IAPMO and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), now incorporating ASSE International and ARCSA International, to jointly advance and promote the mutual interests of education, regulations, design, specifications, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems, as well as training, testing and certifying qualified professionals to perform design work responsive to the need to conserve and protect water supplies, and reduce energy use connected to delivery and use of water.

Initially created in 2010, through this updated MoU, the member organizations pledge continued cooperation in achieving such mutually beneficial objectives as:

• Collaborate to advance safe, sustainable, and resilient plumbing systems through open communication, consensus standards development, and promotion of public health, welfare and safety, and environmental protection — both nationally and globally.
• Jointly promote and develop beneficial products, services, and marketing initiatives by leveraging each organization's strengths to support members, cross-market offerings, and explore sustainability opportunities within the plumbing industry.
• Collective promotion and co-hosting of educational programs, events, publications, and standards, with designated staff regularly reviewing offerings to identify mutually beneficial opportunities for both memberships.
• Maintain ongoing, timely collaboration at all levels to support a professional plumbing industry through joint promotion, standards development, education, and public recognition of the partnership.
• Collaborate on shared goals by exchanging chapter information, encouraging joint meetings, technical committee participation, and leveraging each organization's expertise to enhance education, communication, and industry engagement.
• Improve resource efficiency and strengthen the partnership through regular staff collaboration, mutual membership incentives, shared news and activities, and support for stronger enforcement of plumbing and mechanical codes and standards.
• Collaborate on the development, revision, and promotion of green plumbing and alternate water source certification programs and standards, with ASPE providing design certification and training, and ASSE and ARCSA leading installation and inspection certification efforts.

“This renewed Memorandum of Understanding reflects the strength and unity of our industry’s leading organizations working together to help ensure safe, sustainable, and innovative plumbing systems,” said Dave Viola, CEO of IAPMO. “By bringing ASSE International and ARCSA International into the conversation alongside our longstanding work with ASPE, we’re expanding the impact of our collective expertise to better protect public health, conserve water, and promote energy efficiency worldwide. Collaboration like this is essential to building a stronger, more resilient future.”

IAPMO, founded in 1926, is a global nonprofit organization that develops and promotes comprehensive plumbing, mechanical, and building codes and standards to protect public health, safety, and the environment. Through education, product certification, code development, and industry collaboration, IAPMO supports sustainable practices and innovation in the built environment worldwide.

“We are thrilled to reaffirm and expand our partnership with IAPMO, ASSE International, and ARCSA International,” said ASPE Executive Director/CEO Billy Smith, FASPE. “By combining our strengths and expertise, we are advancing the science of plumbing engineering, resilient plumbing systems, innovative education, and vital standards development to protect public health, welfare and safety, and our shared water resources for communities everywhere.”

Founded in 1964, ASPE is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of plumbing engineering. ASPE provides its members with access to technical education, professional development, industry standards, and a global network of plumbing engineering professionals committed to protecting public health, safety and welfare through innovative plumbing system design.

ASSE International is a 119-year-old ANSI-accredited standards developer and certification body dedicated to protecting public health and safety through the development of performance standards, professional certifications, and educational programs for the plumbing and mechanical industries.

Founded in 1994, ARCSA International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable rainwater and stormwater harvesting practices through education, standards development, and advocacy worldwide.