Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Form a Water Efficiency Research Coalition with U.S. EPA

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in a ceremony held in Washington DC January 6, at the offices of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson.  PMI will partner with four other plumbing organizations to share research on water efficiency.  The other organizations participating in the signing were the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (PHCC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the International Code Council (ICC), and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE).

The coalition will work to support research projects that will support the development of water efficient and sustainable   plumbing products, systems and practices.    The coalition will finance these projects through government grants, foundations and private financing.
PMI Executive Committee member Jack Krecek of Elkay Manufacturing Company based out of Oak Brook, IL, represented PMI at the event.  “It was an honor to represent the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute at the signing of the MOU,” Mr. Krecek said.

“Entering into this collaboration with such proactive and important organizations such as PHCC, IAPMO, AWE and ICC is an important and necessary step for PMI and its member companies to become part of a process which promises to ensure sustainability of a precious and scarce natural resource, while maintaining the safety of the products we manufacture and ensuring consumer choices for plumbing product features and price points.”  Mr. Krecek added, “Having the signing at the office of the EPA and in the presence of the EPA Administrator, underscored that the federal government fully acknowledges and understands the commitment of the signatories of this document to the efficient use of water.”

“Water efficiency forms the first tenet of the PMI mission statement: To promote the water efficiency, health, safety and quality of plumbing products while maximizing consumer choice and value in a fair and open marketplace. Water is critical to our future. Together, we will work to encourage the wise use of this precious element,” said Executive Director Barbara Higgens.  “PMI is delighted to be a part of this important coalition. This Memorandum of Understanding formalizes the working relationship that we have already built with the various signatories of the document, strengthening those relationships around our common goals. The result will be much-needed research in the area of water efficiency, public safety, and product performance.”

About PMI: The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute is the voluntary, not-for-profit international trade association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member-companies produce a substantial quantity of the nation’s plumbing products.

For more information on PMI or its semi-annual meetings, contact the Institute at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847.481.5500; fax: 847.481.5501. Or visit our website at www.pmihome.org.