ICC Panel to Discuss Report Showing 1.6M Americans Lack Indoor Plumbing

PMI Executive Director Higgens will chair the teleconference

The International Code Council will host a teleconference at 1 p.m. Eastern on Aug. 25 to discuss the lack of basic sanitation needs of the reported 1.6 million Americans in 630,000 households that do not have indoor plumbing. The data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that a high number of those without indoor plumbing reside on Native American tribal lands, and in Alabama, Alaska, Kentucky, South Dakota and West Virginia, but could be anywhere in the U.S. Barbara Higgens, Executive Director of the Plumbing Manufacturers International, will chair the panel.

“Household income and lack of infrastructure are among the primary reasons many Americans do not enjoy the health and sanitation benefits of indoor plumbing, including toilets and running water,” said ICC Board President Stephen D. Jones, CBO. “We cannot fix that challenge with one teleconference, but we can brainstorm ways to work toward solutions and let those without modern facilities know we are listening and trying to help.”

Teleconference panelists and participants will discuss the extent of the situation, examine the range of causes and offer solutions where possible. Defining the role of the plumbing industry—product manufacturers, plumbing engineers, installers, code officials, and codes and standards developers—will be a key to offering assistance.

A statement of findings will be issued with a call to action expected to address who can be helped and how.

To dial-in to the teleconference, call (800) 832-0736; the conference room number is 259 41 10#. Participation is limited to 150 people on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When the need arises, ICC brings together members, stakeholders and other technical experts to address complex issues in the built environment. On July 31, the ICC, National Association of Home Builders and National Multifamily Housing Council roundtable reviewed fires in buildings under construction that caused severe property damage and personal injury. An Aug. 20 roundtable will look at a recent trend in some states and jurisdictions to extend the cycle for updating building safety codes. A national summit is being planned as part of ICC’s 2014 Annual Conference to examine issues and propose solutions related to the education and development of code officials.

About us: The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.