The Code Council’s World Water Awareness Campaign Aims to Combat Global Water Crisis

Water is a fundamental human need, yet billions of people around the world lack access to safe and clean water – and the situation is projected to worsen in the years to come.

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that around 2 billion people do not have reliable access to safely managed drinking water and 3.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation services.

To help solve the global water and sanitation crisis, the International Code Council is launching its inaugural World Water Awareness campaign, set to kick off this March. This groundbreaking campaign aims to raise awareness about the water crisis and our collective responsibility to address it through long-term, consistent water conservation efforts.

SEE RELATED: The Urgent Need to Address Water Scarcity Through Scientifically Supported Water Conservation Solutions 

Dive In: Join the World Water Awareness Campaign

The World Water Awareness campaign includes new research and information that will aid in the rapid implementation of codes and standards and help guide decision-makers in managing limited resources, both in the U.S. and globally.

Also available are key resources comprising of in-depth articles on water conservation initiatives and the advantages of the International Codes® (I-Codes), alongside podcast episodes that delve into plumbing solutions, water reuse and their vital role in preserving the world’s water supply.

SEE RELATED: Flowing Forward: Solving America’s Water Challenges

More information is needed from experts to help aid government officials and business leaders take immediate action and work together to implement sustainable solutions. Organizations can join this effort by signing a letter to policymakers highlighting the importance of water conservation resources.

Click here to sign the letter.  

World Water Awareness Events

The Code Council will be hosting a few events to educate individuals and decision-makers on the water crisis and how codes and standards are crucial for sustainable water management.

Join the Code Council and water experts from around the world for both in-person and virtual events discussing water conservation-related topics including:

• Standards Save: A Water Conservation Summit on March 21, at 9 am ET, in Washington D.C. at the National Press Club. During this event, the Code Council will release new findings of a University of Miami study examining the critical need for the adoption of updated water conservation standards
• ICC Learn Live event, Why is Pipe Sizing Important, on Monday, March 4
• ICC Learn Live event, Global Pipe-Sizing Collaboration, on Tuesday, March 12
• ICC Learn Live event, Increasing Sustainability and Community Resilience Through Water Reuse, on Wednesday, March 27

Registration links for all events can be found here. 

You can also join the Code Council in celebrating World Plumbing Day on March 11, emphasizing the vital role plumbing plays in securing access to clean and safe water and promoting proper sanitation and hygiene.

Additionally, mark your calendars for World Water Day on March 22, an occasion to raise awareness about water scarcity, water pollution and the need for access to clean and safe water for all.

Water Scarcity Addressed in the International Codes

The Code Council’s International Codes® (I-Codes) and standards are consistently being updated to provide new solutions to address water scarcity issues.

SEE RELATED: Unveiling the 2024 Editions of the International Plumbing Code and the International Mechanical Code

For example, the International Water Conservation Code Provisions® offers a comprehensive framework to address today’s pressing water conservation challenges. Similarly, the International Green Construction Code® and the National Green Building Standard, along with specific standards like the CSA B805/ICC 805 – Rainwater Harvesting Standard and RESNET/ICC 850 – Water Use Performance of One- and Two-Family Dwellings Standard, can be implemented individually or in combination to promote water conservation measures.

Click here to learn more about the Code Council’s World Water Awareness campaign and get involved.