The American Society of Plumbing Engineers and the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly advance the organizations’ mutual interests in rainwater and stormwater harvesting systems design and installation.

The impetus for the MOU was ARCSA’s and ASPE’s desire to increase tangible results in the areas of rainwater and stormwater harvesting by promoting these strategies as a valuable water resource for a variety of potable and nonpotable uses to both alleviate water scarcity issues and improve water quality to protect the health and safety of the public. The organizations will work together to:

• Assess ways to jointly implement activities concerning local rain harvesting activities;
• Collaborate on capacity-building activities to reinforce knowledge in other countries and communities;
• Facilitate the dissemination of best management practices;
• Share knowledge and expertise concerning rain harvesting;
• Promote mutually beneficial standards and codes, and their adoption in model codes and regulations; and,
• Advance the science and technology of catchment systems.

ARCSA and ASPE also will support each other’s research and technology programs, identify subject matter experts for respective technical initiatives, and cross-promote products and services to the organizations’ members and the industry.

“This MOU represents our dedication to continue expanding opportunities for both ASPE and ACRSA to advance the goals of the associations relative to the health and safety of the public,” says William “Billy” Smith, FASPE, ASPE’s executive director/CEO. “Due to our recent work related to two industry standards on rain and stormwater harvesting, this was the perfect time to make a statement of unity with an MOU focused on increased collaborative efforts.”

“We at ARCSA are very excited about the growth of our relationship with ASPE. We have made great progress in the rainwater harvesting education program and the new Standards 63 and 78 as the go-to guide for rainwater harvesting in the country,” says David Crawford, ARCSA president. “Our two organizations form a great team approach. We look forward to our continued work on this important relationship for both organizations. Billy Smith provides great leadership and professionalism for our team.”