Aug 1, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Plumbing Manufacturers International Supports Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017 Calling for WaterSense Authorization

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) expressed its strong support for the bipartisan Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017 introduced today by Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

The bipartisan legislation would formally authorize the Environmental Protection Agency’s successful WaterSense program, a public-private partnership that encourages the voluntary use of water-efficient plumbing products, services and practices by consumers and businesses. Since starting in 2006, the program has saved them more than 2.1 trillion gallons of water and $46.3 billion in water and energy bills.

“Installing water-efficient plumbing products saves water and reduces strain on water resources, energy and infrastructure,” said PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. “PMI and its members appreciate Senators Udall and Portman for spearheading this important legislation, which will improve our nation’s water efficiency. We look forward to working together on its swift passage.”

The WaterSense label gives consumers a simple way to identify water-efficient plumbing products. WaterSense products are certified as meeting high performance standards while being at least 20 percent more water-efficient than other products meeting federal standards. The program has grown to include more than 21,000 WaterSense products for bathrooms (toilets, showerheads, faucets and urinals), commercial kitchens, and irrigation systems, according to the WaterSense program.

PMI, its member companies, and industry allies, including the Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition (PILC), have been working in a coordinated fashion with various Congressional committees and subcommittees to develop legislative, report and budget language calling for the preservation and authorization of the WaterSense program. For example, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY18 Interior/EPA budget bill, which included subcommittee report language rejecting the elimination of the WaterSense program.

Stackpole noted that the WaterSense program also encourages innovation and promotes growth in manufacturing – an important economic goal. “WaterSense is win-win-win – for water savings, for consumers and for manufacturers,” he said.

About Plumbing Manufacturers International

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. 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. www.safeplumbing.org.