World Plumbing Day is an international event, initiated by the World Plumbing Council, held on March 11th each year to recognize the important role plumbing plays in health and well-being.
The WPC is an international organization made up of 200 members from over 30 countries around the world. It is their goal to achieve the best possible plumbing for the world through the world’s plumbing industries. They work all year round to promote the benefits of safe plumbing, but in 2010 it decided to devote a single day every year on the world’s calendar dedicated to plumbing.
History of World Plumbing Day
World Plumbing Day was started hoping that on March 11 each year people all over the world would pause to reflect on the vital role plumbing plays in preserving their health and way of life – in the case of countries like ours – or in building sustainable disease-free futures for millions in the developing world.
Today, on the continents of Australia, Europe, and Africa events are organized to mark the occasion and draw attention to the importance of good plumbing and sanitation. In China, England, Germany, India, Canada, North, and South America, and many more places industry leaders – like the United States today are promoting World Plumbing Day.
A World Without Plumbing?
When you think about plumbing- What do you envision? Chances are, you think about running water, the sewer system, and the many pipes that make it all work. Now imagine a world without these things. What would your life be like without immediate access to hot or cold water? Or if you were still going outside to an outhouse in the dark of night? What if your city did not have a plumbing system that made these things possible?
You may be surprised to learn that every US homeowner still does not have access to basic plumbing with running water and sewer systems. For Some 2 million Americans-a lack of plumbing is a reality that some people live with every day. It’s not just those living in poverty who don’t have indoor plumbing or running water. In some states, like Alaska, the Dakotas, and Maine, there are entire communities that don’t have complete plumbing systems.
Huge Global Need
Undeveloped countries have it much worse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.5 billion citizens throughout the world don’t have access to any sanitation facility. This includes 818 million people in India and 607 million people in China. There are many other countries as well that have large populations with inadequate plumbing. These countries include:
- Nigeria
- Brazil
- Indonesia
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Vietnam
- Philippines
Having no access to sanitary plumbing is not just an inconvenience but a health hazard. Plumbing actually saves lives. Without proper plumbing systems in place, many people throughout the world are susceptible to diseases. Children are especially vulnerable. About 700,000 children die each year from diarrhea. This condition is usually caused by improper sanitation and unsafe drinking water.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPlumbingDay
Plumbing organizations gather together on this day to network with other plumbers and keep up with changes in the industry. Those in the plumbing profession regularly attend further education to learn what they can do to improve access to running water and safe sanitation to make your world a better place. To participate:
- Thank your local plumber for all the work they do.
- Think about what your life would be like without plumbing.
- Donate to an organization, such as Plumbers without Borders or The Water Project.
- Make an appointment to have your plumbing system inspected.
- Spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldPlumbingDay
