PERC announces publication of Work Plan Proposal Drain Line Transport Study

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Rolling Meadows, Ill. — The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) has announced its intention to launch a Phase 2 study, building upon the results of its successful and much-anticipated Drainline Transport Study (available on the PERC website: http://www.plumbingefficiencyresearchcoalition.org)

While the initial study released in November 2012 provided important insights, it also raised new questions, providing an opportunity for further research. Phase 2 will be focused on the following research areas: Pipe Size Reduction, Additional Flush Volume Levels, Toilet Discharge and Toilet Paper Characteristics.

Barbara C. Higgens, Executive Director of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) points out the importance of the study saying, “PMI supports the efficient use of water… using less water to do the same work.  Research data from studies like this one are essential to making thoughtful and wise choices when considering lower flow rates.”

Phase 2 of this study will cost approximately $160,000, a significant increase over the approximately $70,000 used to complete Phase 1. The reasons for this increase are detailed in the full Work Plan Proposal, along with an accompanying FAQ document, both available on the PERC website. The coalition seeks comments from all interested parties on the Work Plan Proposal. Comments can be sent directly to Pete DeMarco of IAPMO, who will again act as the technical director for Phase 2, at the email address shown below.

In addition, PERC is seeking ongoing funding support from all stakeholders — water utilities, manufacturers, contractors, plumbing engineers, and other NGO’s — especially those entities that are helping to incentivize further reductions in toilet consumption levels.

“It is critical that all stakeholders support such a pivotal scientific investigation that could help determine the consumption levels at which significant blockages are more likely to occur,” says Pete DeMarco of IAPMO. “It is truly essential to the future proper function of our plumbing systems that our industry should invest in this invaluable research.”

The six members of the coalition are represented by Mary Ann Dickinson, Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE); Jim Kendzel, American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), Pete DeMarco, International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Shawn Martin, International Code Council (ICC); Gerry Kennedy, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC); and Barbara C. Higgens, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI).

About the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC)
PERC was formed in January 2009 through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop research projects that support the development of water efficiency and sustainable plumbing products, systems and practices. The coalition is comprised of industry organizations seeking to conduct much-needed research pertaining to water efficient plumbing systems. 

For More Information Contact:
Barbara C. Higgens – bhiggens@pmihome.org
Charles R. White – white@naphcc.org
Shawn Martin – smartin@iccsafe.org
Jim Kendzel – jkendzel@aspe.org
Mary Ann Dickinson – maryann@a4we.org
Pete DeMarco – pete.demarco@iapmo.org

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