As 2025 wound down, states began early bill filing and interim policy development ahead of the 2026 legislative sessions. Legislative committees and regulatory agencies across the country continue examining workforce development, water infrastructure investment, building efficiency, and alternative water systems — all areas with direct relevance to ASSE standards, certifications, and professional credentialing programs.
Most legislatures convened in January, with adjournment expected in late spring or early summer. A small number of states, including Nevada, Texas, Montana, and North Dakota, will not meet in 2026. In the interim, agencies remain active through rulemakings and administrative updates that may significantly affect plumbing standards and third-party certification requirements.
At the federal level, attention remained focused on year-end appropriations negotiations. Meanwhile, federal agencies advanced regulatory actions affecting plumbing products, building systems, workforce qualifications, and environmental compliance. Proposed and ongoing rulemakings at the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intersect directly with ASSE- and IAPMO-covered products and certifications, while broader regulatory reassessments could reshape compliance expectations for manufacturers and installers.
FEDERAL UPDATE
ASSE and IAPMO collaborated with industry partners to map existing and emerging training and certification programs for alternate water sources and water reuse systems, including ASSE certifications. The report is intended to guide state and local jurisdictions developing onsite reuse requirements.
In December, IAPMO’s proposal to present these findings was accepted for the 2026 WateReuse Conference. At the same time, IAPMO is monitoring efforts by Austin Water and the National Blue Ribbon Commission to develop a certification program for operators of alternate water source systems, including rainwater and stormwater — initiatives that overlap or compete with existing ASSE certifications. IAPMO partnered with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to host a summit on international plumbing standardization in South Korea. As a follow-up, IAPMO is providing input to USTR on an international standardization and regulatory best practices roadmap, including recommendations to incorporate ASSE-developed standards into international frameworks.
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
Arizona: HB 2644 proposed a rainwater harvesting grant program. A letter of support recommended requiring compliance with ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 (rainwater catchment) and ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 78 (stormwater catchment) standards. The bill did not advance before adjournment.
California: Government Relations and Field Services staff met with the Sprinkler Fitters Association to discuss support for ASSE Series 15000, Professional Qualifications Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The Office of the State Fire Marshal retains approval authority and is reviewing related legal considerations. A follow-up meeting is planned. Separately, the city of Arcadia now accepts ASSE professional certifications for applicable plumbing and mechanical code compliance, streamlining credential recognition for contractors and inspectors.
Massachusetts: HB991/SB631, addressing clean drinking water in schools, advanced out of committee with a recommendation to pass. Additional water quality bills are expected to receive further consideration.
Michigan: Michigan recognizes ASSE 5000 backflow certification but requires individuals to first hold a Michigan plumbing license before performing backflow testing and servicing, a requirement that continues to affect workforce mobility.
New Jersey: Updated codes, including the state plumbing code (NSPC), were published in the New Jersey Register and will be finalized following the public comment period. IAPMO is also monitoring Department of Environmental Protection rulemaking related to the state’s Legionella legislation.
New Mexico: The Water Trust Board proposed amendments to the Water Project Finance Act to support water efficiency and conservation initiatives. A letter recommended explicitly including rainwater harvesting as a qualifying water project, and ARCSA testified in support during a public hearing. The recommendation was not incorporated into the final rule.
Ohio: While IAPMO BPI is a recognized training provider in Ohio, resistance remains regarding acceptance of ASSE Series 5000 certifications. Government Relations staff continue engaging stakeholders to assess the level of support needed for broader recognition.
Texas: Voters approved Proposition 4, committing $20 billion over two decades to the Texas Water Fund for statewide water infrastructure. IAPMO joined six organizations in submitting a letter of support to the Texas Water Development Board and remains engaged to help ensure industry expertise informs implementation.
Utah: ASSE urged the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to explicitly recognize ASSE Series 5000 certification through reciprocity under proposed amendments to R309-305. The recommendation was not adopted, leaving reciprocity determinations at the director’s discretion.
As 2026 begins, ASSE and IAPMO remain focused on ensuring that evolving legislative and regulatory frameworks reflect the value of consensus standards, third-party certification, and qualified professionals. Continued engagement at all levels of government will be essential to protecting public health and advancing industry best practices nationwide.
