Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) applauds the Senate and House committee leadership on the bipartisan, bicameral agreement on comprehensive water infrastructure legislation announced on September 10. The measure, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, includes PMI-supported language formally authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program, as well as key investments in critical infrastructure for the country’s ports, harbors, inland waterways and drinking water.

PMI has engaged with key stakeholders in support of WaterSense authorization language being included in a water infrastructure package and is pleased to support this final compromise that provides for the continuation of the WaterSense program – a focused, public-private partnership that identifies water-efficient and high-performing plumbing products.

“EPA’s WaterSense program is an example of an effective collaboration between industry and the government in determining voluntary water-efficient performance measures that can be used by industry and consumers, as well as by states and public and private agencies charged with supplying water to American households and businesses. Not only does WaterSense save water and money, it continues to drive innovation by U.S. plumbing manufacturers to deliver water-saving plumbing products.”

Under the WaterSense program, plumbing manufacturers have developed more than 27,000 models of WaterSense-labeled products.

PMI recognizes the following members of Congress and their staffs for their strong leadership and long-standing support for passage of WaterSense authorization legislation: Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.), as well as Representatives Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.), Robert Latta (R-Ohio),  Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), and Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.).

The Senate and House of Representatives are expected to vote on the bipartisan water resources legislation soon. PMI will continue to work to ensure that WaterSense authorization remains intact in the final package. 

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