The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) are seeking the public's input for the development of the Manual of Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems. On July 29, 2020, IAPMO and AWWA entered into a cooperative development agreement (CDA) to produce a manual of recommended practices to support safe and effective water efficiency and water quality provisions for the built environment.

The manual covers risk management practices for all potable and non-potable water supply systems, water-supplied mechanical systems (cooling towers), wet fire suppression systems, and decorative water feature systems post-construction, during normal operation, when closing, during interruption to normal operation (system shutdown), and reopening all building occupancy types except for single- and two-family residential buildings. It is intended to provide expert guidance on building water system safety and provides sound and effective risk management practices for preparing water systems when buildings must be shut down or put into low use modes, "exercising" building water systems during periods of no or low use and evaluating and preparing water systems for reopening. 

Since the announcement of the CDA, IAPMO, AWWA and industry experts put together the most comprehensive provisions for the safe operation and opening of potable water and non-potable water systems and cooling towers. 

IAPMO and AWWA encourage the industry to provide its comments to the latest draft, which can be obtained through the following URL:

https://www.iapmo.org/standards-development/iapmo-industry-standards/20-day-public-review

Please provide comments to standards@iapmostandards.org by no later than July 15.