WaterSmart, GreenPlumbers Shore Up Front Line

At the WaterSmart Innovations '08 conference held recently in Las Vegas, more than 450 plumbers and other industry professionals from about 30 states attended workshops covering water conservation, climate care, solar hot water, and new technologies. They also became accredited GreenPlumbers.

"We were pleased to build a successful relationship with GreenPlumbers (at the conference)," said Doug Bennett, conservation manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. "It is vital that the public sector and private sector work collaboratively to accelerate adoption of the best water efficiency technologies for homes and businesses. GreenPlumbers USA is a vital link in promoting and delivering the best water efficiency technologies and techniques to the end user. This has been an ideal partnership."

Stephanie Thornton, partner outreach coordinator for EPA's WaterSense program, says plumbers play a vital role in conservation. "Plumbers really are on the front lines of water efficiency, so we're excited to see such an overwhelming level of enthusiasm for the GreenPlumbers workshops."

GreenPlumbers' participation in the WaterSmart conference marked the beginning of a new round of expansion for the accreditation program, as it makes inroads into Canada and continues to train plumbers across the United States. GreenPlumbers has November workshops scheduled in California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Washington.

The GreenPlumbers® program is open to all recognized plumbers and contractors. The program is partnered with the EPA's WaterSense program, the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the California Center for Sustainable Energy, the California Urban Water Conservation Council, and many more industry leaders in its mission of bringing environmental training to plumbers. For more information, visit www.greenplumbersusa.com.

The WaterSmart conference, held by the Southern Nevada Water Authority in partnership with the U.S. EPA's WaterSense program, enabled professionals in the fields of water conservation and green energy to come together in planning and education.