The 11th International Conference on Legionella was held in Zurich, Switzerland, September 7–11, 2026, marking 50 years since the discovery of Legionella. 

Last month, in Part 2 of this series, we covered air gaps, air breaks, atmospheric vacuum breakers, hose thread applied vacuum breakers and pressure vacuum breakers.

In last month’s column, we covered a brief history of backflow prevention in the United States and how the plumbing industry responded over time, developing backflow devices and standards for adoption in plumbing codes. 

The history of backflow prevention is a story of public health incidents over the years, in which health officials and members of the plumbing industry learned the dangers and health hazards associated with cross-connections after investigating backflow incidents that sickened and killed many people. 

Designing a safe domestic hot water system requires balancing the need for high distribution temperatures to prevent Legionella growth with code-compliant temperature controls to eliminate the risk of scalding at the fixture.

Discover the history and key structural differences between the IPC and UPC to ensure your plumbing installations remain safe and code-compliant.

Explore the distinct but interconnected roles of building codes and industry standards, and learn how they combine to ensure safety, quality, and legal compliance in construction.

From building schools to empowering women and improving health care, Rotary International’s Ghana mission highlights sustainable education, economic development, and life-changing support for children and families.