APRIL 2020

Water quality industry updates distilled into what matters.

IAPMO R&T – Water Systems Remains Open for Business April is usually convention time – a chance for us to see old friends in the industry, build our networks by making new ones, and grow ourselves by learning from each other. Although the cancellation of the WQA convention was certainly in everyone’s best interest, we share a feeling of disappointment that we missed the opportunity to meet face to face with all of our friends and to introduce ourselves to those that we have not yet met in person. While we continue to endure through the difficult and unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to inform you that the IAPMO Water Systems group remains open for business. Based on EPA guidance, all of our labs are considered essential and are open and committed to operating safely – albeit with limited staff. Our team in Mokena is working remotely and ready to serve your needs as best we can. While I am sure you have been inundated with COVID-19 information each day, we wanted to share some of the more interesting information about the pandemic as it pertains to the water industry, as well as your business operations. If you are anything like me, one of the best ways to quell the fears associated with the uncertainty in the world right now is through the power of knowledge. We extend our best wishes of health and safety to you, your families, and your colleagues, and we look forward to seeing you at many future shows. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any inquiries you may have, or if we can be of assistance in any way.

Ryan Prince Director of Product Certification – Water Systems

NOTICE: IAPMO R&T – Water Systems Certified Companies

We want to inform our clients that the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has been published and is available for sale. Some of the revisions to the UPC in the 2021 edition include certification to the ASSE 1087 standard for commercial and food service water treatment equipment, IAPMO IGC 322 standard for alkaline water treatment equipment, IAPMO/ANSI Z601 for scale reducing devices, and ASSE 1023 for hot and cold water dispensers that include water treatment. Now that the 2021 code is published, IAPMO R&T will begin requiring products listed to the UPC to comply with the new requirements. We anticipate states will begin adopting the new version of the UPC next year, leaving a limited time for companies to get their products tested and certified to the new requirements. IAPMO R&T will require products to comply with the new requirements of the code starting January 2021 for new products. Products with existing certifications will have one year from its renewal date to comply. Certified products that do not comply with the new code requirements will need to change their UPC mark to IAPMO’s classified mark so that inspectors will have a clear indication if a product does not comply with the code.

Understanding 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code Updates The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) plans to publish the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) in the first quarter of 2020. As anticipated, the 2021 edition of the UPC has some significant modifications ... Read more www.wqpmag.com

How Does Federal COVID-19 Responses Impact Your Business

Join IAPMO and the US Chamber of Commerce on April 16 at 2 p.m. ET for a FREE, live webinar presentation on federal COVID-19 responses. RSVP to learn from experts about: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act The Paycheck Protection Program CARES Act (federal resources for business and individuals) What is Congress doing Next?

RSVP HERE

Government Updates

Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual. EPA also encourages the public to help keep household plumbing and our nation’s water infrastructure operating properly by only flushing toilet paper. Disinfecting wipes and other items should be disposed of in the trash, not the toilet. On March 27, 2020, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler sent a letter to Governors in all 50 states, territories, and Washington, DC, requesting that water and wastewater workers, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who provide vital services and materials to the water sector, are considered essential workers and businesses by state authorities when enacting restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. Our critical water infrastructure and its operators ensure the safe supply of water to our homes and hospitals, and depend on treatment chemicals, laboratory supplies and related goods and materials. Read Administrator Wheeler's March 27, 2020 letter to U.S. Governors (PDF). Read more Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

WA State Bottled Water Bill Fails, But Congress Scrutinizes Industry A bill in Washington state to ban bottled water companies from tapping groundwater sources has died in a state House committee, stalling efforts to make the state the first in the nation to place such limits on the industry. But national scrutiny may be intensifying, as a congressional subcommittee has launched an investigation into the bottled water industry. “The lethal, mercenary, icy hand of lobbyist bill assassination slaughtered SB 6278 to ban new state permits for commercial bottled water extraction,” the Washington bill’s sponsor, Democratic state Sen. Reuven Carlyle, tweeted as the measure met its demise. But state Rep. Ed Orcutt, a Republican who represents the Randle community where a proposed bottling plant sparked the bill, emailed some residents to explain his concerns with the legislation. “Normally, changes to water law take years to adopt because they can affect so many other users via unintended consequences,” he wrote. “A tremendous amount of work and discussions with stakeholders is required in order to prevent such unintended consequences prior to passage of a bill.” Read more Source: The Pew Charitable Trusts

Assistance for Small Businesses: Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards. The program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Read more Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury

Water Reuse Action Plan The National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) is a coordinated and collaborative effort across the water user community to advance consideration of water reuse to ensure the security, sustainability, and resilience of our nation’s water resources. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and other federal, state, and local water leaders announced the release of the National Water Reuse Action Plan: Collaborative Implementation. Safe and reliable water supplies for human consumption, agriculture, business, industry, recreation, and healthy ecosystems are critical to our nation’s communities and economy. Water reuse can improve the security, sustainability, and resilience of our nation’s water resources.. Read more Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Senate Democrats Unveil $20B Bill to Battle 'Forever Chemical' Contamination A new bill from Senate Democrats would roll out $20 billion in funding to remove cancer-linked “forever chemicals” from water as it contaminates supplies across the country. The legislation, rolled out by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-N.H.) office Thursday, targets a class of chemicals known as PFAS used in everyday products, ranging from nonstick cookware to raincoats. They’ve been dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the human body and the environment. The bill would expand the scope of existing water programs run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), increasing the funding of various grant programs while allowing that money to be used to remove PFAS from water. Read more Source: The Hill

Around the Web

Coronavirus Exposure for Plumbing Professionals In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) started monitoring the outbreak of a new coronavirus, which ultimately was named COVID-19. This article is intended to provide practical guidance for for plumbing professionals ... Read more www.workingpressuremag.com

Domestic Water Use Grew 600% Over the Past 50 Years Humanity's thirst for freshwater has more than doubled since the 1960s, keeping pace with growing populations and economies. One-quarter of the world now faces extremely high water stress, where more than 80% of the available supply is withdrawn ... Read more www.wri.org

EPA Says $87 Million for Flint Water Crisis Not Spent More than $87 million in federal funds appropriated for fixing Flint's infrastructure after the city's water crisis hasn't been collected because there have been so few reimbursement requests from the city ... Read more www.mlive.com

Filtered Media is a free newsletter published by IAPMO R&T Water Systems. Its mission is to keep manufacturers of water quality products informed about the latest updates in the industry, including new contaminants, regulatory items, updates to codes and standards, requirements from individual sellers, and other pertinent industry information.

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