The Pipeline: February 26, 2026
Welcome to this week's edition of The Pipeline. Here's what's flowing this week to keep you informed and entertained!
Fun Fact
The first flush toilet was invented in 1596 by Sir John Harington, a godson of Queen Elizabeth I. He called it the "Ajax" (a pun on "a jakes," Elizabethan slang for toilet). The queen had one installed at Richmond Palace, but it would take nearly 200 years before Alexander Cumming patented the S-trap in 1775, solving the sewer gas problem that made indoor toilets impractical.
Laugh of the Day
Why do plumbers make great detectives?
Because they always get to the bottom of things!
IWSH Mobilizes Volunteer Plumbers for LA Mission Project
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation is calling for skilled volunteer plumbers to join a Community Plumbing Challenge this summer at Los Angeles Mission, which serves over 1,000 people daily experiencing homelessness. The project will replace aging toilets and sinks with water-efficient fixtures, tackle recurring leaks and drainage backups, and improve overall system reliability. IWSH is coordinating with Southern California labor organizations and seeking sponsors for materials and equipment.
Congress Eyes $125M Cut to Lead Pipe Replacement Funding
The Senate is considering a spending package that would cut $125 million from lead pipe replacement funding promised under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The original law allocated $15 billion over five years, but states with the most lead pipes—like Illinois—could see significant resource reductions just as the EPA's 10-year replacement deadline ticks forward. The cuts would redirect funding to wildland fire management, leaving utilities and contractors to bridge the gap on estimated $45-90 billion in total replacement costs nationwide.
WorldSkills 2026: Global Plumbing Competition Heads to Shanghai
IAPMO and its charitable arm IWSH are celebrating 10 years as WorldSkills Global Industry Partners, with the next WorldSkills Competition set for September 22-27, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The event showcases excellence in plumbing and mechanical systems while supporting WorldSkills' goal of providing technical training to 100 million young people by 2030. Beyond the competition, IWSH connects skilled tradespeople and apprentices with real-world projects delivering clean water and sanitation to underserved communities worldwide.
We hope you enjoyed this week's edition of The Pipeline. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep the pipes flowing!
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