The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

Water is one of our most precious resources, yet we waste billions of gallons every year—often without even realizing it. But what if the biggest solution wasn't flashy new technology, but something as simple as the toilet, showerhead, or faucet in your home?In this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing Mechanical, host Christoph Lohr welcomes back Kerry Stackpole, CEO & Executive Director of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), for a powerful conversation about how everyday plumbing fixtures are already making a massive impact in the fight for water conservation. Thanks to the U.S. EPA's WaterSense program, these unsung heroes have saved an astonishing 8.7 trillion gallons of water—enough to sustain millions of families. But there's still so much more to do.With only 22% of California's toilets meeting WaterSense standards, we're leaving an enormous amount of savings untapped. Christoph and Kerry explore how small changes—like upgrading outdated plumbing fixtures—can lead to huge environmental and financial benefits. They also dive into the policy shifts, technological advancements, and industry leadership driving a future where wasted water becomes a thing of the past.This isn't just about efficiency—it's about preserving our water for future generations. Tune in to hear how you can be part of the solution and why the plumbing industry is stepping up to protect our most vital resource before it's too late.Related links: https://www.epa.gov/watersense

In this episode, host Christoph Lohr speaks with Kurt Steenhoek, International Representative of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, to discuss a critical issue—water quality.

What if a simple shift in plumbing design could save thousands of dollars, deliver hot water faster, and make homes more affordable—all while conserving precious resources? In this must-listen episode, host Christoph Lohr sits down with industry trailblazers Robert Campbell Sr. and Amanda Johnson from Villara Corp. to reveal how they're revolutionizing homebuilding with the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator.Villara Corp. has helped builders save up to $5,000 per home, reduce construction waste, and optimize plumbing systems for over 5,000 homes. Their insights could transform the way we think about efficiency, affordability, and sustainability in housing.Don't miss this dynamic conversation about real-world solutions that make a difference. Tune in now and get inspired to build smarter!Related links: https://iapmo.org/we-stand/water-demand-calculator

In this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing & Mechanical, host Christoph Lohr welcomes Judaline Cassidy, a trailblazing plumber and founder of Tools & Tiaras Inc.Judaline shares her passion for the skilled trades and the importance of empowering women to pursue careers in plumbing. She discusses the evolving perceptions of the industry, the economic and personal benefits of becoming a plumber, and her collaboration with IAPMO on My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero — a children's coloring book designed to inspire the next generation by showcasing the vital role of plumbers in society. Tune in for an engaging conversation about breaking barriers and celebrating the real superheroes of public health and safety.Related links: My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero coloring book: https://www.uniformcodes.org/construction-books-for-kids/https://www.judaline.com/

In this episode, we discuss the General Services Administration (GSA) order to address the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in the water systems of GSA-controlled buildings. The GSA, which owns 1,600 federal buildings and leases space in over 6,500 buildings nationwide, was spurred to action after detecting elevated levels of Legionella bacteria at six GSA-controlled buildings in different regions since 2023. Our guest Dr. Abraham Cullom, a microbiologist with expertise in plumbing systems, talks about the GSA order and the urgent need to stay on top of emerging best water quality practices for plumbing systems to protect building occupants.Related links: https://www.gsa.gov/blog/2024/01/31/gsa-strengthens-water-quality-efforts-in-federal-buildings 

In this powerful episode, we delve into the reconstruction journey of Paradise, California following the devastating  2018 Camp Fire that destroyed more than 18,000 structures and killed 85 people. Our guest, Tony Lindsey, Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal, shares his unique perspective as both a building official and a resident who lost his home in the disaster.  Lindsey offers exclusive insights into the challenges faced during evacuation, the complexities of rebuilding a town's water infrastructure, and innovative solutions implemented to ensure clean, safe water for the community. From the installation of backflow devices in every home to the fortification of water storage systems, Lindsey details the town's efforts to create a more resilient Paradise. This episode provides valuable lessons for officials and communities nationwide on preparing for and recovering from catastrophic events.Guest:  Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal Tony Lindsey  Related Links: https://eofficial.org/rebuilding-paradise/

