Greetings,

The initial quarter of 2024 has concluded, and a lot has happened in the first few months. In March we celebrated World Plumbing Day, bringing awareness around the globe to the important work the plumbing industry does in protecting the health of humanity. The outreach seems to grow year over year, and we thank everyone who took the time to recognize the day and bring awareness to their communities. This year, each member of the WPC board took time to contribute to the WPC video message, creating a testament to the global nature of our organization and highlighting the resources available to our members and the problems we can solve when we work together. Thank you again to everyone who helped make the day a success, and to those who sent in reports on their celebrations — we have included them in this issue and posted them at worldplumbing.org.

Looking ahead, we invite everyone to attend the Emerging Water Technology Symposium (EWTS) in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, from 14 – 15 May. Co-convened by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), in cooperation with the WPC, the EWTS provides a unique opportunity to meet well-known experts from across the globe. This year’s theme will focus on the nexus between sustainability and safety, and avoiding unintended consequences of each.

Participants can discover ideas and approaches about emerging technologies that benefit drinking water and wastewater systems, improve efficiency, and preserve public health. Of particular interest is how these new technologies help cope with drought, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to overall water sustainability.

As noted in the previous edition, the WPC is teaming up with the World Health Organization (WHO) for a joint initiative in the Philippines. Throughout June, the WPC, WHO, Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers, NAMPAP and IWSH will collaborate to enhance a health care facility in Manila. This endeavor will additionally support WHO in assessing and enhancing its WASH Fit guide, a risk-based, ongoing enhancement framework equipped with tools for implementing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) upgrades as integral components of broader quality enhancements in health care facilities.

Finally, I’d like everyone to mark their calendars for the next WPC General Membership meeting, which will be held in conjunction with the World Skills Competition, Sept. 10-15, in Lyon, France. More details will be shared with our members in the coming months.

Until the next issue.

WPC Chair
Dave Viola

The World Plumbing Council is pleased to share World Plumbing Day from around the globe. Thank you to everyone who helped recognize the work of the plumbing industry.

The World Health Organization included an article about WPD in their March newsletter.

ASIA:

China

March 11 in China

To celebrate World Plumbing Day 2024, the “2024 World Plumbing Day Urban Water Exchange Conference and Water Supply and Drainage Industry Annual Conference” was held in Chongqing on 15 March.

The conference was hosted by the Plumbing Facilities Committee Branch of the China Construction Metal Structure Association, the full member of World Plumbing Council in China. The conference is themed “Green New City, Smart New Water”, and nearly 500 domestic and foreign water industry experts gathered on site to discuss the development and innovation of the water industry in urban renewal.

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India

Submitted by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA)

As a proud full member of the World Plumbing Council, the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) is delighted to share the successful celebrations of World Plumbing Day (WPD) on 11th March 2024 at various Indian Plumbing Association chapters in 26 cities all across the country. The events aimed not only to celebrate the significance of plumbing but also to raise awareness about crucial issues related to water conservation, plumbing practices, and community well-being among the plumbing community and general public.

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World Plumbing Day and IPA Founders Day Celebrations 2024

• World Plumbing Day 2024 and IPA Founders Day was celebrated across IPA Chapters through a series of virtual and physical events including Webinars, Blood Donation camps, Site visits, Walk-a-Thon, Drawing, Essay and Painting competitions.
• The celebration started from 1 March and continued till 31 March.

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Submitted by Rtn. Balakrishna P. Kamath, Rotary Club Gadag Betgeri Welfare Society (R)

The plumbing materials dealers of Gadag and Plumbers’ Association Gadag Betgeri, in association with Rotary Club Gadag Betgeri, celebrated World Plumbing Day at the Rotary Eye Care Center in Gadag.

The day began with a rally to create awareness about World Plumbing Day, starting from Mahatma Gandhi Circle and ending at Rotary Eye Care Center.

