sanitation

Top water heating manufacturer and non-profit service organization continue mission to support plumbers around the world and ensure access to safe water supplies

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage products, announces a continued partnership with Plumbers Without Borders, a grassroots non-profit organization working to increase global access to safe water and sanitation.

The partnership re-affirms Bradford White’s commitment to advance the plumbing and HVAC industries through strategic partnerships and programs and supports Plumbers Without Borders’ ongoing contributions to professional training, promoting careers in the trades and maintaining the industry’s commitment to the highest standards of quality for products and services.

“Plumbers Without Borders is focused on improving lives and shares our deep commitment to elevate the work of industry professionals and the essential role they have in supporting the health, safety and sanitation in communities.” said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. “Through our charitable giving program Industry Forward™, our company is dedicated to providing the tools and resources needed to make a positive impact in communities where we live and work. We are proud to continue our relationship with Plumbers Without Borders and increase their capacity to support individuals and families around the globe.”

Plumbers Without Borders was founded in 2010. The organization connects volunteer plumbers and other skilled tradespeople with projects around the world that are establishing safe plumbing and sanitary systems and promoting related health and safety education. Plumbers Without Borders selects partners based on quality, service, craftsmanship and training.

“We are proud and humbled to have Bradford White Corporation’s continuing support. By creating and investing in their “Industry Forward” program, Bradford White leads the way in exemplifying our industry’s most important goals and initiatives that will help shift the global equation towards improving lives, everywhere.” said Domenico DiGregorio, president and co-founder of Plumbers Without Borders.

For more information about Bradford White, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.

Washington, D.C. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO^®), publisher of the American National Standard Uniform Codes, enthusiastically applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that makes vital investments in the nation’s infrastructure, including funding for water and sanitation, roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, electric grid, broadband and other priorities. The legislation provides $944 billion in total spending over five years, totaling $550 billion in new spending, and represents a significant infusion of federal funding for U.S. public works across numerous industries.

Up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and childcare centers lack safe drinking water. This new legislation invests $55 billion to expand access to clean drinking water for households, businesses, schools, and childcare centers across the country. From rural towns to struggling cities, the legislation will invest in water infrastructure and eliminate lead service pipes, including in tribal nations and disadvantaged communities.

“Access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation is a basic human right that the plumbing industry strives every day to make a reality,” said IAPMO Executive Vice President for Government Relations Dain Hansen. “Included in this bill is funding for new and existing programs that will help us to provide life-changing services to communities who need it most.”

Among the items supported by IAPMO, the legislation includes:

• Lead in Drinking Water: Authorizes $200 million in funding to address lead in school drinking water systems. It also includes $11.73 billion for projects directly connected to the identification, planning, design and replacement of lead service lines.
• Water Reuse: Includes $1 billion in funding for Western water recycling programs and approximately $48 million for national water reuse programs. It also requires the U.S. EPA to facilitate sharing of information between stakeholders by creating a water data sharing pilot program and directs the agency to create a Water Reuse Interagency Working Group.
• Water Filters for Disadvantaged Communities: Authorizes $510 million in funding for the Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities Drinking Water Grant Program, which helps public water systems in underserved and disadvantaged communities meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The bill includes language that allows for the purchase of certified point-of-entry or point-of-use filters and filtration that will help to remove harmful drinking water contaminants
• Decentralized Waste Systems for Low Income Households: Creates a new $250 million grant program for the construction of individual and cluster household decentralized wastewater systems for low-income households. This new program is critical to bringing safe sanitation to the 2 million Americans who don’t have access to clean drinking water and a toilet in their homes.
• New sanitation facilities for Native American Communities: Provides $3.5 billion in funding to the Indian Health Services for construction of safe water, wastewater, and solid waste systems. This represents an unprecedented investment in IHS sanitation that will help resolve the current backlog of projects.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination: Includes $10 billion to clean up the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. This dedicated funding for PFAS includes:
  • $5 billion to help small and disadvantaged communities address PFAS in drinking water
  • $4 billion to help drinking water utilities remove PFAS from drinking water supplies or connect well owners to local water systems
  • $1 billion to help wastewater utilities address PFAS in wastewater discharges.
• WaterSMART Grants: Includes $400 million for the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program, with $100 million of the funds going toward improving existing nature-based projects. WaterSMART projects help increase water efficiency and supply by modernizing and restoring existing infrastructure.
• Disaster Resilience: Provides $1 billion over five years ($200 million per year) for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, which supports pre-disaster and hazard mitigation activities, including building code updates, undertaken by states and local communities.
• Low Income Water Assistance Pilot Program: Directs EPA to launch a pilot grant program to address water affordability. The pilot program will award grants to eligible entities to develop programs to assist low-income households with maintaining access to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Assistance could include discounted rates or direct financial support to households or debt relief to water system owners or operators.

IAPMO, through its charitable arm IWSH, has been actively working to expand access to water and sanitation systems in the United States. Wastewater infrastructure in the communities where IWSH works is either failing, inadequate, or non-existent. This leads to the perpetual presence of wastewater in and around homes and takes a significant toll on individuals’ mental and physical health. Through IWSH projects in Alabama, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, The IAPMO Group is working to ensure communities have adequate sanitation in order to break cycles of poverty and marginalization and increase opportunities for education and employment.

From February 17-20, 2020, the WWETT Show – Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show, will take over the Indiana Convention Center for the world’s largest annual trade show within the wastewater & environmental services industry. With new dates for 2020, the four-day trade show packs over 100 world-class education sessions, business opportunities, collaboration with industry professionals, a slate of live demonstrations, exposure to cutting-edge technology trends and the latest product launches across multiple industry segments.

“Over the years, the WWETT Show continues to demonstrate why it is the number one trade show event within the wastewater & environmental services industry,” said Douglas Lugo, director of the WWETT Show. “We recognize the importance of providing a space where professionals can connect and grow their business, as well as sharpen their skills all in one place. Knowing that people walk away from our show with new ideas, connections and equipment, lets us know the WWETT Show is making an impact in the industry.”

Known as the premier global wastewater event of the year, the WWETT Show is home to municipalities, plumbers, portable sanitation professionals, septic contractors, sewer contractors and wastewater professionals. Connecting manufacturers with representatives, highlights the importance of seeking ideas and solutions from respected leaders in the industry, and creates a customized trade show experience all under one roof.

WWETT Show 2020 Key Highlights

Smart Wastewater Initiative
In a time where shrinking water sources and massive flooding are affecting us globally, it is important to discuss how crucial this is to our future’s sustainability. Oliver Grievson, chairman of Wastewater Education 501(c)3, will explore the topic of the smart wastewater industry in three action packed sessions.

Marketplace Expo
The WWETT Show Marketplace will feature over 600 exhibitors, 50 of which are new, looking to expand their business and maximize their buying potential. 6 in 10 attendees place purchase orders at the show and two-thirds of attendees will purchase within the year. On the expo floor, attendees will find thousands of products on display, meet directly with product representatives, as well as see, touch, and feel products and equipment. Top exhibitors to see include:

• Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group
• Satellite Industries
• Super Products, LLC
  Sewer Equipment Co. of America
• Imperial Industries, Inc.
• Hi-Vac Corporation
• Spartan Tool, LLC
• GapVax, Inc.
• CUES
• Vermeer Corporation
• JAG Mobile Solutions, Inc.
• PolyJohn Enterprises, Inc.

World-Class Education
The WWETT Show offers an unparalleled, best-in-value education program led by top industry experts and professionals from respected associations, businesses, and manufacturers. Choose from an array of sessions, obtain continuing education units (CEUs) from approved states, provinces and organizations, or just up your game to gain knowledge on the latest industry trends. With a Full Education Package (FEP), attendees will have access to all sessions listed on the WWETT Show website.

WWETT Live!
The WWETT Show provides up close and personal experiences through live demos. Show attendees can watch leading industry manufacturers in action as they show off their latest products and equipment. Held in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, WWETT Live! creates a fun and engaging experience everyone will enjoy. Companies to see include: GapVax, Inc., Hammerhead® Trenchless and NozzTeq® Inc.

Industry Appreciation Party
New to 2020, show attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the WWETT Show Industry Appreciation Party powered by Spartan Tool and Picote. The event will feature live entertainment from Cornfield Mafia and an opportunity for photos with the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders. Admission is free to all attendees with a registration badge.

To learn more about the WWETT Show and to register, visit www.wwettshow.com.

Reno, Nev. —The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) today honored two of its most exceptional and valued supporters with a special IWSH Award at IAPMO’s 90th annual Education and Business Conference and 2019 ASSE International Annual Meeting.

Courtenay Eichhorst, Business Manager at UA Local Union No. 412 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was recognized for his dedicated support toward the development of the first U.S. Community Plumbing Challenge (CPC) program, a collaboration with the DigDeep Navajo Water Project at various sites across the Navajo Nation, since October 2018. Eichhorst has organized and facilitated the participation of more than 10 volunteers from UA Local 412 in the Navajo Nation program so far, and is committed to continuing this partnership for future CPC projects.

“The whole IWSH program is phenomenal,” Eichhorst said. “When you’re out there helping these folks it’s helping your grandma. I mean, it’s helping your mom; it’s not a big deal. So thank you so much for all that you’ve done; I’m glad I was there to help.”

Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 400, a local union consisting of about 2,000 members serving 18 counties in Northeast Wisconsin, also received an IWSH Award. UA 400 has been a consistent CPC supporter and sponsor since the inception of the program in 2015 and has been represented in all international projects over the past five years, including events in India, South Africa, Indonesia, and the United States.

Accepting the award on behalf of UA 400, retiring Business Manager Jeff Knaus said: “Thank you everyone who volunteers your efforts throughout the world. I’m a huge proponent of this organization and what you’re trying to do to change lives, and that’s the way I promote it to our membership. We are all in on this. I didn’t win this; obviously it’s given to Local 400 and their membership for their support.”

Speaking after the two presentations, IWSH Chair Dan Daniels reiterated, “The IWSH Foundation would not be here, and could not continue to do the work it does, without the generous donations and contributions from our supporters across the international WASH sector. Today, we wanted to take a moment to highlight two exemplars, who we feel have gone above and beyond the call of duty in terms of helping IWSH progress toward our goals over the past 12 months. We are delighted to honor Mr. Courtenay Eichhorst – and all of the volunteers who have connected with our projects from UA Local 412, in Albuquerque – plus, Mr. Jeff Knaus, on behalf of UA Local 400, from Wisconsin; a partner organization that has stood proudly with us from the very beginning of this mission.”

“We wanted to take this opportunity to say a special thank-you to both representatives, while we are assembled here together with our friends and colleagues from the across IAPMO membership,” Daniels added. “We hope that by continuing to build and expand our relationships with all parties into the future, will continue to set benchmarks that can inspire other supporters and partners to join the IWSH cause. Finally, we intend to make presentation of these IWSH Awards an annual feature, that will recognize other exceptional individuals and organizations in the years ahead.”

Visit www.iwsh.org for more information on The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation.