.10
Water, energy conservation linked; Officials point to need to overhaul lifestyles – Faced with a water crisis, California lawmakers have required water usage reductions of 20 percent, on average, by 2020. For San Diego County, that means reducing the amount of water used per person to 142 gallons a day, from today’s 164 gallons. To get there, it’ll take more than rebates for things like low-flow toilets and showerheads, according to the Union-Tribune.
- 03.16.10
The new "Waterwise Evidence Base for Large-scale Water Efficiency in Homes" report – …highlights that water savings of, on average, 15% per day are possible by installing a range of water-efficient products in homes and through encouraging customers to make behavior changes. In addition, the findings show that "reducing water wastage in the home can drive down carbon footprint significantly and lead to savings in energy bills."
Waterwise is an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization focused on decreasing water consumption in the United Kingdom and building the evidence base for large-scale water efficiency. A PDF copy of the report is available to download.
- 03.15.10
National Geographic explores world water crisis – “Learn about freshwater resources and how they are used to feed, power, and sustain all life. See how the forces of technology, climate, human nature, and policy create challenges and drive solutions for a sustainable planet.”
- 03.11.10
Chicago calls for water conservation – "The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning recently issued a report, 'Water 2050: Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Supply/Demand Plan,' offering suggestions on conservation. If half of the total water demand in the region - 1.6 billion gallons every day - were subjected to nine conservation measures, we could be saving 269.4 million gallons daily."
Full article, charts and video from Medill Reports at http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=161538
Full report from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning available here: http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/watersupply/default.aspx
- 03.08.10
When was the last time you fixed a leak? – Nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year.
- 03.08.10
Texas can save water with new toilets, other steps – “The report from the National Wildlife Federation and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club says replacing toilets manufactured before 1992 could save about 12,000 gallons a year per household. Older toilets use from 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, but newer high-efficiency toilets only use 1.28 gallons per flush,” according to the Associate Press.
A PDF copy of the Sierra Club chapter’s “State Capitol Report” can be downloaded here: http://lonestar.sierraclub.org/press/scr/scr20100304.pdf
- 03.07.10
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Committee Included Water Efficiency among Sustainability Strategies – “From accessible, energy- and water-efficient community facilities; to management tools such as the SMRS and the SSET; to transferable programs such as the Buy Smart, carbon management and asset-disposal programs; to affordable housing units in Vancouver and Whistler and in six other BC communities; to changing transportation habits, we have worked to create lasting benefits in our communities.”
- 03.02.10
Water Footprint Labels to Become As Important as Energy Star
- 03.01.10
Schools and universities can take steps to conserve water and energy in their facilities’ bathrooms. – “Hundreds of students using multiple bathrooms at thousands of schools at least a couple of times a day for 180 days a year: the gallons of water that could be saved could fill a lake,” reports American School & University.
- 03.01.10
Meeting LEED's Water Use Reduction is no longer a sure thing – Three major changes in LEED v3's Water Efficiency category make it more difficult for office buildings to reach water use reduction targets, according to an article in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s March issue. Learn more about these changes from LEED v2.2 NC to v3.
- 03.01.10
PERC Update – PERC's inaugural research study will explore drainline transport efficacy. Special consideration will be given to the impact of high-efficiency toilets, which reduce water consumption volume to 1.28 gallons per flush.
- 03.01.10
DOE announces intention to pursue enforcement actions against the manufacturers of water-using appliances that violate national water and energy savings laws – “Almost all of the major manufacturers have done a great job in producing high-quality fixtures that meet the standards. But a few manufacturers have flouted the law by either failing to ensure that their water fixtures met the national standards, or by failing to prove it to federal regulators,” writes Dr. Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute, an internationally recognized water expert and a MacArthur Fellow.
- 02.25.10
Rep. Coffman Honored for Water Conservation Legislation – “Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for his leadership in advancing green building policies that save energy, water, and money. ...Coffman’s WATER Act would provide a 30 percent tax credit up to $1,500 for consumers who replace less-efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings with those that carry the EPA WaterSense label.”
- 02.25.10
Top 10 Pieces of Green Building Legislation Announced – USGBC has named its Top 10 list of green building legislation. The list honors the bipartisan work of the Congress members who have introduced key energy efficiency and building legislation this year. See which bills were honored (PDF).
- 02.25.10
DOE institutes enforcement action against four showerhead manufacturers – “On December 9, 2009, DOE announced that manufacturers would be granted a 30-day window, until January 8, 2010, to submit correct certification data to DOE, after which time DOE would begin to aggressively enforce violations of its certification requirements, including seeking civil penalties or fines. These are the first actions taken following expiration of the 30-day grace period,” reported Alliance for Water Efficiency.