Join IAPMO experts Dan Cole and Christoph Lohr for a technical exploration of storm drainage system design and the critical equations engineers need to calculate effect flow rates through piping.Among the key insights is the impact of pipe material on flow velocity. For instance, PVC and cast iron pipes of the same size can have vastly different flow capacities. Dan and Christoph discuss the key differences between the Manning and Darcy-Weisbach equations, why current plumbing code tables may not tell the whole story, and how proposed code changes could give designers more accurate tools for material selection.In an era where storms are increasing causing urban flooding from excessive rainfall events, this episode will help engineers to make informed decisions for accurate storm drainage system sizing and ensure optimal performance and longevity. Related Links:Download the white paper, peer-reviewed by 11 industry experts: IAPMO/ASPE White Paper 2-2024, "Capacities of Stacks and Horizontal Drains in Storm Drainage Systems

In this episode, we discuss challenges and opportunities in residential water use and efficiency. Our expert guest, Andrew D. Morris, Senior Manager of Policy & Programs with the Alliance For Water Efficiency, shares how water consumption in single-family and multi-family homes has evolved over the years, including a 15% decrease in indoor water use between 1999 and 2016 driven by state-level fixture standards and federal appliance regulations. Andrew provides a vision for future areas of improvement, including right-sizing premise plumbing and water heater systems, meter sizing and sewer capacity certifications, and utility-side adjustments to connection-related fees and policies. Related Links:The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a membership-based nonprofit of utilities, industry, government bodies, researchers, and academia dedicated to water efficiency in North America. 

In this episode, Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman delves into strategies and technologies that revolutionize water conservation in the built environment, from advanced irrigation systems to smart water management technologies. We explore the government policies and regulations in driving these initiatives and discuss the critical role of community engagement and education. Finally, we look ahead to future directions and emerging research areas that promise to shape the sustainability landscape.Related Links:Green Builder Media 

In this episode, Jonah Schein, Technical Coordinator for Homes and Buildings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense® program, demonstrates how water-efficiency measures also save energy and reduce carbon emissions, using data from 219 WaterSense-labeled homes in Menifee, California.  Jonah describes how every gallon of water has an "energy signature" based on the processes required to extract, convey, treat, and distribute that water, noting the dramatic differences among various water sources, with some requiring over 20 times more energy than others. Noting the benefits of right-sizing plumbing pipes for water-efficient fixtures, Jonah emphasizes the tremendous opportunity in leveraging water efficiency to cost-effectively reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Related Links: EPA Report: WaterSense® Labeled Homes Communities Save Energy and Support Decarbonization IAPMO Water Demand Calculator to right-size plumbing pipes.  

In this insightful episode, Mechanical Hub hosts Tim Ward and John Messenbrink discuss three major plumbing industry trends: the push towards electrification, artificial Intelligence (AI), and the skilled trade gap, especially as it relates to attracting a more diverse workforce. Regarding electrification, Tim and John note that while electrification is important for environmental reasons, they caution about the need for a measured approach and improved infrastructure to support this transition. Tim and John also discussed that while AI wasn't going to replace skilled labor, it could potentially benefit plumbing businesses in the areas of lead generation, customer support, and inventory management.  This discussion concludes with the estimated need for 80,000 new skilled workers annually across construction trades. While emphasizing the importance of increased funding for apprenticeships, trade schools, and training programs, Tim and John also note the importance of increasing diversity in the North American plumbing industry. Related Links: https://mechanical-hub.com/

In this episode, we delve deep into the critical issue of backflow prevention, exploring the latest technologies and methodologies that are transforming the field. Join master plumber Sean Cleary, vice president of operations for the Backflow Prevention Institute (BPI), as we discuss the causes of backflow, the risks to water systems, regulatory compliance requirements and real-world case studies.  Related Links: Backflow Prevention Institute Website: https://iapmobpi.org/Beginner's Guide to Backflow Prevention: https://www.workingpressuremag.com/the-beginners-guide-to-backflow-prevention-and-cross-connection-control/Hit subscribe for more about the plumbing industry, including disaster mitigation, water conservation, sustainability, and the intersection of affordability.

In this episode, guest Sal Aridi, a professional engineer and director of Special Projects at IAPMO, discusses water reuse. He elaborates on his 25-year career in water technologies and explains the different types of water reuse, such as greywater and blackwater. The conversation covers definitions, standards, and the practicalities of water recycling, emphasizing the importance of robust systems and the misconception that water reuse is inherently problematic.

