Peter Jackson discusses one of the biggest problems being discussed in New Zealand and how plumbers will play an important role in solving it.

September 2014 signals election time in New Zealand, where in our three yearly cycles we choose those who are going to govern us for the next term.

One of the largest issues to surface during this campaign is the quality of our water in our rivers, lakes and streams and also in our rural and municipal water supplies.

The debate in New Zealand started with the quality of our rivers, lakes and streams for swimming and how there should be a national guideline set for the public to know where is not safe for bathing. The 100% Pure banner of New Zealand embraces our tourism industry and in fact is a guiding principle to ensure that each and every one of us do our bit to minimise the effect of all contamination within our social structure.

The issue has quickly escalated not only to the quality of our rivers, lakes and streams but it has also been suggested that all water should have a guiding principle nationally and that potable water has the highest rating of all. This is where the plumbing industry has been drawn in, to ensure that cross contamination and separation of foul water, storm water and potable water is essential.

It has been extremely helpful to observe in the last month that the World Health Organisation declared plumbers to be the most important frontline health workers around the globe.

Most people seeing basin taps and toilets believe that what they are seeing is plumbing, however much of the work is behind the scenes and it is imperative that the hidden work meets the essential requirements of daily living, especially in close communities, such as our cities and towns. In saying that however; it is still incredibly important that these principles are expanded across our entire community and that our rural communities are just as important, as often our source of supply starts in more remotes areas.

Among the objectives that the World Plumbing Council was founded upon, for example, that the plumbing industry’s roles in protecting the environment by providing safe fresh water and sanitation through proper management, care, and reuse and conservation of natural resources was the major driving source.

Fresh water is an infinite supply on earth and is the key to all life – without question this is our planets most natural and precious resource.

The plumbing industry recognises this tenuous balance and is ensuring that mankind maintains this irreplaceable balance between the want and need of society in general.

H20 Design
www.h20design.co.nz