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Celebrating Creativity and Skill: IPA Essay Writing and Poster Making Competition

The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) student chapter, Faculty of Technology-CEPT University, in association with the IPA Ahmedabad chapter, recently organized an essay-writing and poster-making competition aimed at promoting awareness and innovation in plumbing practices among students. The competition served as a platform for budding talents to showcase their creativity and knowledge in the field of plumbing. With an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency and safety, participants were encouraged to explore various aspects of plumbing and its significance in modern society.

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AUSTRALIA

World Plumbing Day 2024 Celebrations in Perth, Western Australia

Galvins Plumbing Supplies, MPA Skills, and Cbus Super hosted a successful World Plumbing Day Tradeshow on 8 March 2024 at Galvins Plumbing Supplies Head Office in Osborne Park, featuring over 30 exhibitors showcasing their products.

More than 150 plumbers and apprentices visited the tradeshow.

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2024 Queensland Plumbing Ambassadors Announced at Inaugural Australian Plumbing and Gas Conference

The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) has brought together five outstanding members of the plumbing, gas, and drainage industry from across Queensland to work together to represent and promote the industry to future apprentices, the general public, and other business owners.

The new Queensland Plumbing Ambassadors were named during the World Plumbing Day celebrations on 7 March 2024 at the inaugural Australian Plumbing and Gas Conference (APGC) 2024: Ben Goding from Ben Goding Plumbing, Reed Mackay from Plumbcall, Russell Fingleton from Converse Group, Dee Davenport from A Bailey Plumbing, and Ralph McMillan from Abrik Pty Ltd.

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The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) Celebrates World Plumbing Day 2024 at Training Centres across Australia

Every year, The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) celebrates World Plumbing Day to acknowledge the critical role plumbing plays in safeguarding public health and maintaining environmental sustainability. We also mark the occasion to recognise the dedicated efforts of skilled, licensed plumbers who ensure clean water and safe sanitation for our homes, communities, and environment.

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 EUROPE

United Kingdom

At the Worshipful Company of Plumbers on World Plumbing Day we celebrate a bright and positive future in the UK trade by announcing our Annual Bursary Competition winners.

We received 172 applications this year (a big increase on 2023) from plumbing apprentices supported by their colleges and employers. We are striving to achieve greater EDI in our competition’s processes, and this year two of the six winners identifying as female.

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NORTH AMERICA

United States

The IAPMO Group Again to Highlight Vital Role Plumbing Plays in Building Community Resilience, Protecting Public Health with March4Water Month

Building on the momentum started last year, The IAPMO Group, the world-leading technical experts on safe and effective plumbing systems, again celebrated March4Water, a month-long observance of the myriad ways communities derive better health and resilience through plumbing.

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United States President Joe Biden Commemorates World Plumbing Day

It is an honor to join plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, sprinkler fitters, service technicians, and pipeliners everywhere in commemorating World Plumbing Day.

Everyone in America deserves the peace of mind of knowing that when they tum on their faucets, they will have clean water to drink. But for too many, that’s not the case. Countless families, schools, and businesses have their water pumped through a lead pipe, lead valve, or lead fixture, putting those who drink it at risk for brain or kidney damage. That’s wrong, and as a Nation, we have an obligation to do something about it.

Read more

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SOUTH AMERICA

Brazil

Actions Planned for World Plumbing Day – Brazil

12th Hydraulic Installations Workshop Highlights Women’s Participation in the Sector and Celebrates World Plumbing Day

On 8 March, the 12th Hydraulic Installations Workshop was held, focusing on water heating systems. The webinar, which gathered over 130 online participants, addressed various aspects of the industry.

Read more

The Plumbing & Heating Skills Partnership (PHSP) is set to significantly expand and strengthen its membership following a strategic Skills Summit. This expansion includes widening the PHSP UK Strategic Group membership to include the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the Plumbing, Heating and Mechanical Engineering Joint Industry Boards (JIB-PMES & SNIJIB) and Unite the Union, marking a significant step toward creating a more representative and collaborative skills partnership for the UK plumbing and heating industry.

