Nebraska's fifth most populous city, Grand Island, has maintained the highest level of health and safety standards available for plumbing and mechanical systems by formally adopting the 2018 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), updating from the 2015 editions. Grand Island has utilized the Uniform Codes since the 1960s, recognizing early on that the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)'s codes represent the gold standard as the only plumbing and mechanical codes accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The UPC and UMC represent a carefully constructed balance between prescriptive and performance requirements, all while maintaining effective, seamless integration with all model building codes, no matter the developer.

The UPC's new Appendix M Water Demand Calculator (https://www.iapmo.org/water-demand-calculator/) represents the first major update to plumbing sizing requirements since the 1940s and enables Grand Island plumbing professionals the opportunity to see firsthand how IAPMO is committed to developing new provisions toward improving water quality and safety, reducing construction costs, and saving consumers energy, water and money. The Water Demand Calculator predicts peak water demand for single- and multi-family dwellings when water efficient fixtures are installed. An independent study found notable cost savings when applied to residential structures.

In addition to the recent code adoption, city of Grand Island Plumbing Inspector Dave Scoggins, with support from the professional plumbing and mechanical community, has re-established the Nebraska Central IAPMO chapter.

"Licensed contractors and installers alike want an association where individuals can enhance their skills through the many opportunities offered by IAPMO that strengthen and support our industry," Scoggins said. "Focusing on the educational element of our trade will be at the forefront of our chapter's mission and the chapter leadership looks forward to providing vital resources to our IAPMO chapter members."

A map of all IAPMO chapters, featuring meeting schedules and chapter leadership contact information, can be found at http://iapmomembership.org/chapters/.

"IAPMO is thrilled to have the Nebraska Central chapter revitalized," said Brian Rogers, IAPMO regional manager. "Individual chapter members are encouraged to participate in IAPMO's code development process, where their voice and vote count. Individual members also gain access to IAPMO's Answers and Analysis database, and discounts on publications, seminars, and educational courses. Chapter membership is the backbone of our organization and I look forward to assisting the chapter to ensure its success for years to come."

Introduced in Los Angeles in 1928 and formally published as the Uniform Plumbing Code in 1945, followed in 1967 by the introduction of the UMC, the Uniform Codes are developed using ANSI-accredited consensus development procedures. This process brings together volunteers representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on plumbing and mechanical practices. Developed and subsequently republished at the conclusion of each three-year code cycle, the UPC and UMC are designed to provide consumers with safe and sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.