Archive for June, 2011

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

ASPE holds first-ever meeting of leading North American plumbing groups

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

On June 7, leading members of the plumbing, contracting and manufacturing community convened for an industry meeting organized by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers at the Alliance for Water Efficiency in Chicago.

The main topic of discussion was the use of electronic faucet systems, or hands-free faucets, in hospitals nationwide. Attendees discussed findings from a Johns Hopkins University study regarding the effects these faucets have in reducing the spread of germs and bacteria in healthcare facilities.

"No matter what area of the plumbing community meeting attendees represented, there was one common focus from all: a commitment to providing plumbing systems that help protect public health and safety," said Jim Kendzel, executive director and CEO of the ASPE. "It is our hope that this highly successful meeting will become a foundation for future positive, interactive dialogue among those groups directly impacting plumbing in North America."

Members at the meeting stated they plan to hold a similar conference in the future to discuss other industry matters.

Organizations which attended the meeting include the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which focuses on water conservation technologies and efforts, and the Plumbing Manufacturers International, a trade association.

Posted in Plumbing Information | No Comments »

Pool industry members noticing rise in pool shoppers this summer

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

As the economy improves and more homeowners feel they can spend more of their income on amenities and features for their homes, Pool and Spa News states many have decided to purchase swimming pools.

A number of pool retail stores nationwide told P&SN they have seen prospective customers who were once on the fence about purchasing pools come back and finally order the feature for their properties.

Steve Ast, vice president of sales and marketing of Shasta Pool and Spas in Phoenix, told Pool & Spa News he thinks a rise in consumer sentiment has led to the increase in new-pool sales this year.

"I think it's a function of consumer confidence improving, as well as customers coming back and revisiting those purchases they really wanted," Ast told the source. "People have worked hard to get their personal balance sheets in order, and a lot of them are doing everything they can to get themselves into pools."

While numerous homeowners get their first pools installed this summer, many public pools nationwide have had issues. In Carthage, Illinois, for instance, a number of leaks have occurred in the town's public swimming pool, causing water loss of more than a foot per day.

Posted in Pool Maintenance News | No Comments »

Plumbing leak affecting water, gas access for San Diego residents

Monday, June 27th, 2011

A natural gas leak at a San Diego apartment complex is not only affecting residents' access to the fuel, but also their water use, reports KGTV.

The news station says more than 500 city residents living in Canyon Rim Apartments have been without gas for nearly a week, as the rental property management company keeps the gas line off to conduct leak repairs.

With the gas line turned off, the station states residents haven't been able to cook or take showers. Management reportedly set up a temporary shower station for residents in the complex's parking lot.

Though workers were able to detect the leak shortly after the pipe broke, the plumbing company conducting the leak repairs told KGTV they were unsure when the issue would be completely fixed.

The San Diego area has experienced a number of plumbing-related incidents this year. Earlier in June, a natural gas leak occurred near a shopping plaza, causing traffic to be diverted and some residences to be evacuated, KNSD-TV reports.

Posted in Water Infrastructure News | No Comments »

HUD states public housing needs substantial infrastructure repairs

Monday, June 27th, 2011

More than a million public housing units occupied by millions of U.S. residents are in need of at least $25 billion in infrastructure repairs and upgrades, a new study from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development states.

Plumbing and roof upgrades, fixing accessibility for disabled residents, removing lead and adding energy-efficient devices and water conservation measures are some of the main things HUD wants to see completed in the nation's public housing.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan stated a long-term plan is required to keep infrastructure across the country from falling apart.

"At a time when budget deficits require the federal government to tighten its belt, many of the nation's public housing units are buckling under a severe backlog in capital needs," he said in a statement.

A lack- of repairs and renovations made to public housing units nationwide since 1998 has led to a 15 percent increase in accrual needs for the properties, according to the study.

Many cities have been working on finding funding for building renovations since last year. Baltimore Commissioner Paul T. Graziano told the New York Times in late 2010 that roughly $860 million in repairs were needed for city public housing units.

Posted in Water Conservation News | No Comments »

Miami commercial building receives first LEED Gold certification in U.S.

Monday, June 27th, 2011

Green building construction has become more popular in the U.S. since the turn of the century. To acknowledge buildings which meet eco-friendly standards, the U.S. Green Building Council awards Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certifications.

While many new, environmentally friendly buildings have received LEED labels, one commercial building in Miami, owned and operated by DHL, has received the first LEED Commercial Interiors Gold certification in the nation.

The structure was constructed with numerous green features. Water conservation goals were met with the implementation of low-flow fixtures, while the indoor environment quality was improved through eco-friendly measures including low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings.

"We are extremely proud to be the first DHL LEED Gold certified building in the U.S.," Ronald Silbermann, head of Americas Gateway Miami, said in a statement. "Through our green materials and technology in the interior and landscaping on the exterior we are on the forefront of the green construction industry movement."

LEED began offering input to construction firms, contractors and other industries regarding how to build greener in 2000.

Posted in Water Conservation News | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »