February was home to three major PHVAC industry trade shows. First, the AHR Expo, which brought just over 51,000 attendees and roughly 11,200 exhibitors to Orlando, Florida. The very next week in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show boasted the latest innovations in the wastewater and sewage sectors. Finally, plumbing pros ended the month in Las Vegas for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which runs alongside the International Builders’ Show (IBS) annually.

Our Plumbing & Mechanical Team covered all three shows, and while it’s tough on the airtime and feet, it’s actually nice in some ways that the shows run back-to-back. To me, this keeps industry trends top-of-mind, and it gives me the opportunity to compare, make connections among difference sectors, and leave with a big picture understanding of how all of these systems and sectors are interconnected — one way or another.

Sustainability and decarbonization have been industry buzzwords for some time now, but their significance is only becoming more intense and technical. After covering all three trade shows, one thing is for certain — from kitchen fixtures to water heaters to industrial-grade pumps — the plumbing industry is at the forefront of water safety, access and cleanliness.

While manufacturers have these shared goals in mind, there are administration challenges, regulations changes and code developments to keep up with. It was clear through many conversations that there is uncertainty looming based on what the Trump Administration’s next moves will be. But regardless, our industry pushes forward with the sustainability goals we’ve previously set.

I recently chatted with John Higdon, director of standards development, IAPMO, and Christoph Lohr, vice president of technical services and research, IAPMO, about PVF codes specifically, but their advice reins true for many sectors.

Both experts agree that stretch codes that improve water efficiency while maintaining safety are going to be vital, such as the IAPMO WE-Stand.

“It is imperative that PVF engineers stay on top of the ever-changing landscape of requirements for limiting chemical contaminants in drinking water. With the Trump administration’s nixing of the EPA’s pending National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS, future requirements seem murky at best,” Higdon says. “Still, this is an area that engineers should monitor and prepare for an eventual enforcement date of the NPDWR.”

Technology advancements industry-wide have led to greater awareness surrounding water contaminants. “Increased and higher quality water monitoring has led to a greater understanding of the extent of PFAS contamination and to innovation around lowering water treatment costs,” Higdon says. “As climate change further strains water availability and quality, cost-effective water treatment will be paramount.”

Lohr agrees, adding that the plumbing community is called to find solutions. “Waterborne pathogen litigation is not slowing down, and with some market analyses showing that waterborne pathogen water testing will continue to increase along with water rates due to limited supplies and aging infrastructure, we need to find solutions.”

With the country’s aging water infrastructure continuing to cause problems — like the recent Detroit water line break for example — plumbing products need to continue on the aggressive path of innovation that provides cost-effective, smart products with long lifespans.

Lohr adds that branching into new business opportunities could be a good idea. “Update specifications will be vital - and perhaps even considering new business opportunities such as water management or water auditing.”

At the trade shows mentioned above and in PHCP-PVF codes, the demand for water re-use and repurposing is growing all the time.

“With an ever- growing population with a near insatiable appetite for water, future codes and standards will focus on water conservation, with water re-use and repurposing becoming commonplace,” Higdon says. “Despite current national directives, there will also be a continuing emphasis on reducing contaminants, including microbial hazards, in drinking water.”

Keeping up with codes and standards, along with the latest administration changes that may affect our industry, are not easy feats. Lohr and Higdon urge you to take advantage of industry organizations and networking opportunities.

“Joining professional organizations like IAPMO and ASSE whose goals are to be proactive when addressing industry trends is the best way to stay up to date,” Higdon says. “Networking and attending educational workshops at industry conferences is also a great way to stay informed.”

Lohr agrees, adding that social media can be an effective tool for staying informed. “Read plumbing industry publications (like PM Engineer), code and standards newsletters (such as the IAPMO Codes and Standards Newsletter), and follow industry professionals on social media (such as my LinkedIn newsletter Plumbing Science). The network effect will be more important than ever for PVF engineers.”