The summit, held at BPEC’s offices in Derby, introduced a revised model for the PHSP UK Strategic Group and addressed the many skills challenges confronting the industry. Collaborative initiatives agreed upon at the Skills Summit are designed to benefit the industry, with a special emphasis on supporting the industry’s essential role in the UK’s transition to net zero. By focusing on sustainable practices and innovations, the PHSP aims to contribute significantly to the national effort to reduce carbon emissions and achieve environmental sustainability goals.

“Our partnership is dedicated to developing and extending education and training, fostering a commitment to professionalism and competency at every level within our industry. It’s centred around facilitating dialogue and collaboration across the profession alongside taking practical action,” PHSP Chairman Duncan Wilson said. “With a membership that is both diverse and representative we can achieve greater outcomes; unity not only makes us stronger but also more effective.

“Our work is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to professionalism and competency, aiming to benefit the entire industry in the long term — from new trainees embarking on their careers, to national employers and established service providers. Consumers across the UK rely on the expertise and services provided by us, our members, and their people, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability in every home and business.”

Established in April 2017 as a not-for-profit skills partnership, the PHSP was founded by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), and the British Plumbing Employers Council (Training) Limited (The BPEC Charity). Its mission is to lead and support the development of standards, qualifications, and apprenticeships for the plumbing and domestic heating industry.

Wilson added, “The PHSP works to ensure that appropriate and consistent standards, qualifications and apprenticeships continue to be available across the UK, alongside addressing wider future skills needs of the plumbing and heating industry.”

Representatives from all partners attended the recent Skills Summit with the aim of making the PHSP a more representative and collaborative skills partnership for the UK plumbing and heating industry.

Submitted by IAPMO

To highlight the myriad ways the plumbing industry creates positive change in a water-stressed world, IAPMO^® was thrilled to further its March4Water initiatives around World Water Day by participating in and hosting numerous events on Capitol Hill the week of March 18-22.

A busy week culminated with a World Water Day celebration event marking the 10-year anniversary of The Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act, hosted by IAPMO, the Millennium Water Alliance and WaterAid US at the Cannon House Office Building. A capacity crowd gathered with federal administration leaders and elected officials to recognize the progress — and work still to be done — in accelerating access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for millions in the United States and around the world.

Moderated by Laura E. Kohler, chief sustainable living officer for Kohler Co., speakers included: Administrator Samantha Power, United States Agency for International Development; Acting Assistant Administrator Bruno Pigott, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), majority whip, United States Senate; Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.); Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.); Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY); Mrs. Patti Simon; and Josh Norman, All-Pro NFL cornerback and founding board member of Football for Peace USA.

The event was sponsored by Chemonics, Ferguson, Kohler, LIXIL, P&G Children’s Safe Drinking Water, Food for the Hungry, Football for Peace, Global Health Council, InterAction, Save the Children, Tetra Tech, TOTO, UNICEF USA, and World Vision.

“IAPMO was proud to join other industry stakeholders in such an incredible and meaningful dialogue around World Water Day,” said Christopher Lindsay, IAPMO vice president of Government Relations. “It illustrated the vital importance our industry will play in ensuring everyone has sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. We are committed to continue being a leader in bringing about this transformative change.”

Earlier March 21, IAPMO partnered on an event on the National Mall led by Football for Peace titled “Leveraging Water for Peace.” Drawing high-level dignitaries and professional football and soccer players, it featured youth clinics, keynote speeches, and a symbolic wall kickoff. Erin McCusker, senior vice president, leader, SATO and LIXIL Public Partners, spoke at the event. McCusker leads LIXIL’s SATO program, which provides innovative and affordable sanitation products for underserved communities.

IAPMO Government Relations led an industry lobbying day at the New Jersey Statehouse on March 18 and continued its advocacy the following week with events and meetings with legislators in Massachusetts.

More than 2 billion people worldwide — including more than 2 million Americans — live without access to running water, basic indoor plumbing, or proper sanitation. IAPMO is determined to close the world’s water gap.

