PMI Delegation Underscores Value of Water-Efficient Plumbing Products in Sacramento

PMI members working diligently to supply products conforming to new state codes

Sacramento, Calif. – A Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) delegation of member executives underscored the value of water-efficient plumbing products and the diligent work being performed by PMI member companies to supply these products in conformance with new state codes during meetings with state leaders last week in Sacramento. The delegation also emphasized the need to manage risks to safe, sustainable drinking water highlighted by lead-in-water situations in Flint, Mich., and elsewhere.

The PMI contingent of executives who met with California Energy Commission (CEC) executive staff and state senators, assembly members, and legislative staff included:

  • Jay Burnett, Vice President, Engineering, Delta Faucet Co.
  • Lee Clifton, Director of PMG Resources, Government Relations, International Code Council (ICC)
  • Fernando Fernandez, Director of Codes and Standards, TOTO USA, and 2016 PMI Board of Directors Immediate Past President
  • Ray Fisher, President, Fisher Manufacturing Co.
  • Scott McDonald, Vice President of Marketing, Fluidmaster Inc.
  • Jacqueline Moore, Legal Counsel, ICC
  • Paul Patton, Sr. Manager, R&D and Regulatory Research & Development, Delta Faucet Co. and 2016 PMI Board President
  • Joel Smith, Director, New Product Engineering, Kohler Co., and 2016 PMI Advocacy/Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair

They were joined by PMI CEO/Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens and California Government Affairs Consultant Jerry Desmond, Desmond & Desmond LLC.

On April 1, 2015, in response to the California drought, Governor Jerry Brown issued Executive Order B-29-15 authorizing the CEC to adopt emergency regulations improving the efficiency of water appliances. PMI supported the final version of the regulations as adopted by the CEC and engaged with local jurisdictions as they developed their own standards in response to the drought.

PMI member companies are working diligently to supply plumbing products meeting the flow rate regulations established by the CEC. These new maximums took effect on September 1, 2015:

  • Lavatory faucets and aerators –1.5 gallons per minute [gpm] maximum at 60 pounds per square inch [psi]

These new maximums took effect on January 1, 2016:

  • Water closets [Toilets] – 1.28 gallons per flush [gpf] maximum
  • Public lavatory faucets – 0.5 gpm maximum at 60 psi
  • Kitchen sink faucets – 1.8 gpm maximum, with optional temporary flow of 2.2 gpm, at 60 psi
  • Non-wall mount urinals – 0.5 gpf maximum
  • Wall-mounted urinals – 0.125 gpf maximum

These new maximums will take effect soon:

  • Lavatory faucets and aerators – 1.2 gpm maximum effective July 1, 2016
  • Showerheads – 2.0 gpm maximum effective July 1, 2016
  • Showerheads – 1.8 gpm maximum effective July 1, 2018

PMI also supports the provisions of California Senate Bill 1173 that would update the water efficiency standards in the Civil Code and will:

  • Provide for a phase in of low flow rate fixtures for commercial properties.
  • Encourage financial institutions to provide water efficiency improvement financing options that allow borrowers to align the repayment term with the cost savings from installing water-efficient devices.
  • Add public schools to the list of public agencies that are authorized to participate in the CalConserve Water Use Efficiency Revolving Fund for retrofits.

About PMI

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member companies produce 90 percent of the nation’s plumbing products and represent more than 150 brands. As part of its mission, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance and innovation contributing to water savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. For more information on PMI or its conferences, contact the organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. Visit our website at www.safeplumbing.org.

Media Contacts
Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com, 708-352-8695