WASHINGTON — The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a January 6 memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony for five national organizations that have joined forces to do further research into water efficiency in plumbing, according to the Web site of the Chicago-based Alliance for Water Efficiency, the organization leading the partnership.

The MOU signing ceremony was held at the offices of EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson. In addition to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the participating organizations are:

● International Code Council

● International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

● Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association

● Plumbing Manufacturers Institute.

The organizations pledged to develop research programs to assist in the development and use of water-efficient plumbing. The research will cover efficient and sustainable products, systems and practices, the EPA said.

Mary Ann Dickinson, executive director of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, said initial projects being considered for research are high-efficiency toilet drainage, water reuse systems, non-water consuming urinals, and sizing of water-efficient plumbing systems. “We want to make sure that as we move forward with changes in water efficiency requirements, those changes are based on solid research in the field,” she said.

To access the Alliance for Water Efficiency Web site, click here.

For related information, click here.