National Institute of Standards and Technology October 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Premise plumbing systems are key to the built environment, given that our ability to live and thrive in buildings is highly dependent on efficient and sustainable access to potable water. The design of premise plumbing systems in the U.S. is based in part on decades-old data embodied in building codes, much of which was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, many important factors affecting these systems have changed considerably in recent years. Per capita water demand has declined, new materials have been introduced into plumbing systems, and there are growing concerns regarding human exposure to opportunistic pathogens in plumbing systems and other water quality issues. New information is needed to ensure that premise plumbing systems are designed, installed, and operated such that the goals of water efficiency, water quality, and energy efficiency are considered in an integrated manner. NIST requests information from the public regarding measurement science needs that must be addressed to inform future code revisions, green building standards, and guidance documents in ways that enable safe, reliable and efficient plumbing systems in buildings. Responses to this RFI will assist NIST in its execution of a project to investigate approaches that can reduce water and energy consumption and reduce or prevent water quality problems by informing improvements in plumbing system design, codes and standards.