In this episode host Christoph Lohr discusses structural and behavioral water waste with Jim Lutz, a retired researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Jim details his career, focusing on water heater efficiency and plumbing systems, and explains how his research has shown the significance of structural waste in residential plumbing, particularly in hot water distribution systems. He emphasizes the inefficacy of low-flow showerheads due to structural waste and advocates for compact plumbing designs to enhance water and energy conservation. Jim also highlights the long-term impact of these decisions on building efficiency and conservation efforts.Podcast discussion links:Water and Energy Wasted During Residential Shower Events: Findings from a Pilot Field Study of Hot Water Distribution SystemsReducing Waste In Residential Hot Water Distribution Systems

In this episode, we welcome David Dexter, a professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in the plumbing trade. Dexter discusses his transition from a master plumber to a professional engineer and his active involvement in the ASPE Professional Engineering Working Group. They highlight the importance of a specialized plumbing engineering exam under the mechanical discipline to ensure the verification of expertise and enhance public safety. The conversation emphasizes the collaborative efforts between ASPE and NCEES to develop this exam, which is expected to take two to three years to finalize. 

In this episode, host Christoph Lohr welcomes Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, to discuss the pressing issue of water sustainability in building practices. Sara emphasizes the importance of water conservation and quality, highlighting innovative solutions such as net-zero water impact plans, appropriate water pricing, and the adoption of smart water technologies like leak detection and smart irrigation systems. She stresses the need for municipalities to prioritize water management in their growth plans due to its critical role in enabling development. The conversation also touches on educating consumers and industry professionals about sustainable water use and the potential impact of these practices on the environment and future growth.

In this episode Tony Marcello, IAPMO senior vice president of Training and Credential Services, returns to discuss the ASSE 12000 series, focusing on ASSE 12080 and Legionella prevention. The standard is crucial for those working in health care facilities to conduct risk assessments and develop water management plans to protect occupants. They delve into the certification process, emphasizing the importance of training and education. Additionally, they explore the broader implications of the 12000 series in preventing outbreaks and promoting comprehensive teams involving both facility and trade professionals.

In this episode we welcome guests Kelly Cunningham from PG&E and Steffi Becking from 2050 Partners to discuss the adoption of the Water Demand Calculator in California. They delve into the significance of this adoption, highlighting its potential to save water, energy, and construction costs while improving building efficiency and sustainability. Steffi and Kelly share insights into the adoption process, stakeholder engagement, and the importance of data validation in overcoming objections.

In this episode we welcome Tim Bartrand, executive director of ESPRI, and Gary Burlingame, senior scientist with ESPRI, to discuss water quality and construction practices for potable water. We'll delve into bridging the gap between water utilities and building plumbing systems, emphasizing the significance of factors like pH, alkalinity, and disinfectants in maintaining safe and reliable water supply.Additionally, Bartrand and Burlingame will provide insights into the Manual of Water Quality for Plumbing Industry Professionals and Building Managers and its incorporation into the Construction Practices for Potable Water as an annex.

Local jurisdictions and states have varying rules when it comes to water reuse. Join us for an insightful discussion with Stuart Bailin from Wahaso as we delve into the world of water reuse and purification. Learn about the process of harvesting water from rainwater, groundwater, stormwater condensate, and greywater, and the subsequent cleaning, sanitization, and repurposing for common applications such as site irrigation, cooling tower makeup, boiler makeup, and toilet flushing. One of the most significant challenges regulators face is ensuring public health and safety. They are particularly concerned about the systems being deployed in the field, unsure whether they are being built in someone's garage or in a legitimate, technically organized manner. The introduction of third-party standards alleviates the burden on local health departments, sparing them from having to evaluate each individual system. Third-party certification ensures that the equipment has undergone rigorous testing and will produce water that is safe for use.

On this episode, we talk with Steven Rodzinak, director of code enforcement for the borough of Bound Brook, New Jersey about if specific building codes hurt or help FEMA reimbursement.  Bridgewater, New Jersey is situated on a floodplain of the Raritan River and has experienced devastating floods for decades from Hurricane Dora in 1971 to Hurricane Ida 50 years later. According to Riskfactor. com, 70% of all properties in the municipality have greater than a 25% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. Mr. Rodzinak talks to us about the intersection of building codes and the impact on federal emergency management agency, FEMA funding to answer the question if specific building codes hurt or help with FEMA reimbursement.

The EWTS provides a unique opportunity to meet well-known experts from across the globe. Participants are able to discover ideas and approaches about emerging technologies that benefit drinking water and wastewater systems, improve efficiency, and preserve public health. Of particular interest is how these new technologies help cope with drought, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to overall water sustainability. This year's theme will focus on the nexus between sustainability and safety, and avoiding unintended consequences of each. Together, we'll look to find solutions to our 21st Century water challenges.

