Plumbing industry representatives came together last week at state capitols across the United States for a series of Plumbing Industry Days, advocating for policies that improve public health, water quality, and economic sustainability. The events, held in New Jersey, Missouri, Iowa, and Massachusetts, were part of the broader March4Water initiative organized by IAPMO to celebrate World Plumbing Day (March 11) and World Water Day (March 22) and included legislative proclamations in New Jersey and California declaring March as March4Water Month in both states.
New Jersey Plumbing Industry Day
On March 24, plumbing leaders convened at the New Jersey State House in Trenton for the state’s second annual Plumbing Industry Day. Industry representatives met with legislators to discuss key issues, including support for the National Standard Plumbing Code, water conservation efforts, and regulations for backflow prevention and Legionella control. They emphasized the critical need for effective codes and standards to ensure safe and reliable plumbing systems.
Missouri Pipe Trades Industry Day
On March 25, Missouri hosted its first Pipe Trades Industry Day at the state capitol in Jefferson City, where plumbing professionals gathered to engage with lawmakers and highlight the essential role of skilled plumbers in safeguarding public health and water quality. The event showcased cutting-edge training trailers from the United Association (UA), providing hands-on demonstrations of the expertise required in plumbing. It also underscored the importance of policy support for the plumbing industry in addressing challenges such as aging infrastructure, water conservation, and lead abatement.
Iowa Plumbing Industry Day
On March 27, Iowa hosted its inaugural Plumbing Industry Day at the state capitol in Des Moines. This event brought together plumbing professionals to discuss the importance of the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, backflow prevention, and water conservation. The day served to highlight the economic impact of the plumbing industry in Iowa, which exceeds $426 million, and the need for policies that support sustainable water management in the state.
Massachusetts Plumbing Industry Day
Also on March 27, nearly 200 plumbing industry leaders gathered at the Massachusetts State House in Boston for the third annual Plumbing Industry Day. Among those in attendance were Gov. Maura Healey and other policymakers. Attendees focused on advocating for the Massachusetts Plumbing Code, increased funding for the Division of Occupational Licensure, and legislation related to safe drinking water in schools. The event was held in conjunction with World Plumbing Day and World Water Day, drawing attention to the pressing issues of water infrastructure and climate change’s impact on plumbing systems.
A similar event was also held in February at the Texas statehouse in Austin.
Throughout these events, IAPMO and its partners emphasized the vital role of plumbing professionals in maintaining safe, efficient water systems. From the training and education of skilled workers to the implementation of effective regulations, the industry remains central to ensuring public health and water quality. The collective efforts of these industry leaders underline the importance of policy support for the plumbing sector as communities across the nation face increasing demands on their water infrastructure.
“Safe and reliable water systems don’t happen by chance — they require skilled plumbing professionals governed by effective codes and standards,” said IAPMO CEO Dave Viola. “These events provide a critical platform for showcasing the vital work the plumbing industry does to ensure a safer, more sustainable future for all.”
In addition to the Plumbing Industry Days, March4Water activities included a “Go Blue” campaign throughout IAPMO’s numerous offices worldwide on World Plumbing Day, during which employees donned blue clothing and walked a blue carpet, showcasing their commitment to the industry, and IAPMO’s world headquarters building in Ontario, California, was bathed in blue light each evening for the month.
