AWWA JAW71581

The two predominant model code organizations, the International Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Officials (IAPMO) and the International Code Council (ICC), are both developing plumbing and building codes to assist communities in enacting sustainable construction codes that include water and energy conservation requirements. Although these "green codes" might ensure uniformity in water-efficiency regulations, they may not provide an effective level of water conservation nor be available in time to mitigate the severe water supply shortages in some regions of the United States. This article details how green codes, if properly implemented, could greatly reduce water demand as well as the cost to water agencies of implementing water conservation programs in the future. Includes 2 references.