Written by Dave Viola 4:01 pm Chief Executive Officer

IAPMO and IWSH Tackle Real-World Problems with Real-Time Solutions

As we reach the midpoint of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made together in just the last few months. From advancing community impact projects to influencing national water policy and strengthening our research capabilities, IAPMO continues to lead with purpose and integrity across every facet of our industry. Let me start with two particularly meaningful IWSH projects completed this quarter — one in Europe and one here at home.

During the ISH Frankfurt 2025 trade show, IWSH’s Plumbing Champions initiative assembled more than 20 young tradespeople from eight different countries to perform essential renovations at a downtown Frankfurt art center. This international collaboration not only improved vital plumbing facilities but also showcased our industry’s commitment to education, skill development, and giving back.

Back here in the United States, IWSH returned to the Baca-Prewitt Chapter of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. Partnering with DigDeep and members of the California Pipe Trades and other UA locals, our teams upgraded kitchen facilities at the senior center and installed a new water heater in the chapter house. One elder, brought to tears as she turned on a newly installed faucet, reminded us of the human impact of our work. That moment — when everything is working, and lives are tangibly improved — is the most rewarding part of what we do.

These efforts continue to highlight the power of collaboration, community service, and the transformative role of plumbing professionals and technologies. You can read more about these initiatives here.

IAPMO recently joined with ASPE and PMI to host this year’s Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition (PILC) meeting. This annual gathering brings together leaders from across the industry to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This year’s agenda focused heavily on the future of water infrastructure funding programs, updates to the Energy Policy Act, and the continuing evolution of the EPA’s WaterSense program.

We also discussed the critical need to support plumbing research, particularly the NIST Plumbing Research Program, which is under threat from federal administrative cuts. The group explored how tariffs and international trade practices are impacting the availability and affordability of plumbing products. Our goal is to ensure that every household and community has access to safe, efficient, and resilient plumbing systems — something that can only happen when research and policy work in tandem. I look forward to updating you on the concrete progress that will emerge from these important conversations.

Another key development this quarter is IAPMO’s growing investment in research and innovation, most notably through the addition of the Environmental Sustainability and Plumbing Research Institute (ESPRI). ESPRI adds new depth to our portfolio by enhancing our capacity to explore the intersection of plumbing systems, sustainability, and resilient building design. As we look to reduce flow rates, adopt alternate water systems, and build more sustainable infrastructure, it’s vital that we also examine potential unintended consequences. Whether it’s downsizing water or drainage pipes or evaluating system performance under new use patterns, ESPRI’s mission is to ensure that innovation always aligns with health, safety, and performance.

These research efforts support not just code and standard development but also the end user — ensuring clean water comes in, waste goes out, and alternative systems like rainwater harvesting are safe and effective.

Additionally, IAPMO, ASPE, and ARCSA are hard at work on the next versions of Standards 63 and 78, which will provide updated guidance for rainwater and stormwater harvesting systems. These updates are foundational for expanding safe use of rainwater, storm water and alternate water sources which reduce environmental impacts such as watershed pollution and urban flooding. Together, we are ensuring these standards stay relevant with modern technologies, new materials, and evolving building codes — all while upholding the highest levels of public health and safety.

Looking ahead, IAPMO will serve as the administrating organization for ANSI’s World Standards Week this October in Bethesda, Maryland — the first time serving in this capacity since 2011. This event highlights the vital role that standards play in public safety, environmental protection, and business innovation. I encourage you to join us. It’s a powerful demonstration of the importance of our shared commitment to American National Standards and to IAPMO’s leadership in this space.

If you haven’t already registered and made your travel plans to join us for IAPMO’s 2025 Annual Education and Business Conference, Sept. 14-18, in beautiful Palm Springs, California, you’re not too late. This year’s event promises to be especially impactful, as we’re co-locating with the annual meetings of ASSE International and ARCSA International — bringing together a full spectrum of industry expertise in one dynamic setting. From technical sessions and code development discussions to networking opportunities and collaborative forums, this year’s conference offers a unique chance to engage with peers, advance your knowledge, and help shape the future of safe, sustainable plumbing systems. I look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you for your continued support of IAPMO and our mission. Your dedication makes it possible for us to lead this industry forward responsibly, collaboratively, and always with the public’s best interests in mind.

Dave Viola
Chief Executive Officer at IAPMO

Dave Viola is the CEO of The IAPMO Group, a global non-profit membership-based organization focused on the development of codes that govern plumbing quality standards. He has more than 25 years of senior management experience within the plumbing and mechanical industry. He joined IAPMO in 2007 and, served as IAPMO’s chief operating officer with strategic and operational responsibility for the comprehensive array of IAPMO Group programs and services. Dave also serves as Deputy Chairman of the World Plumbing Council. Dave previously worked as Technical Director for the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) from 1998 until 2007. He serves or has served on many industry committees and boards in the United States and Canada, including AWE, ASME, ANSI and ASHRAE.

Last modified: July 2, 2025

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