Premise Plumbing

AWWA Policy Statement on Premise Plumbing

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is committed to protecting public health by partnering with utilities and those who design, build, and operate potable water premise plumbing systems to deliver drinking water that meets or surpasses all applicable regulatory standards. This commitment includes proactive community engagement and education on maintaining drinking water quality to the tap. Along with surpassing regulatory standards, goals for maintaining water quality in premise plumbing should include the maintenance of drinking water aesthetics (taste, odor, appearance).

AWWA encourages utilities to establish comprehensive policies and operational goals designed to protect water quality in premise plumbing. Water utilities should continually strive to implement measures in water treatment and distribution that reduce risks. AWWA supports and encourages collaboration between property owners, operators and their water utility, public health agencies, and other stakeholders that promote best practices in building water system operations to optimize water quality.

Building owners and operators should take steps to manage risks that can arise from premise plumbing. A key step in managing risk can include developing water management programs and their resulting plans that encourage collaboration between premise plumbing owners, operators and their water utility. These plans should also promote the development of outreach materials to communicate water quality risks to consumers.

Effectively managing water quality at all points of exposure within buildings requires collaborative solutions, such as those identified above, that successfully address the respective responsibilities of water utilities, property owners and consumers for maintaining water quality.

Practices specified in this policy statement are consistent with all other pertinent AWWA policy statements.

Adopted by the Executive Committee on October 24, 2018. Revised on March 27, 2025.