- 02.24.10
WaterSMART Initiative launched by U.S. Department of the Interior – The "SMART" in WaterSMART stands for "Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow," notes Alliance for Water Efficiency. “The WaterSMART Secretarial Order has several parts, all of which are focused on improving water conservation and helping water and resource managers make wise decisions about water use, including… a water footprint reduction program for facilities and water-consuming operations to achieve and exceed the goal established by President Obama to reduce overall consumption of potable water by 26 percent by 2020 and industrial, landscaping, and agricultural water by 20 percent by 2020.”
- 02.18.10
Water conservation #1 green trend for 2010 – EcoHome Magazine’s “Seven Green Trends” of the year lists water conservation as its first hot topic and highlights water-efficient products for the bathroom.
- 02.18.10
There’s an app for that: Waterprint – “Waterprint is a one-of-a-kind iPhone application that calculates how much water is imbedded in your daily activities, including what you wear, eat, drive and drink. This application includes a Waterprint calculator that quickly and easily allows you to determine exactly how much water it takes to grow a banana, manufacture a t-shirt or brush your teeth.”
- 02.08.10
DEC TV – Green Household Tips for Saving Financial and Natural Resources – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is starting off 2010 with a series of online videos designed to show how small actions can lead to big savings on energy and water usage in households.
- 02.07.10
Fix A Leak Week: March 15-21, 2010 – Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? More than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year.
- 02.05.10
EPA announces a new pilot grant program… – …designed to help three states – New York, Maryland and California – use their clean water funding programs to support efforts to make communities more sustainable.
- 02.05.10
What Life is Like Working in a Green Building? – “It is not enough to simply build a green building; a big part of the equation is how the building is operated and the behavior of the occupants.”
- 02.03.10
Blue is the New Green – Eco-Structure looks at the looming water crisis and what it may mean for architects, contractors, engineers, and technology suppliers.
- 02.02.10
Low flow delivered high satisfaction with at least 25 percent in water savings for 21 homeowners... – ...in two suburban Atlanta communities who volunteered to replace their existing plumbing products with high-efficiency WaterSense®-certified models. “We want to convince homeowners, building professionals and legislators that water conservation doesn’t mean sacrifice,” said Tommy Linstroth, water-savings expert and principal at Trident Sustainability Group.
- 02.01.10
Water Footprint: Have Your Say – "The Water Footprint Network has launched its Water Footprint Manual, covering a comprehensive set of methods for water footprint accounting. It shows how water footprints can be calculated for individual processes and products, as well as for consumers, nations and businesses, and includes methods for water footprint sustainability assessment and a library of water footprint response options."
- 02.01.10
Testing the Water: Smart Metering for Water Utilities – Oracle shares downloadable report of survey results from more than 1,200 water consumers and 300 water utility managers in the United States and Canada. “Consumers believe receiving more detailed information on their water consumption will be a key factor in motivating their water conservation efforts.”
- 02.01.10
Pick 5 for the Environment – EPA asks people to committing to at least five actions to protect the environment. #1 is Use less water.
- 01.28.10
DOE institutes enforcement action against four showerhead manufacturers – The Office of General Counsel has issued Notices of Proposed Civil Penalty to four showerhead manufacturers, which collectively propose payments to the government in excess of $3 million. The notices were issued for failing to certify to the Department of Energy (DOE) that showerheads manufactured or distributed by these companies meet the applicable water conservation standard as required by the Energy Policy Conservation Act and DOE’s regulations. These certification reports provide DOE with information critical to determining that American consumers are buying products that deliver significant water- and cost-savings in accord with DOE’s regulations. Unless the manufacturers settle these claims within 30 days, the Department will file actions either in District Court or with an Administrative Law Judge to demand payment for the failure to certify their products.
- 01.28.10
Students learn by seeing sustainability in action – “Incorporation of visible features of sustainability and energy and water measurement devices that display data for students to see and use are essential to development of curricula related to the features of the sustainable school building.” Read more at Green Building News.
- 01.25.10
Measuring Toilet Performance – free testing report available for download – Now in its 15th edition, the 2009 Maximum Performance (MaP) Testing report provides performance information on more than 1,200 different toilet fixture models. Many of these models are WaterSense-certified, high-efficiency toilets (HETs).
- 01.21.10
Water conservation plan unveiled – “…three of Water in the West’s current concrete goals: pioneering low-energy distributed treatment systems, examining some of the contaminants that make people wary of drinking recycled water and getting rid of some of the institutional barriers that make water reclamation difficult.”
