PMI Extends Deadline To Oct. 10 on RFP to Determine If Low Flow Rates in Plumbing Systems Yield Pathogens
Rolling Meadows, Ill. – Sept. 12, 2016 – Little scientific research exists on the relationship between low flow rates and opportunistic waterborne pathogens in plumbing systems. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) today extended
“Without much empirical data to date, there isn’t a definition for what constitutes ‘safe’ flow rates in relation to opportunistic pathogen growth, which may put the public at risk,” said Matt Sigler, technical director at PMI. “PMI is looking to select a thoughtful research proposal and ultimately an experiment that addresses water quality impacts due to flow rates.”
Through the study, PMI will test the hypothesis that low flow rates yield a greater proliferation of opportunistic pathogens in potable water and create unsafe conditions. Potable water should be satisfactory for drinking and for culinary and domestic uses.
As part of the request for proposal, respondents need to provide a well-defined experiment protocol with budget requirements. The experiment should be simple, reproducible and run long enough to achieve a steady state, with both controlled water source chemistry and a controlled source of opportunistic pathogens. Flow rate ranges should also represent the minimum and maximum levels typical to premise plumbing systems. Other required proposal elements include showing:
- Measured test parameter data logged over the life of the project.
- Influent and effluent sampling of water at prescribed intervals.
- Biofilm sampling at prescribed location and times during the testing.
- Project report including the charted data, a description of any anomalies observed during the testing and a summary of the findings versus the original hypothesis.
Proposals are due by Oct. 10, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. CDT. Submissions should be addressed to Matt Sigler, technical director at PMI, and sent to msigler@safeplumbing.org. More information about the request for proposal is available at https://www.safeplumbing.org/news/blog/article/pmi-research-project-request-for-proposal-flow-rate-and-pathogen-growth.
Questions should be directed to Mr. Sigler at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline.
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 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; www.safeplumbing.org.
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