Communities across the United States joined IAPMO in celebrating March4Water and World Plumbing Day throughout March with proclamations, policy discussions and educational events recognizing the critical role plumbing systems play in protecting public health and supporting economic growth.

March4Water is IAPMO's annual observance month to raise awareness about how communities can build resilience to water stress. Anchored by World Plumbing Day on March 11 and World Water Day on March 22, the initiative connects policymakers and industry leaders with strategies to strengthen water resilience, improve efficiency, and support sustainable development.

“Across the country, we’ve seen governors, mayors, policymakers, and industry leaders come together to recognize the essential role plumbing systems play in protecting public health,” said IAPMO CEO Dave Viola. “These proclamations and events help shine a light on the skilled professionals who design, install, and maintain the systems that deliver safe drinking water and sanitation every day. By raising awareness through March4Water and World Plumbing Day, communities are helping ensure that the importance of this work — and the need for continued investment in water infrastructure and workforce development — remains front and center.”

Several states and municipalities formally recognized March4Water and World Plumbing Day through official proclamations.

In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell proclaimed March 2026 as March4Water Month, acknowledging the importance of safe, reliable water systems and the skilled professionals who install and maintain them. The state also hosted a Plumbing Industry Day on March 23, bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss water safety, infrastructure investment and workforce development.

In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver issued a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as March4Water Month, highlighting the importance of innovative water management strategies for growing communities.

Meanwhile, the city of Honolulu declared March 2026 as March4Water Month in a proclamation signed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi, underscoring the importance of water stewardship and modern plumbing systems in protecting the islands’ water resources.

Across Hawaii, March4Water was recognized by city and county councils on four islands, where resolutions and certificate presentations highlighted the modern plumbing industry’s role in water efficiency, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable development.

“Water is one of Hawaii’s most precious resources, and protecting it requires strong infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce,” said Sam Barrett Jr., business manager of UA Local 675. “March4Water gives our communities an opportunity to recognize the vital role plumbers and pipefitters play in safeguarding public health, conserving water, and supporting sustainable growth across the islands. We’re proud to work with policymakers and industry partners to raise awareness of the solutions and the skilled professionals needed to keep Hawaii’s water systems safe, efficient, and resilient.”

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski proclaimed March 11, 2026, as World Plumbing Day statewide, recognizing the vital contributions of plumbing and water infrastructure professionals.

The proclamation noted that Wisconsin’s surface water, groundwater, and drinking water resources are interconnected through extensive plumbing and sanitation infrastructure and emphasized the need for innovative solutions — including water reuse systems, right-sizing plumbing systems and fixture upgrades — to address aging infrastructure while protecting public health and ensuring affordability.

It also highlighted the growing need for skilled professionals as a significant portion of the nation’s water infrastructure workforce approaches retirement.

In Massachusetts, plumbing professionals gathered at the Massachusetts State House for the annual Plumbing Industry Advocacy Day on March 11, World Plumbing Day, meeting with nearly 50 legislators to promote policies that protect water supplies and strengthen the plumbing workforce.

Participants included members of Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12, the Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association, PHCC of Massachusetts and other industry organizations.

“When we protect water, we protect life,” said James Vaughan, business manager for Local 12. “There is nothing more important than water safety.”

Advocacy discussions focused on water conservation initiatives, gray water reuse, infrastructure investment, lead removal, PFAS mitigation and emerging technologies supporting the future of the water and energy sectors.

Through March4Water, IAPMO continues to highlight water efficiency as one of the most cost-effective strategies available to communities facing increasing water demand and aging infrastructure. Technologies such as the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator, high-efficiency fixtures and onsite water reuse systems can reduce strain on municipal water systems, lower construction costs and help communities accommodate growth while protecting drinking water supplies.

Equally important is the development of a skilled workforce capable of installing and maintaining these systems. IAPMO provides certification programs and training in water efficiency, water auditing and backflow prevention to help ensure communities have the expertise needed to support modern water infrastructure.

Throughout the month, IAPMO marked March4Water by lighting World Headquarters buildings in blue, distributing World Plumbing Day activation kits, and hosting city dignitaries and industry leaders at a lunch celebration on World Plumbing Day, including a Rube Goldberg competition challenging departments to build the best contraption demonstrating the theme of “Plumbing Connects.” IAPMO also recognizes the ongoing leadership of the World Plumbing Council, whose global promotion of World Plumbing Day continues to highlight the vital work of plumbing professionals in safeguarding safe water and sanitation for communities around the world.