Week two of the International Code Council’s 40th annual Building Safety Month starts today with a focus on water safety in homes and buildings.
According to the council, up to 785 million people lack access to clean water worldwide – and the adoption and enforcement of updated plumbing codes is vital to ensuring clean water access.
“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever we understand the critical need for access to clean and safe water and plumbing systems,” says Dominic Sims, CBO, CEO of the Code Council. “Week two highlights the value of codes, such as the International Plumbing Code, and code professionals that serve as vigilant protectors of our water supply through the enforcement of proper construction, conversation and disposal requirements.”
The Code Council has recently partnered with the Residental Energy Service Network to create a new joint standard for water efficiency: the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 850-2020 Standard Calculation and Labeling of the Water Use Performance of One-and Two-Family Dwellings Using the Water Rating Index. The standard sets technical specifications for home water efficiency testing. The ICC will host a webinar on the new standard on Thursday, May 14, 2020.
The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, a Code Council partner organization, is also celebrating National Water Safety Month this May. “Providing essential pool, spa and hot tub services is important for public health and safety because it prevents algae growth, mosquitoes, water-borne diseases and cloudy water,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, president and CEO of the PHTA. “The busy swim season starts with National Water Safety Month, and that’s the best time to learn about being safe in and around water.”
