Federal legislation would improve water infrastructure

U.S. Reps. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) recently introduced legislation that would improve the safety, water efficiency and reliability of the country’s plumbing systems.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Plumbing Research Act would direct NIST to reinstate a plumbing research program discontinued in the 1970s that investigated ways to make plumbing safer, more reliable and more efficient.

“Americans are investing in more advanced household products to conserve water and save money on utility bills, but the plumbing that carries water to our homes and businesses has not kept pace,” Cartwright said. “By ensuring our water infrastructure keeps up with the newest technology, consumers will save money, lessen their exposure to health risks and benefit from the latest water-conserving innovations.”

Plumbing structure, design and construction standards in the United States haven’t changed much since the early 20th century. This means new plumbing systems often are inefficient and unsuited for current plumbing fixtures and appliances.

The bill has the support of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, Plumbing Manufacturers International, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the High Performance Building Coalition, and the International Code Council.

U.S. Reps. Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Paul Tonko (D-NY) co-sponsored the bill.