- 01.15.10
WaterSmart Guidebook for Business Available Through AWE – The Alliance for Water Efficiency teamed with the East Bay Municipal Utility District to share the “WaterSmart Guidebook: A Water Use Efficiency Plan and Review Guide for New Businesses.” This downloadable document is available in its entirety, as well as by type of water-using technologies such as restroom and plumbing, and by specific business types such as for schools, office buildings, hospitals and other applications.
- 01.12.10
Kitchen and Bath Design Trends Announced for 2010 – Pull-out kitchen faucets noted among the newer kitchen trends that are gaining in popularity.
- 01.12.10
Fix A Leak Week – Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? More than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year.
- 01.12.10
Water Saving Tips from UK Work in US, too. – Video and other resources from United Kingdom’s Energy Saving Trust helps demonstrate what little changes in the home save water, energy and money.
- 01.11.10
Water conservation makes Top 10 list for Northwest states – The Earth Advantage Institute, which works with the construction industry to support sustainable home building, says green building was a bright spot in 2009 in what was an otherwise dreary year for the industry. The organization’s lists 10 trends it believes will become increasingly important through 2010 and beyond.
- 01.11.10
NAHB Helps Make WaterSense More Workable for Builders – “NAHB was especially interested in clarifying the intentions of specific program requirements and avoiding duplicative paperwork and inspections that might discourage industry participation.”
- 01.08.10
Save Water With New iPhone App – Sloan’s new Save H2O calculator is a free application for the iPhone that allows users to determine water usage and potential savings.
- 01.04.10
Coming Up Short: What Water Conservation Means for Business – IBM Big Green Innovations shares suggestions and research: “About 77 percent of those surveyed felt that water management was extremely critical to their business, yet 51 percent said they lacked formal guidelines for implementing it and an additional 63 percent of executives said they lacked access to integrated water management systems.”
- 01.02.10
Low-Flow Showerheads: How to Choose – “Thanks to innovative new technology, today’s super-efficient low-flow showerheads save water, reduce your energy bills, and still feel good to use.”
- 01.01.10
Water efficiency to play bigger role in residential projects – Professional Remodeler reports that low-flow fixtures are among the top water conservation measures among residential contractors.
- 12.29.09
Commercial Plumbing Trends For 2009 & 2010 – “Commercial plumbing is more than ever about green products that target water and energy conservation in the workplace. Business owners are more than happy to install water efficient toilets, urinals and faucets that also cut down utility costs significantly.”
- 12.29.09
Coalition asks President Obama for Recognition of Water Efficiency Alongside Energy Efficiency in Future Jobs Legislation – Letter “urged the President to propose to Congress the inclusion of plumbing and irrigation efficiency retrofits in legislation to create green jobs and boost the economy.”
- 12.29.09
“Is Bottled Water Really That Bad? Yes,” reports Fast Company magazine. – Infographic created by Online Education
“We pitch into landfills 38 billion water bottles a year – in excess of $1 billion worth of plastic.”
- 12.23.09
Water Prize finalists awash with innovative ideas – The inaugural global competition, Imagine H2O Prize, rewards business plans that offer the greatest promise of breakthroughs in the efficient use and supply of water.
- 12.17.09
EPA WaterSense for homes finalized – “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense Single-Family New Home Specification, under which homes will use 20 percent less water than typical new houses, was finalized December 9,” reports Residential Architect.
- 12.16.09
Facility managers surveyed on water costs and conservation – “72 percent of the respondents indicate installing water-conserving fixtures and systems is either important or very important,” reports Sustainable Facility.
- 12.15.09
Charting our water future – The 2030 Water Resources Group offers free, downloadable report with case studies from four countries with drastically different water issues, which will collectively account for 40 percent of the world’s population. “The report's methodology identifies supply- and demand-side measures that could constitute a more cost effective approach to closing the water gap and achieve savings in each country.”
- 12.01.09
New Ways to Improve Water Efficiently – Building Design+Construction publishes plumbing technologies AIA Continuing Education Series
- 12.01.09
Make a splash about water – Alliance for Water Efficiency describes how "too many water efficiency guidelines are drowning designers with options and diluting progress on this vital issue."
- 12.01.09
House approves bills to improve the integration of energy and water research – “This legislation is the product of several recommendations from the Committee's hearings on water and reports from the National Academies, the Government Accountability Office, the National Science Technology Council, and the Department of Energy (DOE). In addition, this bill has been endorsed by the Water Innovations Alliance, NanoH2O Inc., and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.”
- 11.27.09
“Saving Water, One Frame at a Time...” – The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition showcases the short films produced by green build industry workers and filmmakers, designed to raise awareness for water protection and conservation. The short films, from one to 10 minutes, are encouraged to explore creative methods and designs to "manage and use earth's most precious resource responsibly."
