CELEBRATING IAPMO'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

On 2026-09-08, Representative Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING IAPMO'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House.

CELEBRATING IAPMO'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 142 (Tuesday, September 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E883-E884] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING IAPMO'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. NORMA J. TORRES of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. In 1926, 39 plumbing inspectors founded IAPMO in Los Angeles with a mission of mitigating public health concerns caused by the city's plumbing practices and improving health safety by setting uniform plumbing regulations. In 1945, these efforts led to the development of the Uniform Plumbing Code, which has served Californians by promoting safe plumbing systems. Today, this framework serves as the foundation for plumbing regulations implemented across four continents and is viewed as one of the world's leading model plumbing codes. Today, IAPMO proudly calls the Inland Empire home, with its headquarters in the heart of my district: Ontario, California. Having grown from a local association of plumbing inspectors to a global nonprofit organization, it maintains a deep commitment to serving California's communities, industries, and labor force. They continuously advance environmental and public safety through plumbing, mechanical codes, product certification, and workforce development-- helping to ensure people have access to safe drinking water and reliable sanitation. The organization partners with local governments, industry, and building professionals to strengthen the safety and resilience of communities throughout our great state. Its presence in the Inland Empire has supported high-quality technical and professional jobs while reinforcing Southern California's leadership in building safety, product innovation, and public health. Through its codes, standards, and other innovations, IAPMO has advanced California's goals for drought resiliency, water conservation, and more affordable housing through efficient plumbing systems. One example is IAPMO's Water Demand Calculator, a modern, statistically based method for estimating water demand and properly sizing plumbing systems. The tool helps conserve water and energy, protect water quality, and reduce residential construction costs. IAPMO's work has been instrumental to California's leadership in public health, water [[Page E884]] conservation, housing, and infrastructure. Their Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE-Stand) provides a voluntary framework for the safe and efficient use of water in residential and commercial buildings. The standard demonstrates IAPMO's commitment to water stewardship by helping communities conserve potable water, expand safe onsite water reuse, and make greater use of alternative water sources. Its programs strengthen career opportunities throughout California while helping ensure a highly skilled workforce for the state's growing construction and manufacturing sectors through education, personnel certification, apprenticeship support, and professional training for plumbers, engineers, contractors, and other building professionals who contribute to the health and safety of Californians. Not only does IAPMO play a vital role throughout California, but its world-renowned Uniform Codes advance public health and safety around the world. The organization works with governments and industry to remove technical barriers to trade and promote greater alignment of standards and market-access requirements. These efforts strengthen global supply chains, expand opportunities for American manufacturers, and increase access to safe, high-quality plumbing products. In recognition of these contributions, IAPMO received the President's ``E'' Award for Export Service in 2019 and the President's ``E Star'' Award for continued excellence in export expansion in 2024. Its global commitment extends even further through its charitable foundation, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), which provides humanitarian assistance to those in need of safe water and sanitation. For their remarkable contributions throughout the Inland Empire and beyond, it is my honor to recognize IAPMO as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The organization's commitment to advancing public health and safety is worthy of the highest commendation. ____________________