As part of its celebration of World Plumbing Day, Ferguson has renewed its partnership with the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) to expand access to life-saving water and sanitation services in the United States.

More than 30 percent of families living on the Navajo Nation are forced to haul water to their homes for drinking, bathing and sanitation. They are part of the two million Americans who live without running water and basic indoor plumbing — a number that is increasing in a number of states. Over the past three years, Ferguson has supported IWSH’s efforts to combat this trend by developing household water and decentralized waste solutions on the reservation. Additionally, Ferguson has been instrumental in supporting a plumbing training program at Navajo Technical University. Through this program, students will learn basic fundamental skills and benefit with increase access to apprenticeship and other employment opportunities.

“Plumbing is essential to life,” said IWSH Managing Director Sean Kearney. ”Industry plays a critical role in providing solutions. It is evident on the Navajo and now in Texas after their recent storms — that skilled labor, plumbing manufacturers and suppliers provide essential, life-changing services. We are grateful for Ferguson’s willingness to continue work with IWSH to make water and sanitation access possible for every American.”

Through this partnership, Ferguson is contributing to IWSH’s initiatives that address critical water issues faced by marginalized communities in the United States. These initiatives include responding to the disaster in Texas, improving access to water/sanitation services on the Navajo Nation, addressing the dangers of open-pipe sewage in Alabama and supporting IWSH’s international work in Africa and Asia.

Ferguson’s support for 2021 will include both monetary and in-kind contributions toward IWSH’s mission, which is to ensure that as many people as possible have access to clean, safe water and plumbing systems.

“Ferguson believes in the power of partnerships,” says Melissa Hazelwood, social sustainability senior manager, Ferguson. “We are deeply committed to the communities where our associates and customers work and live. Our collaboration with IWSH is about more than just water and sanitation. We are building futures for all communities and families because we believe water is a basic human right.”