World Plumbing Council

The World Plumbing Council (WPC), established in 1990, is a not for profit global organisation. Registered in Geneva, Switzerland, the WPC currently has over 100 members in some 23 countries representing over 50% of the world’s population. WPC aims to highlight the important role which today’s professional plumbing and heating industry plays in relation to health and the environment. Good plumbing can and does make a difference in so many
aspects of our day to day lives. While most people in developed countries tend to take the provision of wholesome drinking water and sanitation services for granted, it was not too long ago that general health in these countries improved dramatically when such services were first effectively provided. The picture in developing countries is quite different.
- 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe water
- 2.6 billion people do not have access to acceptable sanitation
- 6,000 children die every day from water related diseases

Good plumbing systems could help to improve these tragic statistics dramatically. The entire world is affected by climate change and the increasing pressures on our natural resources through demand for fossil fuels and shortages of potable water. The plumbing industry is at the forefront of moves towards increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy. Water conservation is also a major issue in which the plumbing industry is involved in many countries. In our relatively short history, WPC has made a number of significant achievements including:
- Recognized Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in relations with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Joint publication, with WHO, of “Health Aspects of Plumbing” and "Environmental Aspects of Plumbing"
- Works with WorldSkills International to present medallions to plumbing competitors and technical experts at WorldSkills competitions.
- Award of 8 Scholarships to plumbing teachers to enable them to travel overseas to research industry training practices.