News from SafePlumbing.org

DOE announces intention to pursue enforcement actions against the manufacturers of water-using appliances that violate national water and energy savings laws

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:36 -0600

“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.

DOE institutes enforcement action against four showerhead manufacturers

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:33 -0600

“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.

DOE institutes enforcement action against four showerhead manufacturers

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:01:25 -0600

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.

PMI Announces Hiring of Technical Specialist

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:00:46 -0600

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) announces that Charles Hernandez has joined the organization as technical specialist, reporting to PMI’s executive director, Barbara C. Higgens.

The State Of The Green Building Movement

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:20 -0600

“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.

Water efficiency to play bigger role in residential projects

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:01:44 -0600

Professional Remodeler reports that low-flow fixtures are among the top water conservation measures among residential contractors.

Save Water With New iPhone App

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:15 -0600

Sloan’s new Save H2O calculator is a free application for the iPhone that allows users to determine water usage and potential savings.

Water conservation makes Top 10 list for Northwest states

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:01:26 -0600

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.

NAHB Helps Make WaterSense More Workable for Builders

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:00:31 -0600

“NAHB was especially interested in clarifying the intentions of specific program requirements and avoiding duplicative paperwork and inspections that might discourage industry participation.”

Kitchen and Bath Design Trends Announced for 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:03:34 -0600

Pull-out kitchen faucets noted among the newer kitchen trends that are gaining in popularity.

Water conservation plan unveiled

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:00:23 -0600

“…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.”

Students learn by seeing sustainability in action

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:13 -0600

“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.

Testing the Water: Smart Metering for Water Utilities

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:05:21 -0600

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.”

DEC TV - Green Household Tips for Saving Financial and Natural Resources

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:18 -0600

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.

EPA announces a new pilot grant program…

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:01:31 -0600

…designed to help three states – New York, Maryland and California – use their clean water funding programs to support efforts to make communities more sustainable.

What Life is Like Working in a Green Building?

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:40 -0600

“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.”

Low flow delivered high satisfaction with at least 25 percent in water savings for 21 homeowners...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:01:28 -0600

...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.

Pick 5 for the Environment

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:04:14 -0600

EPA asks people to committing to at least five actions to protect the environment. #1 is Use less water.

U.S. demand for plumbing fixtures and fittings is predicted to reach $11 billion in 2013

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:15 -0500

"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.

Of Banana Peels and Civic Infrastructure

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:01:23 -0600

"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.

Largest study of UK showering habits - Ages 55+ shower for less time than other age groups

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:01:26 -0600

"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.

A brief history of toilets

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:32 -0600

In honor of World Toilet Day, Time published this brief synopsis.

Greenbuild 2009 speakers' videos available online

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:04:32 -0600

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.

10¢ bottled water fee proposed in Michigan

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:00:25 -0600

"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.

States' and counties' estimated use of water available for download

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:00:03 -0600

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.

Explore the history of plumbing

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:03:14 -0600

About.com compiles links to some of the most comprehensive, online chronologies for toilets and plumbing.

UK bathroom manufacturers share business and consumer trends

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:02:23 -0600

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.

CamBuild 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:00:25 -0600

Cambodia International Building & Construction Industry Show is finalizing its list of exhibitors for the Sept. 23-25 conference dates.

IAPMO 2010 UPC, UMC proposals due

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:01:09 -0600

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.

World Water Day: March 22, 2010

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:02:17 -0600

Fix A Leak Week: March 15-21, 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:02:11 -0600

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.

World Plumbing Day: March 11, 2010

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:01:22 -0600

"… 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.

$10 billion for EPA requested in federal budget for fiscal 2011

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:00:00 -0600

"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.

Plumbing and the Haiti Crisis

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:25 -0600

"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."

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Welcomes New Board Member and Committee Chair

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:00:52 -0600

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.

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Names New Director of Strategy and Technology

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:49 -0600

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.

Measuring toilet performance – free testing report available for download

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:52 -0600

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).

Water for Haiti: Now

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 -0600

Dr. Peter Gleick calls for action, donation to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

World Health Organization Technical Notes for Emergencies

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:03:17 -0600

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.

AWWA urges relief to Haiti

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:02:10 -0600

“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.

WaterSmart Guidebook for Business available through AWE

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:01:22 -0600

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 & plumbing, and by specific business types such as for schools, office buildings, hospitals and other applications.

Water saving tips from UK work in US, too.

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:01:30 -0600

Video and other resources from United Kingdom's Energy Saving Trust helps demonstrate what little changes in the home save water, energy and money.

Coming Up Short: What Water Conservation Means for Business

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:00:41 -0600

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."

Low-Flow Showerheads: How to Choose

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:00:51 -0600

"Thanks to innovative new technology, today's super-efficient low-flow showerheads save water, reduce your energy bills, and still feel good to use."

