Innovations and Policies Shaping Water Conservation in the Built Environment

In this episode, we discuss the General Services Administration (GSA) order to address the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in the water systems of GSA-controlled buildings. The GSA, which owns 1,600 federal buildings and leases space in over 6,500 buildings nationwide, was spurred to action after detecting elevated levels of Legionella bacteria at six GSA-controlled buildings in different regions since 2023. Our guest Dr. Abraham Cullom, a microbiologist with expertise in plumbing systems, talks about the GSA order and the urgent need to stay on top of emerging best water quality practices for plumbing systems to protect building occupants.Related links: https://www.gsa.gov/blog/2024/01/31/gsa-strengthens-water-quality-efforts-in-federal-buildings 

In this powerful episode, we delve into the reconstruction journey of Paradise, California following the devastating  2018 Camp Fire that destroyed more than 18,000 structures and killed 85 people. Our guest, Tony Lindsey, Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal, shares his unique perspective as both a building official and a resident who lost his home in the disaster.  Lindsey offers exclusive insights into the challenges faced during evacuation, the complexities of rebuilding a town's water infrastructure, and innovative solutions implemented to ensure clean, safe water for the community. From the installation of backflow devices in every home to the fortification of water storage systems, Lindsey details the town's efforts to create a more resilient Paradise. This episode provides valuable lessons for officials and communities nationwide on preparing for and recovering from catastrophic events.Guest:  Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal Tony Lindsey  Related Links: https://eofficial.org/rebuilding-paradise/

Join IAPMO experts Dan Cole and Christoph Lohr for a technical exploration of storm drainage system design and the critical equations engineers need to calculate effect flow rates through piping.Among the key insights is the impact of pipe material on flow velocity. For instance, PVC and cast iron pipes of the same size can have vastly different flow capacities. Dan and Christoph discuss the key differences between the Manning and Darcy-Weisbach equations, why current plumbing code tables may not tell the whole story, and how proposed code changes could give designers more accurate tools for material selection.In an era where storms are increasing causing urban flooding from excessive rainfall events, this episode will help engineers to make informed decisions for accurate storm drainage system sizing and ensure optimal performance and longevity. Related Links:Download the white paper, peer-reviewed by 11 industry experts: IAPMO/ASPE White Paper 2-2024, "Capacities of Stacks and Horizontal Drains in Storm Drainage Systems

In this episode, we discuss challenges and opportunities in residential water use and efficiency. Our expert guest, Andrew D. Morris, Senior Manager of Policy & Programs with the Alliance For Water Efficiency, shares how water consumption in single-family and multi-family homes has evolved over the years, including a 15% decrease in indoor water use between 1999 and 2016 driven by state-level fixture standards and federal appliance regulations. Andrew provides a vision for future areas of improvement, including right-sizing premise plumbing and water heater systems, meter sizing and sewer capacity certifications, and utility-side adjustments to connection-related fees and policies. Related Links:The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a membership-based nonprofit of utilities, industry, government bodies, researchers, and academia dedicated to water efficiency in North America. 

In this episode, Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman delves into strategies and technologies that revolutionize water conservation in the built environment, from advanced irrigation systems to smart water management technologies. We explore the government policies and regulations in driving these initiatives and discuss the critical role of community engagement and education. Finally, we look ahead to future directions and emerging research areas that promise to shape the sustainability landscape.Related Links:Green Builder Media 

In this episode, Jonah Schein, Technical Coordinator for Homes and Buildings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense® program, demonstrates how water-efficiency measures also save energy and reduce carbon emissions, using data from 219 WaterSense-labeled homes in Menifee, California.  Jonah describes how every gallon of water has an "energy signature" based on the processes required to extract, convey, treat, and distribute that water, noting the dramatic differences among various water sources, with some requiring over 20 times more energy than others. Noting the benefits of right-sizing plumbing pipes for water-efficient fixtures, Jonah emphasizes the tremendous opportunity in leveraging water efficiency to cost-effectively reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Related Links: EPA Report: WaterSense® Labeled Homes Communities Save Energy and Support Decarbonization IAPMO Water Demand Calculator to right-size plumbing pipes.  

In this insightful episode, Mechanical Hub hosts Tim Ward and John Messenbrink discuss three major plumbing industry trends: the push towards electrification, artificial Intelligence (AI), and the skilled trade gap, especially as it relates to attracting a more diverse workforce. Regarding electrification, Tim and John note that while electrification is important for environmental reasons, they caution about the need for a measured approach and improved infrastructure to support this transition. Tim and John also discussed that while AI wasn’t going to replace skilled labor, it could potentially benefit plumbing businesses in the areas of lead generation, customer support, and inventory management.  This discussion concludes with the estimated need for 80,000 new skilled workers annually across construction trades. While emphasizing the importance of increased funding for apprenticeships, trade schools, and training programs, Tim and John also note the importance of increasing diversity in the North American plumbing industry. Related Links: https://mechanical-hub.com/

In this episode, we delve deep into the critical issue of backflow prevention, exploring the latest technologies and methodologies that are transforming the field. Join master plumber Sean Cleary, vice president of operations for the Backflow Prevention Institute (BPI), as we discuss the causes of backflow, the risks to water systems, regulatory compliance requirements and real-world case studies.  Related Links: Backflow Prevention Institute Website: https://iapmobpi.org/Beginner’s Guide to Backflow Prevention: https://www.workingpressuremag.com/the-beginners-guide-to-backflow-prevention-and-cross-connection-control/Hit subscribe for more about the plumbing industry, including disaster mitigation, water conservation, sustainability, and the intersection of affordability.

In this episode, guest Sal Aridi, a professional engineer and director of Special Projects at IAPMO, discusses water reuse. He elaborates on his 25-year career in water technologies and explains the different types of water reuse, such as greywater and blackwater. The conversation covers definitions, standards, and the practicalities of water recycling, emphasizing the importance of robust systems and the misconception that water reuse is inherently problematic.

In this episode host Christoph Lohr discusses structural and behavioral water waste with Jim Lutz, a retired researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Jim details his career, focusing on water heater efficiency and plumbing systems, and explains how his research has shown the significance of structural waste in residential plumbing, particularly in hot water distribution systems. He emphasizes the inefficacy of low-flow showerheads due to structural waste and advocates for compact plumbing designs to enhance water and energy conservation. Jim also highlights the long-term impact of these decisions on building efficiency and conservation efforts.Podcast discussion links:Water and Energy Wasted During Residential Shower Events: Findings from a Pilot Field Study of Hot Water Distribution SystemsReducing Waste In Residential Hot Water Distribution Systems