Plumbing industry representatives from across the state gathered Tuesday at the state capitol for the first Missouri Pipe Trades Industry Day, a vital opportunity for plumbing professionals to engage directly with lawmakers and policymakers, providing firsthand insights and recommendations on legislation that improves public health, water quality, and economic sustainability. The event, organized by industry leaders and advocates, featured a display of cutting-edge mobile training capabilities, emphasizing the importance of plumbing professionals in safeguarding public health and water quality.

Multiple United Association (UA) training trailers were stationed at the capitol, providing an immersive demonstration of the skills and education required by plumbing professionals. The trailers offered hands-on experiences, showcasing the extensive training that goes into preparing highly skilled plumbers and pipefitters for a range of critical roles in water management, infrastructure, and public health.

By highlighting the critical role the plumbing industry plays in maintaining the infrastructure that supports clean water and safe plumbing systems, the event aimed to strengthen policy support for these essential services.

Attendees included a broad coalition of industry leaders and local professionals, including: 

• IAPMO
• UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 – St. Louis
• UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 533 – Kansas City
• Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 8 – Kansas City
• UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 178 – Springfield
• Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Eastern Missouri
• MCA of Kansas City
• Plumbing Industry Council of Missouri 

Missouri Pipe Trades Industry Day is part of the broader March4Water initiative organized by IAPMO, a national campaign that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and communities to address pressing challenges impacting water systems. This includes combating aging infrastructure, responding to natural disasters, and ensuring the sustainable development of modern plumbing systems to meet the growing demands of both urban and rural communities.

“It’s vital to remind policymakers that the plumbing industry is more than pipes and fixtures — it’s about protecting the health and well-being of communities through education, innovation, and skilled labor,” said Mark Osmack, IAPMO director of Government Relations. “This event in Jefferson City was a unique opportunity to showcase the work we do every day to ensure a better, safer future for all Missourians.”