PMI Supports WATER Use Act (H.R. 3720): The Latest Bill Calling for WaterSense Authorization

November 11, 2015 – Rolling Meadows, Ill. – Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) and its members support the Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource (WATER) Use Act of 2015 (H.R. 3720), the latest proposed Congressional measure advocating WaterSense authorization. Introduced by Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), the WATER Use Act also directs the federal government to purchase the most water-efficient products on the market and to provide assistance to state and local governments facing water shortages and other water-related issues.

PMI and its members have been leading efforts to gain support for H.R. 3720 and other bills advocating WaterSense authorization, including:

  • North American Energy and Security Act of 2015 (H.R. 8), which includes a WaterSense provision sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.). This bipartisan measure passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee on September 30.
  • Water in the 21st Century Act (H.R. 291/S. 176), sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) , and Rep. Grace Napolitano (Calif.-32).
  • American Energy Innovation Act (S. 2089), sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
  • California Emergency Drought Relief Act (S. 1894), sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)

“PMI applauds these lawmakers and their efforts to advance legislation authorizing the WaterSense program, which encourages consumers to decrease indoor water use through high efficiency plumbing products, services, and practices,” said Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO/executive director.

WaterSense is a voluntary, private-partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and broadly supported by manufacturers, retailers, trade associations, nonprofits, builders, and local/state governments. PMI has been a WaterSense partner since 2007; WaterSense certifies toilets, showerheads, bathroom faucets and commercial pre-rinse spray valves that are at least 20 percent more water efficient than other plumbing products meeting federal standards.

About PMI

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 about 90 percent of the nation’s plumbing products. As part of its mission, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance and innovation contributing to water savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. 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. Visit our website at www.safeplumbing.org.

Media Contacts

Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com, 708-352-8695
Dawn Robinson, drobinson@safeplumbing.org, Office: 847-481-5500 ext. 103, Cell: 847-217-6848