Category Archives: Salutariness

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Water and Sanitation

Standards March: Water

Water is essential for sanitation and hygiene — and proper sanitation is essential for protecting water sources from contamination and ensuring access to safe drinking water.  Access to safe water and sanitation is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, which can be transmitted through contaminated water sources or poor sanitation practices. Lack of access to safe water and sanitation can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.  

On the other hand, poor sanitation practices, such as open defecation, can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for drinking, bathing, or cooking. This contamination can lead to the spread of diseases and illness, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water and sanitation facilities may be limited.

We track the catalog of the following ANSI accredited standards developers that necessarily require mastery of building premise water systems:

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: ASHRAE develops standards related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration systems — and more recently, standards that claim jurisdiction over building sites.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ASME develops standards related to boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems.

American Water Works Association: AWWA is a standards development organization that publishes a wide range of standards related to water supply, treatment, distribution, and storage.

ASTM International: ASTM develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for various industries, including water-related standards. They cover topics such as water quality, water sampling, and water treatment.

National Fire Protection Association: NFPA develops fire safety standards, and some of their standards are related to water, such as those covering fire sprinkler systems and water supplies for firefighting within and outside buildings.  We deal with the specific problems of sprinkler water system safety during our Prometheus colloquia.

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International): NSF International develops standards and conducts testing and certification for various products related to public health and safety, including standards for water treatment systems and products.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL): UL is a safety consulting and certification company that develops standards for various industries. They have standards related to water treatment systems, plumbing products, and fire protection systems.

 

United States Standards System


* The evolution of building interior water systems has undergone significant changes over time to meet the evolving needs of society. Initially, water systems were rudimentary, primarily consisting of manually operated pumps and gravity-fed distribution systems. Water was manually fetched from wells or nearby sources, and indoor plumbing was virtually nonexistent.

The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in plumbing technology. The introduction of pressurized water systems and cast-iron pipes allowed for the centralized distribution of water within buildings. Separate pipes for hot and cold water became common, enabling more convenient access to water for various purposes. Additionally, the development of flush toilets and sewage systems improved sanitation and hygiene standards.

In the mid-20th century, the advent of plastic pipes, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), revolutionized plumbing systems. These pipes offered durability, flexibility, and ease of installation, allowing for faster and more cost-effective construction.

The latter part of the 20th century witnessed a growing focus on water conservation and environmental sustainability. Low-flow fixtures, such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads, were introduced to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. Greywater recycling systems emerged, allowing the reuse of water from sinks, showers, and laundry for non-potable purposes like irrigation.

With the advancement of digital technology, smart water systems have emerged in recent years. These systems integrate sensors, meters, and automated controls to monitor and manage water usage, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution within buildings. Smart technologies provide real-time data, enabling better water management, energy efficiency, and cost savings.

The future of building interior water systems is likely to focus on further improving efficiency, sustainability, and water quality. Innovations may include enhanced water purification techniques, decentralized water treatment systems, and increased integration of smart technologies to create more intelligent and sustainable water systems.

The first mover in building interior water supply systems can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. However, one of the earliest known examples of sophisticated indoor plumbing systems can be attributed to the ancient Romans.

The Romans were pioneers in constructing elaborate water supply and distribution networks within their cities. They developed aqueducts to transport water from distant sources to urban centers, allowing for a centralized water supply. The water was then distributed through a network of lead or clay pipes to public fountains, baths, and private residences.

One notable example of Roman plumbing ingenuity is the city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The excavation of Pompeii revealed a well-preserved plumbing system that included indoor plumbing in some houses. These systems featured piped water, private bathrooms with flushing toilets, and even hot and cold water systems.

The Romans also invented the concept of the cloaca maxima, an ancient sewer system that collected and transported wastewater away from the city to nearby bodies of water. This early recognition of the importance of sanitation and wastewater management was a significant advancement in public health.

While the Romans were not the only ancient civilization to develop indoor plumbing systems, their engineering prowess and widespread implementation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure make them a key player in the history of building interior water systems.