Scaling UP! H2O podcast features weekly podcast episodes and daily digital content across social media platforms. With over 10,000 monthly downloads and a ranking in the top 3% of all podcasts globally by Listen Notes, Scaling UP! H2O serves as an invaluable, free educational resource for professionals in the water industry. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP, esteemed CEO and founder of Blackmore Enterprises and host of the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, about how the podcast began, and the importance of water management plans, education, and communication.

Water is facing alarming stress levels in the U. S. from drought and drinking water pollution, but outdated policies and inefficient use of water resources leave us vulnerable to a future where safe drinking water scarcity can no longer be ignored. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Pete Muñoz, EcoDistricts AP senior engineer and practice lead at Biohabitats, about how the state of Oregon successfully implemented water recycling policies to ensure sustainable water management for generations to come.

Aaron Tartakovsky, co-founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, highlighted the newfound prominence of water during the renowned World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos this year. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Tartakovsky about the convergence of technology, regulations, and innovative business models aimed at tackling water-related climate issues. We also discuss how to market plumbing, like marketing recycled water for beer!

The high volume of wastewater generated by hospitals is a challenge for engineers that want to promote safety and sustainability. Not only that, but due to waterborne pathogen concerns, hospitals are set to flush even more water to drain in an effort to control water age. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Bob Salvatelli, director of Water Organization for NextEra Distributed Water, and Patricia Sinicropi, executive director of the WateReuse Association, about how hospital water reuse systems work, costs that hospitals need to consider up front for installation and ongoing maintenance, and what policymakers should consider for codes and standards governing hospital reuse.

The city of Vancouver is consistently named among the world's most desirable places to live and the region is expected to add nearly 1 million more residents by 2050. Massive development leads to growing pains for any city, and for Vancouver, the dirty secret was insufficient sewer capacity.On this episode, we'll be speaking with Chris Radziminski, Development, Buildings & Licensing Building Policy Engineer for the city of Vancouver, BC, who will share how a water reuse system, along with correctly sizing system pipes, helped mitigate the impact of stormwater on the city's combined sewer overflow infrastructure.This episode is sponsored by Epic Cleantec. 

We usually think about the Legionella threat in terms of hospitals and buildings. But did you know the Legionella threat can impact home water systems too?Joining us for the second time, on this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Janet Stout, executive vice president and founder of Special Pathogens Laboratory, who will discuss the threats of Legionella and what steps communities should consider in new home construction and remodeling.This episode is sponsored by QFlow B.V. (Netherlands) – offering innovative Legionella membrane filters to stop and help prevent legionellosis and more. Just because it's clear, doesn't mean it's clean.

Relief is finally coming for the more than 9 million homes and buildings still serviced by lead pipelines, as federal infrastructure funds are making replacements possible. But those projects take time, and lead in drinking water remains a threat right now, especially to children where even low levels of lead exposure can cause permanent cognitive deficits and behavioral difficulties. The good news is that some point-of-use water filters will actually reduce the amount of lead without a big infrastructure investment. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Tina Donda, vice president of IAPMO R&T Water Systems, who will discuss the different types of point-of-use water filters that can reduce the amount of lead in drinking water and how they are regulated.This episode is sponsored by QFlow B.V. (Netherlands) – offering innovative Legionella membrane filters to stop and help prevent legionellosis and more. Just because it's clear, doesn't mean it's clean.

Did you know that water filters can mitigate lead, PFAs, and legionella threats? But not all of them. Many people are familiar with water filters — such as those built into refrigerators and pitchers inside the refrigerator. Water filters to improve drinking water quality and mitigate legionella bacteria in the shower are quite different, however, and must pass stringent performance requirements.On this episode, we'll be speaking with Tom Palkon, chief technical services officer for The IAPMO Group, who will break down how certified water filters work and how the public can be assured of their performance.This episode is sponsored by QFlow B.V. (Netherlands) – offering innovative Legionella membrane filters to stop and help prevent legionellosis and more. Just because it's clear, doesn't mean it's clean.

The U.S. Geological Survey has found that at least 45% of the nation's tap water is estimated to have one or more types of chemicals known as per or polyfluorinated alcohol substances, otherwise known as PFAS. PFAs are harmful chemicals that contaminate our drinking water. Fixing water systems to reduce the risk to human health is a priority, but treatment solutions can be costly to communities and taxpayers. The good news is that certified water filters can effectively remove these dangerous compounds and protect you and your loved ones from their negative impact.  The key is understanding the specific types of water filters and how they are (or not) regulated to reduce PFAs in drinking water. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Brian Donda, technical sales manager for The IAPMO Group, who will be discussing how certified water filters can effectively remove these dangerous compounds and protect you and your loved ones from their negative impact.This episode is sponsored by Q-Flow International, offering innovative Legionella membrane filters to stop and help prevent Legionellosis and more. Just because it's clear, doesn't mean it's clean. 

