Initiated by the World Plumbing Council (WPC), of which the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is a member, World Plumbing Day promotes the important role that plumbing plays in the health and safety of modern society.
Did you know that 40% of the world population does not have access to proper sanitation, a working sewerage system or wholesome drinking water? Or that almost one-fifth of the world’s population currently lives in areas of water scarcity, with a further 500 million people teetering on the edge and soon to follow? Or that by 2025 it is estimated that this number will grow to two-thirds of the global population? 
(Source: Second UN World Water Development Report).
This important day not only shows us how far we have come in regard to safe water, sanitation and water conservation, but also highlights how much work there is left to do on a global level.
In the UK in particular, plumbers are on the front line in the fight to conserve water, while also safekeeping our families and the environment we live in. This is why the CIPHE is making a call to action on World Plumbing Day for the industry to take forward the following ethos, to help make the plumbing world a better and safer place for all:
- Ensure all customers, and especially the vulnerable, are protected from rogue plumbers and heating engineers
- Equip plumbers and heating engineers with skills and support to deliver safe and high quality work in the home
- Strengthen the education route from apprentice to professional in the plumbing and heating industries
- Raise the profile of plumbing and heating as an attractive career path for school leavers and those looking to change careers (e.g. ex-service personnel)
- Promote safe plumbing and heating systems and minimise problems such as Legionnaires’ disease and hot water scalding.