Every first year plumbing apprentice knows that the plumb in plumbing is a Latin reference to lead. While the name has remained unchanged the materials and techniques for undertaking plumbing and creating the safe plumbing systems we take for granted have moved on significantly.
Wonder materials like lead and asbestos are now seen as dangerous and extremely hazardous to health. The very opposite of good plumbing. It amazes me that water could still be supplied in lead pipes with perhaps the exception of a preserved historical site like Bath England.
We need the combination of strong effective regulation and well trained competent trades people to assure the security of a safe reliable water supply.
Something we will certainly be marking on March 11 as all around the world we celebrate World Plumbing Day.