Plumbing Manufacturers International Underscores Importance of Key Drinking Water Issues with EPA’s New Office of Water Head

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) congratulated David Ross on his appointment as the EPA assistant administrator in charge of the agency’s Office of Water, and underscored the critical importance of continuing EPA programs that assure drinking water safety and help to conserve water through the use of water-efficient plumbing products.

“PMI looks forward to working with Mr. Ross and his team on many important issues, including the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, maintaining the EPA’s WaterSense program, updating the Lead and Copper Rule, and investing in our nation’s drinking water infrastructure,” stated PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole.

Stackpole said he hopes to meet with Ross in the near future while noting that several PMI member companies have already extended invitations to the assistant administrator to tour their facilities. “Our industry’s ongoing technology research and development saves water, assures safe plumbing and creates jobs. We’d like Mr. Ross to see first-hand the production of innovative, highly engineered plumbing products that encourage the voluntary reduction of water consumption by consumers and businesses,” he emphasized.

Beyond encouraging Congress and the EPA to fund the WaterSense program in this year’s budget, PMI is also urging Congress and the Trump Administration to authorize the EPA’s WaterSense program, thereby giving it a direct annual congressional appropriation.

The Senate Interior/EPA Appropriations Subcommittee and the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee have included report language rejecting the proposed elimination of the program in the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) budget. Three bills have been introduced that include language providing WaterSense authorization: the Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017 (S. 1700), the Clean, Safe, Reliable Water Infrastructure Act (S. 1137) and the Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2017 (H.R. 3248).

PMI is the nation’s leading trade association for plumbing product manufacturers. Its members produce 90 percent of the plumbing products sold in the United States and employ thousands of workers in over 70 locations in 25 states. PMI member companies’ plumbing products are found in the majority of homes, commercial buildings, schools, restaurants, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, and hotels across the nation. Examples of these products include, but are not limited to kitchen and bathroom faucets, showerheads, toilets, urinals, fixture fittings, sinks, whirlpools/tubs, and waste disposal systems.

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.

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