On this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical, we speak with Travis Loop, founder and host of the nonprofit media outlet waterloop; Dr. Christine DeMyers, research associate at the Pacific Institute; and Spencer Brown, director of Sales for Pfister Faucets, and also the executive producer of American Plumber Stories. To learn more about waterloop, visit https://waterloop.org and follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.To learn more about Pacific Institute, visit https://pacinst.org and follow them on Twitter. To get in touch with Dr. Christine DeMyers, email her at cdemyers@pacinst.org or find her on LinkedIn.To learn more about American Plumber Stories, visit https://americanplumberstories.com  and follow them on YouTube,  LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. To watch the American Plumber Stories episode featured in this episode, visit https://www.americanplumberstories.com/blogs/episodes/signing-day-special-american-plumber-stories.

Welcome to this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical. In our first segment, we speak with George McGraw, founder and CEO of Dig Deep. In our policy segment, we speak with Chad Seidel, President at Corona Environmental Consulting LLC, adjunct professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a council member with the Water and Health Advisory Council. In our last segment, we speak with Gabe Pinchev, CEO of Field Pulse, talking about trends in the plumbing industry. To get in touch with DigDeep, email info@digdeep.org. You can find also find DigDeep on Twitter @digdeepH2O and on Instagram @digdeepwater. You can find research, videos, and information about DigDeep projects all over the US at DigDeep.org.Chad Seidel and Corona Environmental can be reached on Twitter @ChadSeidel and @CoronaENV, respectively. You can reach the Water and Health Advisory Council at WaterAdvisory.org. Gabe Pinchev can be reached at Gabriel.Pinchev@fieldpulse.com. If you'd like to learn more about FieldPulse, visit fieldpulse.com.

On this episode, we speak with Anish Desai, Senior vice president of product certification at IAPMO R&T, about product certification at IAPMO R&T in our News segment; Adam Cory, Founder and Business Unit Leader of ThermoGrid at ECI Software Solutions, about how businesses in the trades can utilize cloud-based business management software in our Trends segment; and Markus Lenger, co-founder and CEO of CleanBlu, about his company and how emerging technologies can help underserved communities in needin our Good Vibes segment.To get in touch with Anish Desai, you can visit www.iapmort.org to find contact information and information about about IAPMO R&T.To get in touch with Adam Cory, you email him at sales@thermogrid.com or call at 1-800-592-3611.To get in touch with Markus Lenger, you can email him at markuslenger@cleanblu.com.

On this episode, we have a chat with Brian Courtright, national sales engineer for Lubrizol Corporation representing Corzan CPVC .Get in touch with Brian at Brian.Courtright@Lubrizol.com and learn more about Corzan CPVC at www.corzan.com.

On this episode, we'll be speaking with Troy Benavidez, Government Relations and Policy for LIXIL International, about the skilled labor gap in the plumbing profession and sanitation issues around the world, and Sherry Bradley, director of the Bureau of Environmental Services for the state of Alabama, about the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) and its collaboration with IAPMO's International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWSH) Foundation.To get in touch with Troy Benavidez, you can find him on LinkedIn or Twitter, and find LIXIL at www.lixil.com.To get in touch with Sherry Bradley, call her directly at (334) 206-5805. If you want to know more about BBUWP, visit www.bbuwp.org. 

On this episode, we'll be speaking with a returning guest, Kerry Stackpole, CEO and executive director for Plumbing Manufacturers International, in our news and information segment; Pete DeMarco, IAPMO executive vice president of Advocacy and Research, in our policy segment, and Nimish Shah, Ph.D., and managing director of IAPMO India, in our good vibe segment. To get in touch with Kerry Stackpole, visit www.safeplumbing.org. To get in touch with Pete DeMarco, email pete.demarco@iapmo.org.To get in touch with Nimish Shah, look him (and IAPMO India) up on LinkedIn.

acNevin, Director of Engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division, in our News segment; Sean Cleary, Vice President of Operations for IAPMO's Backflow Prevention Institute, in our Trends segment; and Trevor Martin and Jeremy Meyers, both of Local UA 400 out of Northeast Wisconsin. Contact Lance MacNevin by email at  lmacnevin@plasticpipe.org.Contact Sean Cleary by visiting BPI's website at www.iapmobpi.org.Contact Trevor Martin and Jeremy Meyers by visiting Local UA 400's website at www.ua400.org or check them out on Facebook or LinkedIn.