ABOUT WORLD WATER DAY
World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance, started in 1993, that celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water. A core focus of World Water Day is to inspire action toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

The availability of water, or lack thereof, significantly influences the lives of women. Across numerous countries globally, the responsibility of fetching water predominantly falls on the shoulders of girls and women. The ease of access to water plays a pivotal role in enhancing livelihoods.

A recent study conducted by the World Bank in four nations revealed the profound impact of water availability and accessibility on girls’ education. Simply reducing the time spent fetching water by one hour resulted in a 39% increase in girls’ enrollment in schools. Yes, you read that correctly: improved water access correlates with enhanced education for girls. Educated girls can pursue higher-level employment opportunities, and those who choose to become mothers can break the cycles of poverty. Children of educated women often perform better in school and tend to have higher incomes throughout their lives.

Read more: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/news/2024/the-ripple-effect-investing-in-women-water-and-the-world/

The WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia recently launched a new OpenWHO course: Mainstreaming of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) in WASH in health care facilities.

Aligned with the updated WASH FIT guidance from WHO and UNICEF, the course offers eight practical steps to improve WASH practices in health facilities with a particular focus on marginalized groups such as women, girls and persons with disabilities. Poor WASH services compromise health care quality and the realization of health as a human right. The aims to empower health professionals and policymakers with strategies to ensure universal access to quality health care.

Access the course below as well as our other OpenWHO self-paced courses, each of which is less than two hours long.

Course: https://hq_wsh.createsend1.com/t/d-l-ezultk-tduuktcyh-tl/

Other courses available:

Water, sanitation and hygiene for the prevention and care of neglected tropical diseases

For a healthier world: safely managed sanitation

Water safety planning for urban water supply systems: an introduction

While sanitation workers play a crucial role in providing environmental health services to society, their occupation exposes them to significant health and safety risks, including social discrimination and stigma. To address the needs of sanitation workers, the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University School of Public Health conducted a study. The aim was to assess the awareness of occupational biological risks and the utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) among sanitation workers in fecal waste management plants across nine cities in Uganda (refer to the map for the locations of Arua, Lira, Gulu, Mbale, Jinja, Masaka, Kampala, Fort Portal, and Mbarara).

The research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. It involved surveying 417 sanitation workers using structured questionnaires, including emptiers, sewer cleaners, and operators of pumping stations and treatment plants. Additionally, 17 key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders, such as officials from fecal sludge treatment plants, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, public health departments in selected cities, and the Ministry of Health.

Read more: https://sanitationworkers.susana.org/blog/18-personal-protective-equipment-for-sanitation-workers-at-fecal-sludge-management-plants-in-uganda#

The construction sector has long grappled with challenges in attracting women and ethnic minorities, often being perceived as a domain dominated by middle-aged white males.

Yet, recent analysis of apprenticeship trends in construction paints a different picture, indicating a notable increase in young women embarking on careers in the industry. According to government data for 2022-23 collected by Protrade, approximately 24,530 individuals commenced apprenticeships across the UK. Among them, females accounted for 10% of the total, marking a growth of over 2% compared to the preceding year (2021-22).

Read more: https://www.installeronline.co.uk/more-women-than-ever-taking-construction-apprenticeships-says-new-research

Submitted by Elmar Esser

On UN World Water Day, 22 March 2024, the United Nations and UNESCO published their annual World Water Development Report 2024, “Partnerships and cooperation for water.”

This year’s report focuses on developing and maintaining a secure and equitable water future that underpins prosperity and peace for all. The relationship also works in the opposite direction, as poverty and inequality, social tensions, and conflict can amplify water insecurity. The report calls attention to the complex and interlinked relationships between sustainable water management, prosperity and peace, describing how progress in one dimension can have positive, often essential, repercussions on the others.

Some facts:

• Freshwater use has been growing by just under 1% per year, driven by a combination of socio-economic development and related changes in consumption patterns, including diet. While agriculture accounts for roughly 70% of freshwater withdrawals, industrial (≈20%) and domestic (≈10%) uses are the main drivers of increasing water demand.
• Roughly half of the world’s population currently experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. One quarter of the world’s population face “extremely high” levels of water stress, using over 80% of their annual renewable freshwater supply.
• In lower-income countries, poor ambient water quality is mainly due to low levels of wastewater treatment, whereas in higher-income countries, runoff from agriculture poses the most serious problem.
• None of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 targets appear to be on track. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people were without access to safely managed drinking water. Four out of five people lacking at least basic drinking water services lived in rural areas. The situation with respect to safely managed sanitation remains dire, with 3.5 billion people lacking access to such services. Cities and municipalities have been unable to keep up with the accelerating growth of their urban populations.
• Deficiencies in monitoring and reporting have made it extremely challenging to generate a thorough analysis of most other SDG 6 target indicators.

Human settlements (WASH, disaster risk reduction and migration)

In a separate chapter the report deals with water issues in human settlements.

The report states that authorities have not given sufficient priority to equity and non-discrimination in access to WASH services, particularly between formal and informal settlements, rural and urban areas, highest and lowest wealth quintiles, and among marginalized groups. The collaborative management of WASH services and water resources can become a peacebuilding asset, provided it is equipped and supported to perform that role. Numerous challenges undermine the provision of WASH services in conflict situations, due to the breakdown of essential infrastructure, displacement of populations, insecurity, and limited access to resources. Disaster risk reduction policies and programmes can address the root causes of vulnerability and build resilience. Water deficits can be linked to 10% of the increase in migration worldwide.

Displacement can increase the burden on local water systems and resources, resulting in tensions between migrant and host communities. Cooperation and joint management of these systems promote peaceful co-existence in and around settlement locations.

Regional perspectives

In the chapter “Regional perspectives,” the report highlights, among others Sub-Saharan Africa, where population growth, rapid urbanization, economic development, and changing lifestyles and consumption patterns are increasing water demand. Most of the region suffers from economic water scarcity, where water infrastructure is often inappropriate (or nonexistent) and water resources management inadequate due to a lack of financing. Water quality appears to be widely deteriorating. Africa has the highest proportion of transboundary basins relative to other continents, covering an estimated 64% of the land area. Transboundary cooperation – such as for water quality, water supply, infrastructure projects for agriculture and energy, flood control, and management of climate change impacts – can bring riparians and stakeholders together to collaboratively promote water, energy and food security. Of the 72 transboundary aquifers mapped in Africa (underlying 40% of the land area), cooperation has only been formalized in seven.

For Asia and the Pacific, the report states that large populations in the region still lack access to WASH services, especially in rural areas, and water pollution has worsened in many of the region’s most important river basins – eight of the top 10 rivers in the world contributing to marine plastic are in Asia. Water scarcity and extreme events such as floods and droughts particularly impact less developed economies and vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities associated with low development outcomes and threatening peace and security at a national level. Pacific Islands also experience water scarcity and unique impacts from changes in climate. Even where freshwater is relatively abundant, saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels continually threatens the available freshwater supply. The limited institutional capacity to manage water resources remains a significant challenge.

Significance of education and capacity development

Finally, the report addresses challenges in fighting water scarcity and particularly mentions education and capacity development.

Although major advances have been made in the adoption of new technologies, the gap between the severity of water problems and the knowledge base and skill sets available to solve them is widening in many places. This delays the adoption of new technologies for water (especially wastewater) treatment and integrated river basin management, which, in turn, leads to wasteful water use, contamination of freshwater sources, and unsatisfactory levels of WASH services. Education and capacity development are key to addressing this challenge. The gap in skills and capacity is even more pronounced on non-technological aspects, such as legal, policy and institutional development. These skills are essential in transboundary river basins or conflict-prone regions, where resolutions may require a process of negotiation and compromise. In conflict situations, impacts on local livelihoods can be exacerbated through water, including by reducing access to education, which disproportionately disfavours girls. Over the long term, conflicts may also affect the availability of trained experts to provide education and capacity development. Local expertise may disappear through institutional decline, attrition or emigration.

The Executive Summary, as well as the full version of UN World Water Development Report 2024, can be found here: https://www.unesco.org/reports/wwdr/en/2024/download

The UK will host the 14th World Plumbing Council Conference 2026 – and it will take place at InstallerSHOW.

InstallerSHOW – the UK’s leading trade show focusing on heat, water, air and energy – looks forward to welcoming WPC members in 2026, and providing a high-profile platform for an organisation that shares the show’s ambition to promote and deliver greater sustainability across our industries.

Hosting the World Plumbing Council Conference alongside InstallerSHOW in 2026 will make it the biggest in the history of the WPC.

Traditionally an exhibition of around 20 to 30 stands sits alongside the WPC Conference, but this year InstallerSHOW (at the NEC Birmingham from June 25 to 27) will feature over 600 exhibitors, and that number will continue to grow in 2025 and 2026, making it a seriously impressive event, and an ideal location for the WPC and its members to meet.

The UK heating and plumbing industry faces many challenges over the next few years – achieving greater sustainability, net zero targets and training new entrants to name just a few – and the WPC Conference will tackle these issues and many more.

Not surprisingly, InstallerSHOW also shares these concerns. Through its comprehensive programme of seminars and presentations – featuring many of the industry’s leading thinkers and innovators – the show plays a pivotal role in leading the debate that will determine the way forward for sustainability and achieving the ultimate goal of net zero.

The WPC Conference at InstallerSHOW in 2026 offers a packed programme of talks, discussions and networking sessions for delegates.

And because the conference sits alongside InstallerSHOW, visitors will also have access to the UK’s leading trade show focusing on heat, water, air and energy, where they can explore the very latest plumbing and installation innovations and technologies, network with a diverse range of industry stakeholders and foster partnerships and promote business growth.

It’s a win-win – a hugely beneficial partnership between a world-class plumbing organisation and the UK’s leading trade show for heat, water air and energy. The World Plumbing Council and InstallerSHOW leading the way in promoting a sustainable future.

Registration for this year’s InstallerSHOW is now open and all are welcome to attend. For your free ticket including free parking visit https://installer-2024.reg.buzz/wpc

The Plumbing Products Industry Group (PPI Group) has appointed Mr. Nick Tripp as its new Executive Director, effective January 2024. Mr. Tripp brings with him a wealth of experience and a fervent commitment to advancing the plumbing industry in Australia and New Zealand.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the industry-leading Plumbing Products Industry Group,” said Mr. Tripp. “There are several challenges in the Australian/New Zealand Plumbing industry and supply chain at present, and I look forward to supporting our members to navigate these challenges for the better of industry and the public. Please reach out if you would like to get involved.”

This announcement marks a significant transition for the PPI Group, as Mr. Stuart Henry, the former Secretary and Executive Director, and past Chair of the World Plumbing Council, steps down from his position after many years of dedicated service. Mr. Henry’s decision to retire was undoubtedly a difficult one, but his contributions to the organization have been invaluable, shaping its growth and success over the years.

A consortium of leading plumbing industry groups has come together to launch the WA Plumbing Industry Expo, which will take place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) from Friday, 9 August, to Saturday, 10 August 2024.

• The Institute of Plumbing Australia Inc (IPA)
• Backflow Prevention Association of Australia (BPAA)
• The Plumbing Products Industry Group (PPI Group)
• The WA Chapter of the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants of Australia (AHSCA WA)

The expo will open Thursday evening with an exclusive, exhibitor-only networking event, followed by the expo itself across Friday and Saturday featuring three dedicated workshop rooms with seminars, product demonstrations and panel discussions from industry experts. The expo will conclude Saturday evening with a 300 pax black tie gala dinner and plumbing industry training awards night.

Just over 40 exhibitors will be showcasing their products during the two-day expo and three meeting rooms will provide plumbers, apprentices, gasfitters, architects, hydraulic consultants and everyone else affiliated with the plumbing industry with industry insights, professional development, exposure to new products, services, the latest innovations, trends, and best practices from industry experts.

The WA Plumbing Expo is FREE to attend.