- 11.25.09
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk – “Grand Canyon Adventure immerses audiences in one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, delivering a giant-screen experience that not only shares a valuable lesson about water conservation, but entertains audiences with a rip-roaring whitewater adventure down the Colorado River.” Read about world water crisis facts and tips for conserving water at home, download a teacher’s guide, play interactive activities and find show times.
- 11.20.09
Did you know? – Americans now use an average of 100 gallons of water each day.
- 11.17.09
USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference opens with celebration at Chase Field – David Kohler, president and chief operating officer of Kohler Co., and USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi spoke to an audience of more than 28,000, stressing the importance of green building.
- 11.08.09
The State Of The Green Building Movement – “Total water savings from LEED through 2009 is estimated at 15 billion gallons, comprising 0.5% of annual non-residential water use. By 2030, LEED results in nearly 1.3 trillion gallons of saved water, equivalent to 30% of current annual non-residential water use,” reports Rich Cartlidge, LEED AP.
- 11.04.09
Water Works – Kitchen and Bath Business magazine gives the lowdown on low-flow showerheads.
- 11.01.09
What Building Teams and Home Builders Can Do To Confront the Pending Crisis in Water Scarcity – Building Design+Construction published a new White paper titled, “Green Buildings + Water Performance.” The paper focuses on the role of water in sustainable design and construction, and concludes with a set of 21 detailed recommendations for builders, developers, building owners, government officials, industry associations, NGOs, and the public with regard to water performance.
- 10.22.09
Kohler Co. is 2009 EPA National Watersense Manufacturer of the Year – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Kohler Co. recently as the WaterSense Manufacturing Partner of the Year for two years running. Kohler, a Wisconsin plumbing manufacturer received the award for its commitment to water efficiency. The company has promoted EPA's WaterSense and its WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures across the country.
- 10.19.09
EPA's WaterSense Label Available for First Commercial Building Product – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its first WaterSense specification for a commercial building product. WaterSense labeled flushing urinals will use 50 percent less water than standard urinals, saving businesses 4,000 gallons of water per year for every model installed.
- 10.08.09
EPA Honors Virginia Agency as Water Efficiency Leader – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has named James City Service Authority, James City, Va., as the national small utility WaterSense partner of the year for 2009.
- 10.08.09
EPA Recognizes Lowe's As Water Efficiency Leader – More than 1,000 WaterSense partners helped Americans save 9.3 billion gallons of water in 2008. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named five of them, including Lowe's Companies, Inc., headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., as the 2009 WaterSense Partners of the Year.
- 10.08.09
EPA Recognizes Cobb County Water System in Georgia as Water Efficiency Leader – The Cobb County Water System worked with Kohler, Lowe's and other WaterSense partners to promote the state of Georgia's first sales tax holiday in October 2008 for WaterSense-labeled products. During that time, Cobb County saw a 400 percent increase in WaterSense-labeled toilet purchases.
- 08.27.09
Water Wars Move From Courtroom To Bathroom:
Atlanta Seeks To Conserve Precious Resource – Research conducted by the American Water Works Association has determined that adopting existing water-efficient technology could reduce indoor daily water usage to 45 gallons per person for single-family homes, a savings of 25 percent to 48 percent.
- 07.31.09
Leading the Legacy with Creative Water Solutions – Bad Energy Plan; Jimmy Carter nagging the American people that if they would only wear sweaters, turn the lights off and heat down and drive less we would solve the energy crisis. Good Energy Plan; Since Mr. Carter's presidency we have generated energy efficiency improvements which have saved 50% of the energy that otherwise would have been used.
- 07.29.09
High Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Why “Flushing With Confidence” Is Here to Stay – by C.J. Lagan, Manager, Compliance Engineering, American Standard Brands
The National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) required plumbing fixture manufacturers to reduce toilet water consumption from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to 1.6 gpf. The resulting debate is still fresh in the mind of the American consumer.
- 03.06.09
Hansgrohe Employee-Volunteers Upgrade 2,500 Faucets to Help Save Water and the Environment – Hansgrohe personnel spend a recent Saturday equipping new bathroom faucets from stock with low-flow aerators to save 2.4 million gallons of water annually.
- 08.08 Building Design+Construction Magazine (page 36)
Do's and Don'ts of Super-Low-Flow Showerheads – by Shawn Martin, Technical Director, PMI
Switching to an enhanced water-saving showhead is no slam dunk, whether for new or retrofit work. Poor design and improper specs can leave bathers bruised, shivering, and even scalded.