On this episode, we'll be speaking with Gary Klein, managing director at Gary Klein and Associates, in our policy segment; Brian Potter, structural department manager at DEVITA Inc. in our news segment, and Jed Scheuermann, IAPMO Region 2 field manager and North American program director for IWSH, in our good vibe segment. Contact Gary Klein by email at  gary@garykleinassociates.com.Check out Brian Potter's Substack newsletter at https://constructionphysics.substack.com, which has links to his email and LinkedIn account.Contact Jed Scheuermann by email at jed.scheuermann@iapmo.org. 

Welcome to Season Two of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical. This season will be a little bit different than Season One. In Season Two, each episode will feature three short sections with three different guests. Our first section will be policy and things that are impacting jurisdictions. Our second segment will be news and information and the latest trends of what's going on in the plumbing industry. And finally our third section will cover the good work that the plumbing industry is doing. We hope this will give our listeners a big-picture view of what's going on in our sector and keep you all in the know. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Dain Hansen, executive vice president of Government Relations for The IAPMO Group in our policy segment. In our news segment, we'll be speaking with Darion Ziegler, architect at NELSON Worldwide. In our third section, we'll be talking with Michael Lavoie, president of The Drain Whisperer and a registered plumber in the state of California.

Get ready for Season 2 of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical!This season will be a little bit different than Season 1. In this season, each episode will feature three short segments with three different guests. Our first section will cover policy and things that are impacting jurisdictions. Our second segment will cover news, information, and the latest trends in the plumbing industry. And finally, our third section will cover the good work that the plumbing industry is doing. Join us for Episode 1 on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and together we'll explore the ways we can make our buildings shape us.

On our final episode of Season 1, we'll finish our conversation about plumbing resiliency with a focus on plumbing equity and bridging plumbing equity gaps. Joining us on this episode are Emma Robbins, DigDeep's Navajo Water Project Executive Director, Kaitlin Harris, DigDeep Field Engineer, and Seán Kearney, Managing Director of the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH).To learn more about DigDeep, visit https://www.digdeep.org.To learn more about IWSH, visit https://iwsh.org.

In this episode, we'll discuss the concept of equity — specifically,  plumbing and water equity — with Kathryn Sorensen, Director of Research for the Kyl Center for Water Policy and Professor of Practice at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.Sorensen served for many years as Director of Phoenix Water Services as well as Director of the City of Mesa Water Resources Department. In these roles she was responsible for the delivery of safe, clean, reliable water for millions of Arizonans, and significantly advanced the sustainable management of water resources in Arizona and the Colorado River basin. She earned a PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan. In her position at Arizona State University, she oversees the research efforts of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, serves as a Professor of Practice at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, and contributes to the Global Futures Laboratory.To learn more about the Arizona State University Morrison Institute for Public Policy, visit https://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu.RESOURCES:Ten Tenets of Water Equity: Considerations for Community Water Systems

In this week's episode, we'll continue our conversation on plumbing resiliency with a focus on sustainability and equity. Our guest this week is Ron Jones, co-founder and president of Green Builder Media, who is recognized as one of the fathers of the green building movement, instrumental in establishing guidelines and programs through NAHB, USGBC, and a variety of regional initiatives.Jones is the charter chairman of the Greenbuilder Coalition, a grassroots nonprofit advocacy group, whose goal is to promote integrity and the building industry and beyond in an effort to return balance and harmony to the relationship between the built environment and the natural one. A recognized author and keynote speaker on four continents, his industry credentials and leadership experience, combined with his inspirational message and take-no-prisoners style, makes him a high-demand presenter for conferences and events of all kinds.To learn more about Green Builder Media, visit www.greenbuildermedia.com.