Uniform Plumbing Code

“Niagara” 1857 Frederic Edwin Church

Although the 2024 Revision is substantially complete there are a number of technical and administrative issues to be resolved before the final version is released for public use. Free access to the most recent edition is linked below.

CODE DEVELOPMENT

2027 UPC/UMC CODE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE

Report on Comments for the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code

History of the Kitchen

Facilities Services

Kitchen Exhaust

• In ancient times, kitchens were often located outside the main living quarters of a home. They were typically small, with an open hearth for cooking and a few basic utensils.

• During the Middle Ages, kitchens began to be built inside castles and manor houses. These kitchens were much larger and more complex than earlier versions, with multiple hearths, ovens, and cooking utensils.

• During the Renaissance, kitchens continued to become more elaborate, with the development of specialized cooking tools and the introduction of new cooking techniques. The kitchen also became a central gathering place for the household.

• With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, kitchens began to incorporate new technologies, such as gas stoves and refrigeration. As more people moved into cities, smaller kitchens became the norm.

• In the 20th century, the design and functionality of kitchens continued to evolve. The introduction of electricity and new materials, such as stainless steel, allowed for more efficient and hygienic kitchens. Open-plan kitchens, where the kitchen is integrated with the living and dining areas, also became popular.

Salutariness

Salutariness (Cleanliness) standards follow culture (which follows the science which follows water management systems).   What is considered clean or hygienic in one culture may differ from what is considered clean or hygienic in another culture.  In some cultures, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home, as it is considered unclean to wear shoes indoors.  In Japan, it is customary to take a bath or shower before entering a public bathhouse or hot spring, as it is considered unclean to enter a communal bath without washing first.  Most public swimming pools in the United States conform to a similar standard.

In some cultures, it is customary to eat with one’s hands, while in others, using utensils is the norm. Similarly, in some cultures, it is customary to clean one’s hands and face before eating, while in others, it is not considered necessary.  Cleanliness standards can also vary depending on the level of economic development, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and public health policies in different countries.  Mahatma Gandhi believed that promoting cleanliness and hygiene could help in building a strong and self-sufficient nation.

“Harlem school custodian to retire, gets cafeteria dedicated to him” | Rockford Register Star

At 15:00 UTC today we review best practice literature for hygiene in education community interior spaces; including related accessory technologies.  Owing to the circumstances of the pandemic we have rewritten our past coverage of this topic for 2022.

Among the standards setting organizations active in this domain: (Short List)

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME: Personal hygiene devices for water closets.

American Society of Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE International)

American Society of Safety Professionals

American Water Works Association

“No Water Fact Sheet”

“Responding to Water Stagnation in Buildings with Reduced or No Water Use” 

Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)

Cleaning Operations

International Association of Plumbing Mechanical Officials (IAPMO Group)

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Prospect of Solar-assisted Heat Pump Water Heating Systems for Student Residences

Identification of Legionella Species by Photogate-Type Optical Sensor

Smart Biosensor for Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Waterborne Pathogens in Tap Water

Innovative UV-C LED Disinfection Systems for DrinkingWater Treatment

Temperature Distributions and Bacterial Growth Implications in a Hot Water Storage Tank under Scheduled Draw-off and Heating Cycles

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

International Code Council

International Building Code: Chapter 12 Interior Environment

International Mechanical Code: Ventilation

International Plumbing Code: Sanitary Drainage

International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association

International Sanitary Supply Association

Design Guidelines

University of Pittsburgh

National Air Duct Cleaners Association

Standard for Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration of HVAC Systems

National Fire Protection Association

“NFPA responds to the coronavirus”

Health Care Facilities Code

National Sanitation Foundation  (Several titles)

“Germiest Places at Schools”

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

CFR 1910.141 Sanitation

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Simon Institute

Cleaning Chemical Safety

State and Federal Regulations Open for Comment

We place public consultation deadlines at top priority in the time available and will schedule a separate break-out session to write and send comments.

Open to everyone.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

“The Janitor” — A Short Documentary

The janitorial profession is not just about cleaning, it’s about creating a safe and healthy environment for people to live and work. A good janitor is like a good detective. They notice the things that others overlook, and they take care of problems before they become bigger problems.

Qualität der Wasserversorgung

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