Gonzalez unveils bill to modernize U.S. plumbing systems

U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) on Oct. 8 introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the safety, water efficiency and reliability of America’s plumbing systems.

“Northeast Ohioans should not have to worry about whether or not their water is clean,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “I am proud to cosponsor this legislation that will have a positive impact on our community.”

Rep. Gonzalez introduced the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Plumbing Research Act of 2021, H.R. 5511, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA), which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

“Ensuring that Northeast Ohioans have access to clean water and proper infrastructure is incredibly important,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “The NIST Plumbing Research Act would designate a laboratory to research premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to bring our water infrastructure into the 21st century.”

If enacted, H.R. 5511 specifically would direct NIST to resurrect a plumbing research program discontinued in the 1970s that investigated ways to make plumbing safer, more reliable and more efficient, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Gonzalez’ staff.

“By ensuring our water infrastructure keeps up with the newest technology, consumers will save money, lessen their exposure to health risks and benefit from the latest water-conserving innovations,” said Rep. Cartwright.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Plumbing Manufacturers International, the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the International Code Council, and the High Performance Building Coalition endorsed the legislation.