This is part two of our two-part series where we'll continue our conversation about plumbing resiliency, drought prevention, and water reuse with Sarah Porter, Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy; Micah Thomas, Senior Director of Program Development and Compliance at the Green Building Initiative, also known as GBI; Pat Sinicropi, Executive Director at the WateReuse Association; and Mike Collignan, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Green Builder Coalition.If you missed part one, we suggest you go back and listen to that episode before continuing here. Sarah Porter is director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Established in 2014, the Kyl Center promotes research, analysis, collaboration and open dialogue to build consensus and support of sound water stewardship solutions for Arizona and the West.To learn more about the Kyl Center, visit https://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu/content/kyl-center-water-policy.Micah Thomas is GBI's primary content expert and heads the development of the Green Building Initiative's user-friendly assessment tools and rating systems. As senior director of program development and compliance, Thomas refines the assessment, rating, and certification processes, and develops customized tools and processes to meet the specific and unique needs of federal guiding principles compliance users.To learn more about the Green Building Initiative, visit https://thegbi.org. Pat Sinicropi is the executive director of the WateReuse Association, the only national organization dedicated solely to advancing policy, technology and innovation, and public acceptance for water reuse. Sinicropi has nearly two decades of experience as a policy expert and advocate on water-related issues in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the WateReuse Association, visit https://watereuse.org. Mike Collignon is the executive director of the Green Builder Coalition, an organization he co-founded in 2010. He engages in national- and state-level advocacy and publishes regular content for Greenbuilder Media. To learn more about the Green Builder Coalition, visit https://www.greenbuildercoalition.org. 

This is part one of a two-part series where we'll continue our conversation on plumbing resiliency, expanding a little bit more into the weeds on drought prevention and water reuse with Sarah Porter, Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy; Micah Thomas, Senior Director of Program Development and Compliance at the Green Building Initiative, also known as GBI; Pat Sinicropi, Executive Director at the WateReuse Association; and Mike Collignon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Green Builder Coalition.Sarah Porter is director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Established in 2014, the Kyl Center promotes research, analysis, collaboration and open dialogue to build consensus and support of sound water stewardship solutions for Arizona and the West.To learn more about the Kyl Center, visit https://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu/content/kyl-center-water-policy.Micah Thomas is GBI's primary content expert and heads the development of the Green Building Initiative's user-friendly assessment tools and rating systems. As senior director of program development and compliance, Thomas refines the assessment, rating, and certification processes, and develops customized tools and processes to meet the specific and unique needs of federal guiding principles compliance users.To learn more about the Green Building Initiative, visit https://thegbi.org. Pat Sinicropi is the executive director of the WateReuse Association, the only national organization dedicated solely to advancing policy, technology and innovation, and public acceptance for water reuse. Sinicropi has nearly two decades of experience as a policy expert and advocate on water-related issues in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the WateReuse Association, visit https://watereuse.org. Mike Collignon is the executive director of the Green Builder Coalition, an organization he co-founded in 2010. He engages in national- and state-level advocacy and publishes regular content for Greenbuilder Media. To learn more about the Green Builder Coalition, visit https://www.greenbuildercoalition.org. 

Welcome to this week's episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing a Mechanical. This is part two of our two-part series where we'll continue our conversation about plumbing resiliency and sustainability with Emma Hughes, Project Manager in the LEED Department at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); Mike Cudahy, Regulation and Sustainability Specialist for the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA); Susan Kapetanovic-Marr, Principal, Sustainability Specialist at Morrison Hershfield; and Daryn Cline, Director of Environmental Technologies for EVAPCO. If you missed part one, we suggest you go back and listen to that episode before continuing here. To learn more about the USGBC, visit https://www.usgbc.org.To learn more about PPFA, visit https://www.ppfahome.org.To learn more about Morrison Hershfield, visit https://morrisonhershfield.com.To learn more about EVAPCO, visit https://www.evapco.com.

Welcome to this week's episode of “The Authority Podcast: Plumbing & Mechanical.” This is part one of a two-part series where we're going to continue our theme of plumbing resiliency and discuss sustainability issues with Emma Hughes, Project Manager in the LEED Department at the U.S. Green Building Council, also known as USGBC; Mike Cudahy, Regulation and Sustainability Specialist for the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, also known as PPFA; Susan Kapetanovic-Marr, Principal, Sustainability Specialist at Morrison Hershfield; and Daryn Cline, Director of Environmental Technologies for EVAPCO.Emma Hughes, a LEED AP BD+C and true advisor, is a project manager in the LEED Department at the U.S. Green Building Council and a proponent of integrated holistic approaches to sustainable design and development. At USGBC, she collaborates with industry stakeholders and networks of diverse volunteer experts to evolve and refine the LEED green building rating system.To learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council, visit https://www.usgbc.org.Mike Cudahy, Regulation and Sustainability Specialist for the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, works on building and plumbing codes, sustainability and regulation issues for the piping industry and has served on numerous green building and code committees for the past 15 years, including USGBC's LEED program. His background is in chemistry and forensics and he lives in south Florida. To learn more about PPFA, visit https://www.ppfahome.org.Susan Kapetanovic-Marr is a sustainability specialist at Morrison Hershfield, an international engineering consulting company with offices throughout Canada, U.S. and India. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Susan has over 12 years of experience managing sustainability-focused projects and providing guidance to successfully achieve green building certification targets. She's also the practice lead for green building rating systems and a team lead on third-party LEED projects assessments for Canada Green Building Council.To learn more about Morrison Hershfield, visit https://morrisonhershfield.com.Daryn Cline, director of environmental technologies for EVAPCO, is responsible for the sustainable application of EVAPCO'S energy-efficient and water-saving products in the industrial, building and power markets. He's been at EVAPCO for 31 years. He's a member of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED water efficiency technical advisory group. He's a voting member of ASHRAE standard 191. He's a member of the ASHRAE Standard 514, and a voting member of ASHRAE Guideline 12-2000. He has his bachelor's of science and physics from West Virginia University and an MBA from the University of Baltimore.To learn more about EVAPCO, visit https://www.evapco.com.

