Nebraska's third most populous city, Bellevue, maintained the highest level of health and safety standards available for plumbing and swimming pools, spas and hot tub systems by formally adopting the 2021 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC), updating from the 2012 editions. Bellevue recognizes that IAPMO's codes represent the gold standard as the only plumbing and swimming pool, spa, and hot tub codes designated as American National Standards.

The UPC and USPSHTC represent a carefully constructed balance between prescriptive and performance requirements, all while maintaining effective, seamless integration with all model building codes, no matter the developer.

The UPC's new Appendix M Water Demand Calculator (https://www.iapmo.org/water-demand-calculator/) represents the first major update to plumbing sizing requirements since the 1940s and enables Bellevue plumbing professionals the opportunity to see firsthand how IAPMO is committed to developing new provisions toward improving water quality and safety, reducing construction costs, and saving consumers energy, water and money. The Water Demand Calculator predicts peak water demand for single- and multi-family dwellings when water efficient fixtures are installed. An independent study found notable cost savings when applied to residential structures.

The USPSHTC is a stand-alone code that provides all necessary requirements for the installation, inspection and maintenance of swimming pool, spa, and hot tub systems and their component products. The code addresses disinfection, water quality requirements and suction outlet entrapment protection methods. The USPSHTC contains ventilation and air quality requirements for indoor aquatic facilities and is written, revised, and updated on a regular basis by code specialists and experts in fields representing a variety of specialties — plumbing, engineering, electrical safety, construction, risk management, water quality, operations and maintenance. Changes to the USPSHTC are made with a consensus of two-thirds majority by a diverse group of stakeholders and the code is used seamlessly by jurisdictions in conjunction with various building codes.

"I applaud the work of Building Official Mike Christensen and his team for ensuring Bellevue residents have access to the most progressive, sustainable and resilient plumbing and swimming pool codes available," said Brian Rogers, vice president of IAPMO Field Services. "The adoption of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code is the highest level of health and safety protection and will benefit Bellevue citizens well into the future."

Introduced in Los Angeles in 1928 and formally published as the Uniform Plumbing Code in 1945, followed by the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC), and USPSHTC in subsequent years, the Uniform Codes are developed using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus development procedures. This process brings together volunteers representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on plumbing and mechanical practices. Developed and subsequently republished at the conclusion of each three-year code cycle, the Uniform Codes are designed to provide consumers with safe and sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.