For more information go to https://waplumbingexpo.com.au/

Submitted by Dicrose Masalamani, Executive Director, JD Waters Pte Ltd

Save the Date: June 19 – June 21, 2024 Venue: The Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore

Get ready to mark your calendars and dive into a world of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability as the highly anticipated International Water Week returns to Singapore from June 19 to June 21, 2024, at The Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

What to Expect:

1. Cutting-Edge Exhibitions: Explore a dynamic showcase of the latest technologies, solutions, and best practices in water management, conservation, and sustainability. From ground-breaking innovations to practical solutions, the exhibition floor will be buzzing with activity and opportunities to discover the future of water.
2. Thought-Provoking Conferences: Engage with leading experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in a series of insightful conferences, workshops, and seminars. Delve into pressing issues such as water security, climate change resilience, urban water management, and more as we collectively seek solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges.
3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, forge partnerships, and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about shaping a water-secure future. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or a student eager to make a difference, International Water Week offers unparalleled networking opportunities to expand your horizons and make meaningful connections.
4. Innovative Showcases: Experience first-hand the latest innovations and pilot projects driving progress in the water sector. From smart water technologies to sustainable water treatment solutions, witness the transformative power of innovation in action as we strive to build a more resilient and sustainable water future.
5. Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops and interactive sessions designed to empower and inspire action. Whether you’re interested in learning practical skills, exploring new ideas, or collaborating on innovative projects, there’s something for everyone at International Water Week.

Join us as we come together to celebrate the vital role of water in our lives and chart a course towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

https://www.siww.com.sg/

Submitted by Alberto J. Fossa, Abrinstal

“Modern Electricity” magazine features an article on the importance of the topic, with Alberto Fossa being one of the highlights.

Research Aims to Accelerate Energy Efficiency

(See PDF page from magazine)

The January and February edition of Modern Electricity magazine includes an article by journalist Paulo Ludmer addressing energy efficiency. The contribution of Alberto J. Fossa D.Sc., executive director of Abrinstal, is prominently mentioned in the energy efficiency section of the sanitation sector. The article also informs about the creation of the Association of Energy Efficiency in Environmental Sanitation (AEESA) at the end of last year. It’s worth checking out.

Sector Overview 

Half of Brazilians Face Sanitation Issues

A survey reveals that the sanitation sector is the most attractive infrastructure segment for investors in Brazil.

In Brazil, one in every two people lives in a residence without access to basic services, such as sewage collection and treatment, and even water supply. At least 100 million people lack access to sewage networks, and 35 million Brazilians face water shortages, according to a study by the Trata Brasil Institute, based on data from the National Household Sample Survey (Pnad) by IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).

The lack of sanitation is more pronounced in the northern and northeastern regions of the country. There is a significant difference between Brazilian cities: 16 of the 20 municipalities with the best conditions are in the southern and southeastern states, while 12 of the 20 worst are in the north and northeast. The study analyzed the 100 most populous municipalities in the country.

The sanitation sector is the most attractive infrastructure segment for investors in Brazil, according to a survey by EY in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Infrastructure and Basic Industries (Abdib). The study released in January shows that 61.5% of entrepreneurs indicate the sector as the area expected to receive the highest volume of resources in the next three years.

Do you know of an organization or individual interested in joining the WPC?  Share this link (https://www.worldplumbing.org/shop/) so they can join and become part of our global plumbing community!

Emerging Water Technologies Symposium
14-15 May 2024
Scottsdale, AZ
www.ewts.org

NIGERIA BuildExpo 2024
Landmark Centre, Lagos -NIGERIA
21-23 May 2024
https://www.nigeriabuildexpo.net/

WA Plumbing Industry Expo
9-10 August 2024
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), Australia
https://waplumbingexpo.com.au/

WorldSkills Lyon 2024
10-15 September 2024
https://worldskills.org

95th Annual IAPMO Conference
22-26 September 2024
Las Vegas, NV
www.iapmo.org

ISH Frankfurt am Main
17-21 March 2025
https://ish.messefrankfurt.com

Contact secretariat@worldplumbing.org to provide an event report or request listing of an upcoming event.