Message from the President
Working Together to Get “Green” Legislation Right
As the popularity of promoting “green” initiatives increases, many local municipalities, state regulators and legislators are proposing changes that will impact our industry. As in the past, much of the focus is on reducing water usage by mandating flow rates of plumbing products such as toilets, faucets and showerheads. When legislators, conservation groups, standards boards, industry associations and manufacturers work together, it can result in solutions that are water efficient and meet consumer expectations. When there is limited dialogue between stakeholders, it can create a lot of consumer frustration and inefficiencies. PMI is a strong advocate for improved water efficiency in plumbing products. We support active participation between all stakeholders to insure the most effective policies. Working together will make the most effective change.
Many of us remember the debacle of EPACT ’92 which mandated the first generation of low-flow toilets, then 1.6 gallons per flush. PMI initially opposed this legislation because manufacturers were not consulted and the mandated timeline was unachievable. The first low flow toilets under-performed, consumers suffered and low flow plumbing products got a “black eye.” Recently, PMI actively supported the passage of California AB 715 which mandates the use of high efficiency toilets (HET), 1.3 gallons per flush, and urinals (HEU) by the year 2014. We also support that this template should be used in other waterstarved jurisdictions like Texas and Georgia to ensure consistent standards and quality products. We are pleased that in this effort we have the continued support of Representative John Laird and his Chief Consultant Clyde MacDonald. .
Why did PMI initially oppose EPACT ’92, but now fully supports California’s AB 715, a more stringent standard? The reason is simple. With AB 715, manufacturers worked side by side with legislators to establish a time line that is realistic and achievable. It is a “win-win” for all parties, including the consumer and water efficiency.
Showerhead flow rates are another water conservation issue getting a lot of attention in our industry. As part of their new WaterSense program, EPA plans to label showerheads that are about 20% more water efficient than the federally allowable flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. WaterSense anticipates establishing a single flow rate for showerheads somewhere between 1.5 to 2.0 gallons per minute and is also investigating performance based testing. PMI supports EPA’s plan to establish performance-based criteria for showerheads. Currently in the US, there are no universally agreed upon testing protocols for showerheads. PMI does not support local municipalities or water districts that independently enforce reduction of flow rates solely to meet water reduction goals often without consideration of product performance issues or consumer satisfaction concerns.
PMI and its members are dedicated to providing products that are water efficient, i.e. products that get the job done using less water. For that reason, we encourage the use of the term “water efficiency” in place of “water conservation.” Simply cutting back the amount of water used is not the point and can have unfavorable consequences. As with showerheads, product performance and consumer satisfaction are also critical for success. PMI will continue to seek out and join forces with like-minded groups, legislators and other stakeholders to promote green initiatives such as improved water efficiency of our products.
Keep an eye out for PMI guest editorials in some unlikely places. We will also exhibit once again at the Greenbuild Show to be held in Boston this fall. In the meantime, see you at our Spring Meeting in Newport Beach, California, March 30 – April 2!