- 07.29.08
High Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Why “Flushing With Confidence” Is Here to Stay – by C.J. Lagan, Manager, Compliance Engineering, American Standard Brands
The National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) required plumbing fixture manufacturers to reduce toilet water consumption from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to 1.6 gpf. The resulting debate is still fresh in the mind of the American consumer.
- 07.07 World Plumbing Review (page 70)
Good System Design Saves More Than Water – by Shawn Martin, Technical Director, PMI
Around the world, water use is quickly emerging in many areas as a critical issue in the design and construction of housing. Improvements to plumbing design will need to look at the system as a whole, including piping system design, greywater reuse, rainwater collection, user behavior and alternative water heating systems. In many cases, this not only improves performance but also means savings in installation time and costs.
Back to top
News About Health & Safety
- 07.04.10
Scald prevention reminders from the Home Safety Council
- 06.04.10
CDC and NIOSH address occupational health issues associated with H1N1 – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is coordinating with other parts of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address national health needs associated with preventing the spread of H1N1 flu virus and providing information to workers and employers.
- 05.04.10
Building Safety Month – Four core themes will be highlighted during month-long campaign in May 2010: Energy & Green Building; Disaster Safety & Mitigation; Fire Awareness & Safety and Backyard Safety.
- 04.04.10
American Cleaning Institute offers kid-friendly hand hygiene helpers. – From color sheets to sing-along songs, these hand hygiene educational materials teach pre-school children when to wash their hands and why it's important.
- 02.10.10
What is the No. 1 reason behind the failure to achieve handwashing compliance? – HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey 2010 reports:
Lack of spine to self-police and report colleagues’ violations 39.60%
Lack of leadership to make it a priority 28.86%
Lack of adequate penalties 18.79%
Lack of convenient access to appropriate supplies 12.08%
Handwashing is not really that important to combat infections 0.67%
- 02.07.10
$10 Billion for EPA Requested in Federal Budget for Fiscal 2011 – “This amount will strengthen the EPA's program implementation, research, regulation, and comprehensive enforcement activities.” It includes: $3.3 billion total for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds; $1.3 billion to help states and tribes protect their air, water, and land; $17 million for the Mississippi River Basin; $63 million for the Chesapeake Bay restoration; $300 million for restoration efforts in the Great Lakes basin.
- 02.02.10
Water sector meets security requirements, according to analysis – The 2009 Water Sector Measures Analysis found that 87 percent of water utilities have "integrated security and preparedness into budgeting, training and manpower responsibilities" and 88 percent "receive screened, validated and timely security threat information from one or more sources," reported WaterTechOnline.
- 01.27.10
The ADA-Compliant Restroom – Buildings magazine helps "make sure you're up to date on code requirements so you don't face liability issues later."
- 01.06.10
EPA Releases National Water Program Research Strategy to Advance and Broaden Research Partnerships – The strategy outlines the water program’s four research priorities: healthy watersheds and coastal waters, safe drinking water, sustainable water infrastructure and water security. Each priority also focuses on five technical areas: aquatic life health effects, human health effects, method development, occurrence and exposure, and treatment technologies and effectiveness.
- 11.03.09
International Code Council Foundation Announces Plans for Building Safety Month – Four core themes will be highlighted during month-long campaign in May 2010: Energy & Green Building; Disaster Safety & Mitigation; Fire Awareness & Safety and Backyard Safety.
- 10.05.09
Recent study points to showerheads as bacterial breeding ground – Ed Perratore, ConsumerReports.org
".... M. avium, often present in soil, is among a class of nontuberculous mycobacteria, or NTM, described as 'ubiquitous' by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But although M. avium accounts for most known infections by NTM, M. avium has not been well documented as a source of infection..."
- 09.23.09
No Need for Panic About 'Toxic' Shower Heads: Reality Check – Harry Sawyers, PopularMechanics.com
"... exposure to Mycobacterium avium – the scapegoat microorganism in the toxic shower head scare prompted by a recent University of Colorado study – is quite common. ..."
- 09.21.09
Majority of Respondents Haven't Changed Hand Washing Habits in Response to H1N1 Virus – Worries about the spread of the H1N1 virus haven't changed the majority of Americans' hand washing habits, according to a national survey conducted by Bradley Corporation, a leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures and washroom accessories. In Bradley's first Healthy Hand Washing Survey, 54 percent of the 1,020 respondents said they "wash their hands no more or less frequently" in public restrooms as a result of the H1N1 virus.
