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The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

When talking about the built environment, we would do well to remember, "We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us." Therefore, on each episode, we'll discuss the latest trends from IAPMO in plumbing and mechanical safety, sustainability, and resiliency. Join me, your host Christoph Lohr, and together, we'll explore the ways we can make our buildings shape us for the better.

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The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

Water Use in Single-Family and Multi-Family Homes

October 02, 2024 • IAPMO • Season 4 • Episode 16

In this episode, we discuss challenges and opportunities in residential water use and efficiency. Our expert guest, Andrew D. Morris, Senior Manager of Policy & Programs with the Alliance For Water Efficiency, shares how water consumption in single-family and multi-family homes has evolved over the years, including a 15% decrease in indoor water use between 1999 and 2016 driven by state-level fixture standards and federal appliance regulations. Andrew provides a vision for future areas of improvement, including right-sizing premise plumbing and water heater systems, meter sizing and sewer capacity certifications, and utility-side adjustments to connection-related fees and policies.