Coalition asks President Obama for Recognition of Water Efficiency Alongside Energy Efficiency in Future Jobs Legislation

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:01:20 -0600

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."

"Is Bottled Water Really That Bad? Yes," reports Fast Company magazine.

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:00:19 -0600

Infographic created by Online Education

"We pitch into landfills 38 billion water bottles a year – in excess of $1 billion worth of plastic."
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/117/features-message-in-a-bottle.html

Water Prize finalists awash with innovative ideas

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:01:12 -0600

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.

Facility managers surveyed on water costs and conservation

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:01:24 -0600

"72 percent of the respondents indicate installing water-conserving fixtures and systems is either important or very important," reports Sustainable Facility.

Charting our water future

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:27 -0600

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."

New Ways to Improve Water Efficiently

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:03:26 -0600

Building Design+Construction publishes plumbing technologies AIA Continuing Education Series

Make a splash about water

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:02:40 -0600

Alliance for Water Efficiency describes how "too many water efficiency guidelines are drowning designers with options and diluting progress on this vital issue."

EPA Proposes Standards to Protect Florida’s Waters: Action would decrease amount of phosphorus and nitrogen pollution

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:00:11 -0600

“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.”

Seven Priorities for EPA’s Future

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:29 -0600

Protecting America’s Waters listed among EPA’s top priorities.

EPA Proposes Designation of Michindoh Aquifer as Sole Source of Drinking Water

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:01:58 -0600

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.

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Hosts 2010 Spring Meeting

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:39 -0600

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) will host its 2010 Spring Meeting, March 14-17, at the Hotel Del Coronado, located in San Diego, CA.

EPA Releases National Water Program Research Strategy to Advance and Broaden Research Partnerships

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:02:37 -0600

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.

EPA WaterSense for homes finalized

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:42 -0600

“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.

Copper as an antimicrobial

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:55 -0600

Three part series on copper's antimicrobial qualities from the Copper Development Association.

Think outside the bottle

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:00:12 -0600

Water Technology reports that four states are "asking public employees to drink tap water and increase efforts to protect public water supplies."

The New York Times publishes a series on U.S. water pollution and regulations

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:24 -0600

Saving our tap water: The problem and solution

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:00:31 -0600

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."

Environmental Working Group ranks tap water in big cities

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:00:51 -0600

The 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)."

How can I help protect drinking water?

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:00:05 -0600

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides resources for people to take an active role in ensuring safe drinking water for themselves and their communities.

Remodeling Resource - PlumbersSurplus posts a bathroom remodeling checklist.

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:00:19 -0600

International Code Council Foundation Announces Plans for Building Safety Month

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:30 -0600

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.

WaterAid America shares statistics on water use and sanitation issues

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:00:33 -0600

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.

Number of urban people without access to water may double by 2015

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:00:53 -0600

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)."

Water Works - Kitchen and Bath Business magazine gives the lowdown on low-flow showerheads

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:04 -0600

House approves bills to improve the integration of energy and water research

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:01:59 -0600

“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.”

Plumbing Named To Top 50 In-Demand Occupations List

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:15 -0600

Plumbing & Mechanical reports that the plumbing industry is among the top 50 occupations for job stability, median wage and anticipated demand.

"Saving Water, One Frame at a Time..."

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:00:45 -0600

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."

Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:29 -0600

"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.

What Building Teams and Home Builders Can Do To Confront the Pending Crisisin Water Scarcity

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:00:15 -0600

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.

USGBC's Greenbuild Conference opens with celebration at Chase Field

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:20:39 -0600

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.

EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 9

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:04:53 -0600

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.

EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 6

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:03:09 -0600

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.

EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 3

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:02:29 -0600

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.

EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 2

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:01:35 -0600

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.

EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 1

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:59 -0600

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.

Did you know?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:37 -0600

Americans now use an average of 100 gallons of water each day.

Kohler Co. is 2009 EPA National Watersense Manufacturer of the Year

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:54 -0500

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.

EPA's WaterSense Label Available for First Commercial Building Product

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:10 -0500

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.

EPA Honors Virginia Agency as Water Efficiency Leader

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:01:26 -0500

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.

EPA Recognizes Lowe's As Water Efficiency Leader

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:37 -0500

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.

EPA Recognizes Cobb County Water System in Georgia as Water Efficiency Leader

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:44 -0500

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.

Majority of Respondents Haven't Changed Hand Washing Habits in Response to H1N1 Virus

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:45 -0500

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.

PMI Announces Dates and Locations for 2010 Meetings

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:38 -0600

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) announces that it has chosen the dates and locations for its 2010 meetings:

PMI Spring Meeting: March 14-17, 2010
Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, CA

PMI Fall Meeting: October 3-6, 2010
The Liaison Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

PMI is working to put together a top-notch agenda of speakers and industry topics for each of the meetings.

New Global Public Opinion Survey Finds Water Issues are Top Environmental Concern Worldwide

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:08 -0500

"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."