The World Health Organization and the World Plumbing Council present this publication on health aspects of plumbing noting that sustainable health, especially for children, is not possible without access to safe drinking-water and basic sanitation facilities.

This publication describes the processes involved in the design, installation and maintenance of effective plumbing systems. It recommends a number of plumbing system design and installation specifications that have demonstrated their validity from years of experience. It also examines the microbiological, chemical, physical and financial risks associated with plumbing, outlines the major risk management approaches that are used in the plumbing industry and emphasizes the importance of measures to conserve supplies of safe drinking-water.

This publication is dedicated to assisting in achieving the best possible plumbing levels to ensure the highest health benefits from use of sound plumbing practices. It is aimed at administrators and plumbers working in areas that are served by a mains drinking-water supply or sewerage system, or are about to install a mains drinking-water supply or sewerage system. It should be of particular value to those working in countries or areas that are in the early stages of introducing effective plumbing systems.

A link is provided below to the text of the radio interviews of Dr Jamie Bartram, Coordinator, Water, Sanitation and Health Programme, WHO, Mr José Hueb, Water, Sanitation and Health Programme, WHO, co-author of the report and Mr Russ Chaney, Executive Secretary, World Council of Plumbing.

One of the roles of the World Plumbing Council is to promote the link between good plumbing and the environment and I am delighted to welcome this new publication which demonstrates that the plumbing industry has a significant role to play in so many aspects of environmental protection. Whether it is in relation to the use, conservation and reuse of water or in the work which is increasingly being done to recognise that fossil fuels must be used more efficiently and supplemented or replaced by the use of renewable sources of energy including the sun, wind, air and water, then the plumbing industry is a major player.

Many politicians and others take the view that the move towards greater environmental
awareness will create a new industry. In reality, many of the new technologies are simply an
extension of the work of the plumbing industry- this publication aims to explain the role which the
industry plays.

Intended as a companion publication to "Health Aspects of Plumbing".

WPC hopes that the "Environmental Aspects of Plumbing" will become a valuable resource for use both by people working inside the plumbing industry as well as those interested in the use of the technologies described in this publication.

https://www.worldplumbing.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/eap_published_version_april_2010_final.pdf

11 March is World Plumbing Day.

Every 11 March, we celebrate World Plumbing Day—a day to recognize the essential role plumbing plays in protecting public health, advancing water solutions, and powering economic prosperity.

Plumbing is more than pipes and fittings. It is the foundation of safe communities, sustainable innovation, and fulfilling careers. That is why our 2025 World Plumbing Day Theme is “Plumbing is More.” We invite you to help us raise awareness about plumbing’s impact by joining us for Go Blue for Plumbing and sharing our World Plumbing Day resources.

Plumbing – Vital to Global Health

Individuals and organizations can support the work of the WPC by becoming an Individual, Full or Affiliate Member.

More information and membership application forms may be found on the WPC website: www.worldplumbing.org

Email: secretariat@worldplumbing.org