ICC Resources in Place to Support Water Issues in Western States

The International Code Council and its Family of Companies (ICC) have several resources available to assist jurisdictions, manufacturers and the public with critical water issues in California and Washington and the western region of the U.S.

On April 1, 2015, California Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order to further implement mandatory water reductions, calling for updated standards for toilets and faucets and outdoor landscaping in residential communities and taking action against jurisdictions that ignore the standards. On April 17, 2015, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a drought emergency for nearly half of the usually damp state, with officials saying the entire state could be classified as drought-stricken by early May.

“The current water shortage in the western United States is shining the spotlight on a global crisis,” said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “For decades, ICC’s codes and standards and programs have addressed water-related issues, and there is an immediate need in the U.S. for Congress and other government agencies to consider incentives for state and local jurisdictions to adopt water efficiency measures and better educate the public about water consumption.”

ICC is a member of the Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition that recently hosted the Future of Water Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill that helped kick off Water Week 2015. The coalition was formed to provide a forum for the exchange of information through the leadership of U.S.-based plumbing industry associations and stakeholders having an influence on policy.

The council works with key industry organizations to develop standards that address critical water usage issues, including landscape irrigation sprinklers and rainwater harvesting systems, and recently announced a partnership with RESNET in the development of the Water Efficiency Rating Index.

ICC also is a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program. Products and services that earn the WaterSense label with the ICC Evaluation Service certification mark are certified to be at least 20% more water efficient without sacrificing performance.

The International Plumbing Code, published by ICC, incorporates technologies, such as waterless urinals, and detailed engineered designs that permit the installation of smaller, more precise water usage and water drainage systems, resulting in the savings of millions of gallons of water. The International Green Construction Code also contains provisions for the collection, treatment, and storage and use of non-potable water in the form of onsite collected rainwater and greywater, and externally treated reclaimed water supplied to the site.

“Increased water efficiency is an important aspect of sustainability,” said ICC board of directors President Guy Tomberlin, CBO. “ICC is committed to working with our Member jurisdictions and industry partners to bring water efficient products to market, labeling new homes as WaterSense compliant, and spreading the word about the need for smart water use.”