The virtual celebration for Building Safety Month continues with week 3, which highlights water safety. During the week of May 17, the International Code Council (ICC), its members and partners, will explore the how building, plumbing and green codes help guard clean water through proper construction, conservation and safe disposal.

The coronavirus pandemic revealed critical vulnerabilities within health systems, including many health care facilities around the world without adequate water services. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.8 billion people were at heightened risk of COVID-19 and other diseases because they use or work in health care facilities without basic water services, which underscores the importance of efficient and clean water supply.

"Everyone deserves access to clean and safe water and plumbing systems," said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.  "The adoption and application of up-to-date building and plumbing codes is key to increasing the availability of clean water globally. Around the world, plumbers and code officials serve as the vigilant protectors and advocators for clean water supply. The Code Council remains committed to providing resources to assist jurisdictions, manufacturers and the public with water conservation and efficiency. Now is the time for us to address big issues with the availability and quality of water."

The Code Council will host a Building Safety Month virtual panel event on "Hot Water Safety" on Wednesday, May 19, at 1:00 PM ET. This panel discussion with chief plumbing inspectors will address key code changes in the 2021 International Plumbing Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation that have an impact on hot water safety. To register for the upcoming event, click here.

The American Gas Association (AGA) serves as the 2021 Building Safety Month campaign Foundation Sponsor. Learn more about the Building Safety Month sponsors here.

More information about Building Safety Month, including details regarding virtual events and downloadable resources, can be found at www.buildingsafetymonth.org. Interested individuals can also follow along on social media using the hashtag #BuildingSafety365.

Additional links include the following:

• Register for upcoming educational sessions here.
• View and download this year's website and social media graphics here.
• Join the Twitter #CODEversation. Every week throughout Building Safety Month the Code Council will post a series of questions related to each weekly theme.