Welcome to this week's episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing & Mechanical. As we have all season long, we're going to continue our conversation of plumbing resiliency. On today's talk, we're going to focus on the overlap between water efficiency and well-being with Rodolfo Perez, Senior Director, Standard Development, for the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and Dan Cole, Senior Director of Technical Services at the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).Rodolfo Perez leads the Water and Materials concepts on the Standard Development team at IWBI. Before joining the International WELL Building Institute, Perez worked for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene after a career in startups, bringing nanoparticle based technologies from lab experiments to prototypes. He holds MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and undergraduate degrees in Industrial and Chemical Engineering and Aesthetics from the Catholic university of Chile. To learn more about IWBI, visit www.wellcertified.com.Daniel Cole is the Senior Director of Technical Services at IAPMO.He was a licensed journeyman plumber in the state of Illinois and is currently a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. He received the ASPE scientific achievement award in 2018. He has published several articles on Hunter's Curve and the fixture unit methodology. His research focus is on the plumbing investigations performed at the National Bureau of Standards, now NIST, with a particular interest in the work of Roy B. Hunter. He also has a focus on promoting water efficiency standards for the built environment. To learn more about IAPMO, visit www.iapmo.org.

This is part two of our two-part series where we'll continue our conversation about plumbing resiliency and drought prevention with Cynthia Campbell, water resources management advisor for the City of Phoenix; Terrence McCarthy, water resources policy manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; and Doug Bennett, conservation manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority.If you missed part one, we suggest you go back and listen to that episode before continuing here.Cynthia Campbell, water resources management adviser for the city of Phoenix, manages the city's water portfolio and advises the city manager and Water Services Department on policy issues relating to long-range water planning and strategy.She's the city's liaison with the state of Arizona Central Arizona Project, Salt River Project, and other organizations on water resource issues. Prior to accepting the role of water resources management adviser, Cynthia served the city of Phoenix as assistant city attorney for five years. She also spent five years as a compliance manager of the Water Quality Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and three years as assistant attorney general at the Arizona Attorney General's Office. She's a graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, and has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.To learn more about Phoenix Water, visit www.phoenix.gov/water.Terrence McCarthy, water resources policy manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is a licensed professional civil engineer in California, and his current responsibilities include management and development of water conservation programs; monitoring and evaluating regulatory and legislative issues; pursuing external funding and support for programs participating in statewide and nationwide organizations to leverage opportunities; and coordinating with many regional partners for water sustainability in Los Angeles.Terrence spent a portion of his career doing capital project management on everything from sludge digesters at wastewater treatment plants to baggage handling systems at airports before moving to LA DWP Water Resources Division, where he has managed things like a climate change study on the Eastern Sierras and a water conservation potential study to assess the remaining water savings potentials moving into the future in Los Angeles.To learn more about the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, visit www.ladwp.com.Doug Bennett, conservation manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, began his career "in the trenches" in 1980 as a landscape maintenance and irrigation technician working his way through college. Armed with a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's degree in business, he served eight years as an assistant professor for New Mexico State University, where he specialized in urban horticulture and promoted water-efficient landscape and efficient irrigation techniques.In 1995, Doug developed and managed a variety of water efficiency programs for the city of Albuquerque, including landscape conversion rebates, water waste enforcement, residential retrofit audits, appliance and fixture rebates, and landscape industry education. Since 2000, Doug has been conservation manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, managing one of the nation's leading conservation incentive programs and coordinating regional water efficiency efforts for the Las Vegas, Nevada, area.To learn more about the Southern Nevada Water Authority, visit www.snwa.com.