In response to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich., members of Plumbing Manufacturers International donated hundreds of faucets and other plumbing supplies that were installed during the weekend of Jan. 30-31 in more than 1,500 homes.

A team of nearly 470 plumbers from local unions of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry installed the faucets and supplies, along with water filters provided by the state of Michigan. The humanitarian effort was coordinated by PMI and the UA Local 370 in Flint. Both organizations saw a generous response to a joint call-to-action issued to their members, with some volunteers traveling hundreds of miles to help.

“Seeing hundreds of volunteers gathered in one place with all of the donated products under the banners of the PMI members was truly inspiring,” said Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO and executive director. “The can-do attitude demonstrated by all the participants was heartwarming, but it is what we’ve come to expect from these outstanding professionals and companies.”

PMI members contributing to the effort were American Standard Brands, BrassCraft Manufacturing Co., Delta Faucet Co., Fluidmaster Inc., Kohler Co., Moen Inc., Speakman Co. and Viega. They issued the following statements:

American Standard Brands

“Our company mission, simply stated, is to make life healthier and safer for people in our backyard and around the world. Helping our fellow citizens in Flint, Michigan during this devastating crisis is a natural response for us. We are privileged to join other leading faucet and fitting manufacturers by supplying kitchen faucets for installation in affected homes by skilled union plumbers. Safe drinking water is a basic human right. This fundamental right must be restored to the residents of Flint and we are proud to be part of making that happen.” Steven Delarge, president and CEO, LIXIL Water Technology Americas, American Standard, DXV, GROHE

BrassCraft Mfg Co.

“This crisis is close to us because, as a leading plumbing manufacturer, we help people get access to clean water every day,” said Delaina Lee, director of marketing communications. “Watching the news, we see the despair and frustration of the residents of Flint and we want to do our part to help things get back to normal.”

Delta Faucet Co.

“In times like these, we all come together to help. At Delta Faucet, we understand the vital importance of access to clean water,” said Paul Patton, senior manager, R&D and regulatory, Delta Faucet Company and 2016 PMI board president. “We are honored to participate in the larger PMI effort to provide safe drinking water to the people in and around Flint.”

Fluidmaster

“Fluidmaster is proud to partner with the UA and other PMI member companies in support of this effort to support the great people in Flint,” said Todd Talbot, Fluidmaster president.

Kohler Co.

Chris Baldwin, president of Kohler Global Faucets, said, “Everyone should have access to clean, safe drinking water, and Kohler Co. believes strongly in this principle both globally and here at home. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with PMI, our fellow members, and the UA to provide a level of relief for some of the affected individuals and families in Flint.”

Moen, Inc.

“Moen is proud to be a longtime member of PMI, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with other industry organizations to help the residents of Flint,” said Andrea Conroy, senior director of marketing – Wholesale Business Unit, Moen Inc. “At the core of Moen’s operating philosophy is to ‘Do What’s Right’ and ‘Work Together’ – and our donation of faucets and manpower is the least we can do to help this community get back on their feet.”

Speakman Co.

“A family company and a proud member of PMI, Speakman is honored to have the opportunity to help the residents of Flint, Michigan in their time of need,” said Kristin Barclay, vice president of product and marketing at Speakman. “All of us at Speakman are passionately committed to protecting water, and it is our hope that this modest donation of showers and faucets will help the Flint community enjoy and experience clean water once again.”

Viega

“Viega is proud to support Flint Michigan’s in its time of need,” said Dalyn Cantrell, vice president, sales and marketing. “Safe drinking water is critical to life and our innovative products will help provide the homeowners in Flint with solutions to their water quality and water efficiency needs.”

The types of faucets and other materials and services donated by PMI members were:

Kitchen sink faucets (8-inch center set)

• American Standard Brands
• Delta Faucet Co.
• Kohler Co.
• Moen Inc.
• Speakman Co.

18-inch kitchen sink supplies

• Fluidmaster Inc.

5/8 O. D. compression x 3/8 O.D. compression. Straight chrome shut off valves for under kitchen sink

• BrassCraft Manufacturing Co.

5/8 O. D. compression x 3/8 O. D. compression. Chrome angle shut off valves

• BrassCraft Manufacturing Co.

Products, food and drink for the volunteer plumbers, and seminars on water quality and safety

• Viega

A PMI allied member – the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) – also contributed to the effort.