One thing those in our industry can take pride in is that we make health and safety a priority. Modern plumbing is one of the single greatest public health protections ever created. Its primary health functions are to deliver safe drinking water and remove human waste, which together prevent disease and protect communities. Public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), consistently link safe plumbing and sanitation to reduced illness and death from water‑borne diseases.
Bolstered by our motto, “Prevention Rather Than Cure,” ASSE International’s core mission is to continually improve the performance, reliability, and safety of plumbing systems by developing and maintaining consensus product performance and professional qualifications standards whose main purpose is to protect the health of the public. How so?
BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL (e.g., standards for backflow prevention assemblies and devices)
- Prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into drinking‑water systems because of pressure changes, cross‑connections, or equipment failures
- Protect against chemical, biological, and microbial contamination originating from irrigation systems, medical facilities, industrial processes, and commercial and residential buildings
- Establish minimum performance requirements so backflow preventers operate reliably during real‑world service conditions
WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND SCALD PROTECTION (e.g., standards for pressure balancing or thermostatic mixing valves and temperature-actuated flow reduction valves)
- Reduce scalding injuries, especially for children, seniors, hospital patients, and long‑term‑care residents, by controlling water temperature
- Help balance scald prevention with Legionella risk reduction by supporting safe hot‑water system design without encouraging unsafe temperature levels
DRAINAGE PROTECTION AND TRAP SEAL PROTECTION (e.g., standards for air admittance valves, drainage inflow protection and trap seal primers)
- Prevent sewer gas exposure in occupied spaces
- Limit transmission of disease‑causing microorganisms
- Control moisture, mold, and indoor air quality degradation
- Support infection control and water management programs
- Reduce reliance on human intervention for safety
PLUMBING SYSTEM PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES (e.g., standards for freeze protection, outdoor enclosures, and water hammer control)
- Prevent contaminated water from being drawn back into drinking water systems at outdoor hose connections and reduce failures caused by freezing
- Shield outdoor plumbing installations from environmental damage, extremes of temperature, tampering, vandalism or other damage that could disrupt water service or compromise water quality
- Protect public health by preventing damaging pressure surges in plumbing systems that can cause leaks, damage, and unsanitary building conditions
WATER DISTRIBUTION, FITTINGS AND FLOW CONTROL COMPONENTS (e.g., standards for push fit fittings, pressurized flushing devices, etc.)
- Ensure push‑fit plumbing connections remain secure under extremes of pressure and temperature and exposure to water hammer
- Reduce the risk of leaks, failures, and unsanitary water damage in buildings
- Ensure pressurized flushing devices operate reliably and hygienically, supporting effective waste removal while preventing fixture malfunction that could lead to unsanitary conditions in occupied spaces
WATER TREATMENT AND SPECIALTY WATER SYSTEMS (e.g., standards for atmospheric water generators, commercial and food service water treatment equipment, and reverse osmosis (RO) water efficiency)
- Enhance the safety of water collected from air by requiring disinfection, hygienic storage, and proper dispensing while also preventing microbial contamination
- Ensure treatment systems used where water contacts food and beverages improve water quality without introducing contamination, reducing the risk of waterborne illness in kitchens
- Ensure RO systems are designed to reduce harmful contaminants while performing safely to reduce the risk of water quality degradation from poorly designed or operating systems
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (e.g., standards that set minimum knowledge and performance criteria for industry professionals)
- Ensure individuals working on critical plumbing systems possess verified knowledge and competency
- Reduce public‑health risks caused by incorrect installation, testing, maintenance, or repair of plumbing systems
- Promote universally consistent practices so health protection does not depend on locale
ASSE standards don’t treat illnesses — they prevent them — and as Martha Stewart likes to say, “That’s a good thing.” The best public health outcomes are the ones that never have to be treated.
