The Critical Role of the Plumbing Industry in Addressing Global Water Challenges

Dave ViolaSenior Director of Technical Services

IAPMO

Main Concepts

• Alter historical approaches to water expansion• New integrated water strategy • Plumbing industry responsible for advancing

conservation and decentralized reuse• Competency critical in the design, installation,

and maintenance of sustainable plumbing systems

• Call to action

Global Water Crisis

• Population expansion- 3 billion by 2050• Urbanization - 100% of growth will be

concentrated in urban areas• Increased standard of living - projected

demand to increase by 50% in 20 years• Climate change- Increasing demand, shrinking

supplies, reduced quality and reliability

Water Expansion

• Historical evolution:– Global Population was less than 2 billion– Population largely rural– Resource stability– Without modern technology

• New solution for future:– Global population of approaching 10

billion– Mostly urban where water is insufficient– Escalating resource constraints

Population Explosion

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10

0 500 1000 1500 2000

Year (AD)

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Source: International Water Association

New Integrated Water Strategy

• Water Conservation• Centralized and on-site rainwater harvesting• Centralized and on-site reclamation and

recycling• Heat Recovery• Resource extraction from wastewater– Organic material for energy production– Nitrogen and Phosphorus for food production– Effluent resource separation at source

New Integrated Water Strategy-Our Responsibility

• Water Conservation• Centralized and on-site rainwater harvesting• Centralized and on-site reclamation and

recycling• Heat Recovery• Resource extraction from wastewater– Organic material for energy production– Nitrogen and Phosphorus for food production– Effluent resource separation at source

Competent Plumbing Professionals Needed Now More than Ever

• Aim of Plumbing – safe and sustainable water supply and proper sanitation

• Along with benefits of sustainable plumbing systems come increased risks– Water contamination– Increased complexity– Increased maintenance – Scalding and thermal shock– Drainage system performance

Plumbing Industry Call to Action

• Get inserted into the strategic discussions• Engage political forces– Buy in at the top– Governing bodies need to act

• Engage all stakeholders– Regulators, utilities, industries, – SIWW a good start!

• Elevate plumbing professional competency

Plumbing Industry Call to Action

• Accelerate development and implementation of:– High efficiency plumbing– On-site alternate water source systems– Safe and sustainable codes and standards

• Support and expedite research to fill gaps

Plumbing Industry Call to Action

• Develop strategy and white paper• Release:– World Plumbing Day (March 11)– World Water Day (March 22)

Thank you

Contact:Dave Viola, IAPMO Senior Director of Technical

ServicesEmail: dave.viola@iapmo.orgPhone: 001 708 995 3004