- 02.09.09
Bugged Out: Get to know antimicrobial products – by Shawn Martin, Technical Director, PMI
Antimicrobial products have appeared in many areas of our lives. But when it comes to kitchen and bath products, do we really understand what antimicrobial materials are and what they do? For many, the answer is "no," and misperceptions of these products abound. For dealers, designers and consumers alike, it pays to understand what to expect from products incorporating antimicrobial protections.
Back to top
Industry News & Events
- 06.30.10
Paper submissions due for Oct. 2010 International Conference on Sustainable Water Resources Management in Kyoto, Japan
- 06.23-24.10
First International Water Quality Conference Weetwood Hall Hotel, Leeds, England
- 06.21.10
Alliance for Water Efficiency’s evening networking event Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
- 06.20-24.10
AWWA's 2010 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE10) McCormick Place, Chicago
- 06.01.10
Nominations due for Paul L. Busch Award – The Water Environment Research Foundation Endowment for Innovation in Applied Water Quality Research recognizes outstanding achievement and creative vision through the Paul L. Busch Award. Recipients of the award are recognized and rewarded with a grant of $100,000 to continue their work, take risks, and explore new directions. Individuals from all segments of the water quality community are encouraged to apply.
- 06.01.10
“How Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Can Help Save the World” – IAPMO offers scholarships for essay winners. This scholarship will be open to members – and their children – of IAPMO, PHCC, MCAA, the UA and ASSE who are currently enrolled in high school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or trade school, or working in an apprentice program.
- 05.24-25.10
14th Annual Water Reuse & Desalination Research Conference – Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL
- 05.16.10
2010 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress – Hosted by American Society of Civil Engineers’ Environmental & Water Resources Institute in Providence, Rhode Island
- 04.26-27.10
WaterEC 2010 – Marriott Nashville Airport Hotel, Nashville, TN; Registration open to join this national group of industry professionals responsible for water resource efficiency and conservation management.
- 04.21-22.10
National Academy of Engineering’s “Grand Challenges for the 21st Century” – Chicago Summit 2010, Fairmont Hotel, Chicago; Designed to stimulate the engineering, science and policy advances needed to solve these four Grand Challenges:
1. Clean water
2. Carbon, energy and climate
3. Urban sustainability
4. Global health
- 03.26.10
WQA elects Bob Hague as association president – The Water Quality Association has announced the election of Robert A. Hague, CWS-VI, as association president.
- 03.25.10
AWWA today named David B. LaFrance as its new executive director. – LaFrance will join the American Water Works Association’s staff in May.
- 03.24.10
Pennsylvania will invest $92 million to upgrade water infrastructure – “The money will fund 16 drinking water and wastewater projects that will serve 20 counties,” reports WaterTechOnline.
- 03.09.10
IAPMO R&T Offers WaterSense® Certification for Showerheads – "To date, IAPMO R&T has certified more than 1,800 lavatory faucet and toilet models to the WaterSense® specifications. As showering accounts for roughly 17 percent of residential indoor water use in the United States, low flow showerheads seemed a natural progression in the WaterSense® program, which already included faucets and faucet accessories and high-efficiency toilets and flushing urinals. Products bearing the WaterSense® label must not only save water, but also perform as well or better than conventional models on the market," according to WaterTech online.
- 03.09.10
IAPMO Releases First-Ever Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement – "Serves as a repository for provisions that ultimately will be integrated into the Uniform Codes. The Green Supplement is a logical transitional home for green requirements until they are fully accepted by industry and are ready to be included into the code."
- 03.03.10
1300 drinking water projects meet Recovery Act deadline – "Of the $6 billion allocated for drinking water and clean water state revolving funds (SRFs) by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, 100 percent was committed to signed contracts in time for the Feb. 17 deadline," reports AWWA Streamlines.
- 02.07.10
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (K/BIS): April 14-18, 2010 – McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
- 02.07.10
World Water Day: March 22, 2010
- 02.07.10
Fix A Leak Week: March 15-21, 2010 – Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? More than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year.
- 02.07.10
2010 WateReuse California Annual Conference: March 7-9, 2010 – Paradise Point Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA
- 02.02.10
CamBuild 2010 – Cambodia International Building & Construction Industry Show is finalizing its list of exhibitors for the Sept. 23-25 conference dates.
- 02.01.10
UK Bathroom Manufacturers Share Business and Consumer Trends – Sustainability and minimalist designs hold the top trending spots. The report also notes aesthetic leaning toward polished brass and nickel, and rich accent colors. In addition to enhanced functionality with water efficiency, there are continued opportunities for products that serve the aging population and those with limited dexterity or mobility.
- 02.01.10
Explore the History of Plumbing – About.com compiles links to some of the most comprehensive, online chronologies for toilets and plumbing.
- 01.31.10
States’ and Counties’ Estimated Use of Water Available for Download – The U.S. Geological Survey presents downloadable tables of each state’s county-level water use. Published in October 2009, the data files reflect estimates from 2005. Previous records for 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000 also are available.
- 01.11.10
Plumbing, Heating Products Shine at Greenbuild – “Many plumbing and heating manufacturers, who likely would not have been here just three years ago, exhibited at Greenbuild 2009.”
- 12.14.09
10¢ Bottled Water Fee Proposed in Michigan – “In an effort to revive the state's college scholarship program, Lt. Gov. John Cherry is proposing a 10-cents-per-bottle fee on Michigan companies that sell bottled water,” reports Water Technology.
- 12.01.09
Greenbuild 2009 Speakers' Videos Available Online – Review the master speakers' messages such as Peter Gleick, co-founder and president of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security, and author of the biennial water report, The World's Water.
- 11.19.09
A Brief History of Toilets – In honor of World Toilet Day, Time published this brief synopsis.
- 11.19.09
Largest Study of UK Showering Habits – Ages 55+ shower for less time than other age groups – "The older generation takes around 5 minutes less in the shower than youngsters aged 18 to 24," according to research by Waterwise. The organization focuses on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large scale water efficiency.
- 11.18.09
Plumbing Named To Top 50 In-Demand Occupations List – Plumbing & Mechanical reports that the plumbing industry is among the top 50 occupations for job stability, median wage and anticipated demand.
- 11.01.09
Of Banana Peels and Civic Infrastructure – "With increased attention in many cities to the challenges of dealing with food waste, disposers are becoming a new focus of interest for their role as environmental management tools — and also shine a spotlight on wastewater treatment plants and their ability to turn food waste sent there into renewable energy." Read the full article by InSinkErator's David MacNair in Supply House Times.
- 10.30.09
U.S. Demand for Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings is Predicted to Reach $11 Billion in 2013 – "Continuing consumer interest in having homes with more and larger bathrooms will promote demand for fixtures and associated fittings. Further gains in demand will be driven by increasing consumer desire for fixtures and fittings that reduce water use." The market report is available for sale through Freedonia.
- EVENT: September 23-25, 2010
CamBuild 2010 – Cambodia International Building & Construction Industry Show
- EVENT: April 14-18, 2010
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show – McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
- EVENT: April 11-14, 2010
The Water Research Conference in Lisbon, Portugal – Including presentations on microbial ecology of drinking water and waste water treatment processes.
- EVENT: March 25, 2010
Abstracts due for WateReuse Australia – Scheduled for Sydney in mid-November, 2010, this specialty conference will focus on practical aspects of water reuse and desalination as well as relevant research being conducted in the U.S. and Australia.
- EVENT: March 22, 2010
World Water Day
- EVENT: March 15-21, 2010
Fix A Leak Week – Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? More than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year.
- EVENT: March 11, 2010
World Plumbing Day – “… plumbing is a significant industry and a major contributor to public health and the environment. This year we have chosen the theme 'Plumbing-Vital to Global Health' with the intention being that we highlight just how much our industry contributes to both the health of our people and the health of our planet,” said Robert Burgon, World Plumbing Council chairman.
- EVENT: March 7-9, 2010
2010 WateReuse California Annual Conference – Paradise Point Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA
- EVENT: February 3-5, 2010
Strategic Opportunities in Water Technologies – Techmart Network Meeting Center, San Jose, CA
“The US EPA forecasts $277 billion will need to be spent on water infrastructure by 2019, while some market analysts put the tag as high as $600 billion. With so many markets growing and evolving, each segment has its own unique needs, distribution channels and competitive dynamics. Developers, vendors and distributors of water solutions, as well as investors, have an uphill climb to identify the markets most in need of their products, how they fit in each competitive landscape, and how to position their products for maximum profitability.”
- EVENT: February 2, 2010
IAPMO 2010 UPC, UMC Proposals Due – PM Engineer reports that the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), publisher of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), is calling for formal code proposals toward the development of the 2012 editions of these American National Standard designated model codes.
- EVENT: February 1, 2010
IAPMO 2010 UPC, UMC Proposals Due – PM Engineer reports that the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), publisher of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), is calling for formal code proposals toward the development of the 2012 editions of these American National Standard designated model codes.
Back to top
Consumer News & Events
- 07.02.10
Water: H2O = Life offers detailed, multimedia resources online, while exhibit travels internationally. – Organized by the American Museum of Natural History and the Science Museum of Minnesota, Water: H2O = Life allows visitors to continue exploring how water unites, surrounds and challenges us.
