Safe plumbing is vital to life

What is it?
The provision of a safe water supply and its effective disposal after use is essential to the health and wellbeing of mankind.

The application of the science and engineering of hydraulics to convey water to and from sanitary fixtures in a building or moving vehicle such as a ship, train or aircraft is termed "plumbing".

One definition, used by The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (UK) and adopted by the World Plumbing Council is: -

Work associated with the provision of water supply pipework including, without limitation, that used for fire fighting; all forms of space heating; gas installations; sanitary appliances; discharge pipework and drainage; the weathering of structures and buildings.

Plumbing is the work of plumbers, which is a title derived from plumbarius, the Latin for "worker in lead". Roman plumbers were masters of this material, which they manipulated to form storage cisterns, pipes and baths.

Between the fifth century AD, when the Roman Empire fell, and the late eighteenth century, there were virtually no technical developments in plumbing. Then subsequent industrial revolutions throughout Europe created rapid urbanisation resulting in widespread disease through waterborne epidemics. For example, 30,000 people died in London alone between 1850 and 1866.

The link between the need to preserve a safe water supply and efficient disposal of foul water has led to the prescription of technical requirements for plumbing through statutes and codes. Governments in many countries recognise that such prescription is ineffective without also certifying the standard of plumbing products and the competence of plumbers. Inadequate plumbing materials and the backflow of contaminated water created by incompetent workmanship can seriously affect drinking water quality standards. The efficient disposal of water after use is obviously equally important.

The law must therefore recognise the importance of the work of plumbers.

In the United Kingdom the principle relevant law is enshrined within Water Regulations (Water Byelaws in Scotland) made under Water Acts and Building Regulations made under Building Acts. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 permit the Secretary of State and Water Suppliers to identify individuals and companies who wish to become "Approved Contractors".

Approval is therefore voluntary unlike the situation in many overseas countries where the competence of those carrying out of plumbing work for gain is regulated by law.

The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering's voluntary "Approved Contractor Person Scheme" was the first to be recognised by the Secretary of State in August 2000. A similar scheme is being developed for specific sanitary plumbing and drainage aspects of the Building Regulations in England and Wales.

The Water Regulations in England and Wales and Water Byelaws in Scotland are overseen by the Water Regulations Advisory Committee (WRAC) administered by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). More information on the work of WRAC; the enforcement of regulations and the review of Approved Contractor Schemes can be found at:- www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/industry/wrac/index.htm

Plumbing and the Environment

It is a startling and sobering fact that just 0.08% of all the water on earth is suitable for human use.

When plumbing began with the Romans construction of the first aqueducts, the human population was less than 3% of what it is today. We still have the same amount of water but there are many more people with much higher health and lifestyle aspirations. Plumbing technology has also changed dramatically since Roman times, and the work carried out by plumbers and plumbing designers has expanded beyond water supply and sanitation to encompass the safe supply of gas for heating and cooking and in some countries, air conditioning and refrigeration.

At the start of the 21st Century, the international inequity of access to water is staggering. More than 31 countries currently grapple with a "chronic" water shortage. Another 17 nations are considered likely to be added to the list over the next 25 years. Most of these will be developing nations whose resources are already deeply committed.

Poor water and energy management can lead to environmental damage, poverty, poor public health, local or even international conflict.

The international community has begun to realise the scale of the water challenges and much positive action is being taken. The World Water Council was formed in 1996, the first World Water Forum was held in 2000 and UNESCO's Water and Sanitation Program is under way - see www.worldwater.org

There are now several innovative global organisations and projects tacking water issues in all parts of the world such as the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council's WASH program - see www.wsscc.org

The 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development saw a significant emphasis on the complex and significant nature of the water and energy challenges ahead. Following the Johannesburg Summit the World Plumbing Council issued a communiqué "People, Plumbing and Progress" - the highlights of which can be found under "WPC News" on www.worldplumbing.org

Historically the work undertaken by plumbers has had a significant and positive effect on the relationship between human society and the environment. Plumbing work today and into the future must continue and extend this tradition for the future of human civilisation. There is an increasing global focus on water conservation and sustainability which has led to intense research into water re-use and greywater recycling.

The critical areas of water and energy conservation, greenhouse gas emissions and public health are important opportunities for the international plumbing community to make a positive contribution. As such they present opportunities for the World Plumbing Council to represent our views and expertise. Plumbing professionals must be prepared to embrace these changes and challenges as they occur, and ensure they play an active part in determining the direction of the change process for the benefit of the environment, the public, industry and, ultimately, mankind in general.

For an example of how the plumbing industry in one part of Australia is actively embracing environmental issues see www.greenplumbers.com.au.