PMI-Supported Language to Maintain WaterSense Program Included in House EPA Budget Bill

Washington, D.C. – June 7, 2018 – The House of Representatives' Appropriations Committee, which oversees EPA funding, yesterday outlined its support of the EPA’s WaterSense program while rejecting its proposed elimination in a report accompanying its approved fiscal year 2019 (FY19) budget for the Departments of Interior and EPA.

Administered by the EPA, WaterSense is a voluntary, consumer product program that promotes water efficiency. The WaterSense label signifies that the product meets high performance standards while using at least 20 percent less water than products meeting federal water-efficiency standards.

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) applauds the committee members, led by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), Interior/EPA Subcommittee chair, for taking a strong stance to promote the continued funding and operation of the WaterSense program. PMI and its members, along with a number of trade associations and non-governmental organizations, have met with dozens of members of Congress, including members of the Appropriations Committee, to underscore the benefits of the program. PMI is supporting similar report language in the Senate.

“We are pleased to continue to see bipartisan support on Capitol Hill of this successful water savings program vital to manufacturers, consumers, states, cities, and utilities,” said PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. “Established is 2006, WaterSense is an example of an effective collaboration between industry and the government in determining voluntary and water-efficient performance measures that can be used by consumers and industry, as well as by states and local governments.”

In March, PMI delivered a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt highlighting the benefits of the WaterSense public-private partnership and strongly recommending its continuation. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration targeted 50 EPA programs for elimination, including the WaterSense program.

Plumbing manufacturers have developed more than 21,000 WaterSense-labeled product models, including showerheads, toilets, faucets, faucet accessories, flushing urinals, flushometer-valve toilets found in commercial and institutional facilities, and pre-rinse spray valves for commercial kitchens.

More than 1,900 manufacturers, water and energy utilities, distributors, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, trade associations, and retailers nationwide have partnered with the WaterSense program.

To view the FY19 House Interior/EPA budget and report, go to: https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/interior_report.pdf

About Plumbing Manufacturers International

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member companies produce 90 percent of the United States’ plumbing products. As part of its mission, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance and innovation contributing to water efficiency and savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. PMI’s members are industry leaders in producing safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies. PMI members manufacture water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads and other products at more than 70 locations in 25 states and that are sold in home improvement stores, hardware stores and showrooms. For more information on PMI or its conferences, contact the organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. www.safeplumbing.org.

Media contact: Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com, 708-352-8695