- 06.02.10
Kids color for water conservation – H2O Conserve presents coloring sheets, videos and child-friendly educational tools to learn about conserving water resources.
- 05.02.10
National Geographic Kids’ Water Quiz – See how much you know about water and why some people call it “liquid gold.”
- 04.02.10
Should you replace faucets, or whole sink fixtures when remodeling? – “Bathrooms are the number one place for a home remodel. …If you decide to replace the entire fixture, you will need more money, and you may need to call a plumber.”
- 03.12.10
Does Hot Water Freeze Faster Than Cold Water? – “This apparent quirk of nature is the ‘Mpemba effect,’ named after the Tanzanian high school student, Erasto Mpemba, who first observed it in 1963. The Mpemba effect occurs when two bodies of water with different temperatures are exposed to the same subzero surroundings and the hotter water freezes first.”
- 03.12.10
Bathroom break breakdown – “Imagine the demand placed upon a water provider if everybody in a given area flushed at the same time…like during a period break or at halftime.”
- 03.08.10
Homeowner preferences lean to energy efficiency and simplicity in design – A survey by the American Institute of Architects reports that consumers are favoring functional, accessible, water-efficient, energy-efficient kitchen and bath products.
- 03.04.10
What does Open Government Mean to You? – For the EPA, it means providing individuals with data specific to their neighborhood. Using the “My Environment” (http://www.epa.gov/myenvironment/) search tool, users can enter a ZIP code, city name, waterbody or other term and gain access to such details as water quality monitoring and drinking water sources.
- 03.01.10
Top 10 Toilet Facts from WaterAid UK – #5 on the list: Most toilets flush in the key of E flat
- 02.28.10
Faucet trends – 70 percent of homeowners willing to spend more than $100 on a faucet would look for a model with a pull-out spray, according to a recent study reported in Kitchen and Bath Design.
- 02.26.10
Lavatory faucets get savvy and simple – K+BB says, “Our bathrooms seem to have some catching up to do. While electronics and digital technology have infiltrated nearly every room of our homes, their adoption in the bath space has been just a tad slower, that is, until recently. Digital showering and bathing systems, as well as multifunctional toilet/bidet seats, have all helped to make our bathrooms ”smarter“ and more comfortable, and now lav faucets may be following suit.”
- 02.24.10
Five More Famous Plumbers – UK plumber’s picks cross borders and genres.
- 02.09.10
Eight trend-setting and hard-working faucets – “According to a recent survey of designers by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), kitchen faucets with features designed to simplify cooking activities will dominate in 2010. Pullout faucets will continue to increase in popularity, while pot fillers will become more prevalent. To complement increasingly popular white kitchens, the NKBA predicts that most faucets will be specified in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel and polished chrome.” Read more at K+BB online.
- 02.05.10
Color trends for 2010 – K+BB magazine asks ask experts for their take on what colors will be popular for the home and the kitchen and bath.
- 02.04.10
Toilets deconstructed: parts and pieces
- 02.01.10
Surfing in the Kitchen – 43 percent of those remodeling their homes want to surf the Web while in the kitchen, according to Internet Home Alliance’s Digital Kitchen Study as reported in Kitchen and Bath Design.
- 01.31.10
Bathroom Inspiration Ideas – Many of us covet a new bathroom. Charles & Hudson provides some inspirational ideas, images and articles.
- 01.18.10
Top Five Famous Plumbers – UK plumber’s picks cross borders and genres.
- 01.13.10
How to Understand Shower Head GPM – “By knowing the GPM, you will know which measurements are more environmentally friendly and energy saving.”
- 01.07.10
Why Copper is the Metal of Choice For Your Sink – “Besides being completely clean and hygienic, it helps to absorb and eliminate scratches and other flaws that occur from daily use of the sink.”
- 12.28.09
What You Can Do About Clogged Drains – “A clogged drain can be a problem, and if it is really bad, you may even need to call a plumber. If you absolutely need to use the sink while waiting for the plumber to arrive, there are several things you can do.”
- 12.24.09
Three Golden Rules to Follow in Plumbing Emergencies
1. Turn Off Water Flow
2. Locate Main Shutoff
3. Locate Specific Shutoff
- 12.23.09
Residential Plumbing - Finding the Toilet That is Best For You – “Never had you imagined that there would be so many choices and decisions to make: the size, the shape of the bowl, the flushing mechanism, just to name a few.”
- 12.15.09
Why is your shower leaking?
- 12.12.09
How to Unplug a Clogged Toilet
- 12.08.09
Remodeling Resource – PlumbersSurplus posts a bathroom remodeling checklist.
Back to top
|
|
