The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWSH) Foundation’s latest International Community Plumbing Challenge (CPC) program is only two weeks away, but there is still time to support and help improve access to safer water supply and sanitation for families and communities across the Navajo Nation.

Whether by participating in the upcoming event via the newly incorporated Ambassador Program or providing financial or in-kind support for the project site works themselves, individuals and organizations have the opportunity make a meaningful contribution that can help demonstrate the importance of plumbing and the WASH sector in protecting public health and safety. The Ambassador Program gives individuals and organizations an opportunity to have their voices heard in the effort to solve America’s water and sanitation crisis, while sponsorship opportunities exist that will bring recognition for participating companies and organizations.

The Navajo Nation CPC, set for October 22-26 in Northwestern New Mexico, assembles a multi-disciplined team of skilled tradespeople to execute plumbing and construction projects that will improve living conditions in approximately 10 households nominated by U.S.-based nonprofit organization DigDeep. Inside homes, a range of bathroom and kitchen renovations will be carried out, including the installation of new basins, taps, toilets, water tanks, water pumps, and hot- and cold-water pipework. These renovations and repairs are required in order for these homes to be connected to water supply systems. Meanwhile, efforts outdoors will address the installation of, and connection to, new wastewater systems.

The project has already garnered support, both financially and in products/materials, from such prominent companies as LIXIL and G.E. Appliances, and organizations including the Piping Industry Progress & Education Trust Fund (P.I.P.E.), World Plumbing Council, Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), Plumbing Contractors of America/Mechanical Contractors Association of America (PCA/MCAA), Thrivent Financial, numerous International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) chapters, and several individuals. Additionally, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the United States, Canada (UA), as well as six local chapters throughout the United States, have made financial donations and are sponsoring the involvement of a number of their skilled members.

“Without strong sponsors and supporters, these kinds of initiatives are not possible,” said IWSH Managing Director Dain Hansen. “However, we aren’t just looking for financial and in-kind sponsors. We rely heavily on the involvement and industry knowledge of people across the trades to make every project we do better than the last, and sustainable moving forward.”

IWSH combines nearly a century of technical expertise, promoting international codes, standards, and regulations across the industry. It works to create innovative strategies, partnerships, and in-country programs that will result in direct real-world impact. The foundation’s vision goes beyond clean water and sanitation — it is to build the framework, work force, and supply chains to sustainably grow these services in every country.

IWSH is actively recruiting team members, sponsors, and partners for the Navajo Nation CPC. To be a sponsor, visit commplumbing.org/sponsor/.

To participate in the Navajo Nation CPC, go to https://commplumbing.org/contact/.

For more information about the event, visit the project website at www.commplumbing.org.