83 FR 50897 - Request for Information Regarding Measurement Science Needs for Water Use Efficiency and Water Quality in Premise Plumbing Systems

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 196 (October 10, 2018)

Page Range		50897-50899
FR Document		2018-21920

Premise plumbing systems are key to the built environment, given that our ability to live and thrive in buildings is highly dependent on efficient and sustainable access to potable water. The design of premise plumbing systems in the U.S. is based in part on decades-old data embodied in building codes, much of which was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, many important factors affecting these systems have changed considerably in recent years. Per capita water demand has declined, new materials have been introduced into plumbing systems, and there are growing concerns regarding human exposure to opportunistic pathogens in plumbing systems and other water quality issues. New information is needed to ensure that premise plumbing systems are designed, installed, and operated such that the goals of water efficiency, water quality, and energy efficiency are considered in an integrated manner. NIST requests information from the public regarding measurement science needs that must be addressed to inform future code revisions, green building standards, and guidance documents in ways that enable safe, reliable and efficient plumbing systems in buildings. Responses to this RFI will assist NIST in its execution of a project to investigate approaches that can reduce water and energy consumption and reduce or prevent water quality problems by informing improvements in plumbing system design, codes and standards.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50897-50899]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21920]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Docket Number: 180904815-8815-01]


Request for Information Regarding Measurement Science Needs for 
Water Use Efficiency and Water Quality in Premise Plumbing Systems

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of 
Commerce.

ACTION: Request for Information (RFI).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Premise plumbing systems are key to the built environment, 
given that our ability to live and thrive in buildings is highly 
dependent on efficient and sustainable access to potable water. The 
design of premise plumbing systems in the U.S. is based in part on 
decades-old data embodied in building codes, much of which was 
developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

[[Page 50898]]

However, many important factors affecting these systems have changed 
considerably in recent years. Per capita water demand has declined, new 
materials have been introduced into plumbing systems, and there are 
growing concerns regarding human exposure to opportunistic pathogens in 
plumbing systems and other water quality issues. New information is 
needed to ensure that premise plumbing systems are designed, installed, 
and operated such that the goals of water efficiency, water quality, 
and energy efficiency are considered in an integrated manner. NIST 
requests information from the public regarding measurement science 
needs that must be addressed to inform future code revisions, green 
building standards, and guidance documents in ways that enable safe, 
reliable and efficient plumbing systems in buildings. Responses to this 
RFI will assist NIST in its execution of a project to investigate 
approaches that can reduce water and energy consumption and reduce or 
prevent water quality problems by informing improvements in plumbing 
system design, codes and standards.

DATES: Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 
9, 2018. Written comments in response to the RFI should be submitted 
according to the instructions in the ADDRESSES and SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION sections below. Submissions received after that date may 
not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Responses to this RFI can be submitted by either of the 
following methods:
     Agency Website: [https://www.nist.gov/el/energy-and-environment-division-73200/rfi-response]. Follow the instructions for 
sending comments on the agency website.
     Email: [email protected]. Include ``RFI 
Response: Regarding Measurement Science Needs for Water Use Efficiency 
and Water Quality in Premise Plumbing Systems'' in the subject line of 
the message.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. David Yashar, Deputy Chief, Energy 
and Environment Division, Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 2201, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899, 301-975-5868, or by email to [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Premise plumbing systems are key to the built environment, given 
that our ability to live and thrive in buildings is highly dependent on 
efficient and sustainable access to potable water. The design of 
premise plumbing systems in the U.S. is based in part on decades-old 
data embodied in building codes, much of which was developed at NIST. 
However, as described below, many important factors affecting these 
systems have changed considerably in recent years. Per capita water 
demand has declined and concerns exist regarding human exposure to 
opportunistic pathogens in plumbing systems and other water quality 
issues. New technical information is needed to ensure that premise 
plumbing systems are designed, installed, and operated such that the 
goals of water efficiency, water quality, and energy efficiency are 
considered in an integrated manner, based in part on the following 
considerations:
     Population growth and concerns over the scarcity of water 
and the ability to deliver potable water through an aging treatment and 
distribution infrastructure have led Americans to implement measures 
that reduced indoor household water use by 22% since the late 
1990's.\1\ As a result, new premise plumbing systems are being designed 
and installed with water flow rates that are significantly lower than 
those corresponding to the design data in building codes and other 
guidance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Water Research Foundation, Residential End Uses of Water, 
2016. http://www.waterrf.org/PublicReportLibrary/4309A.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Many existing plumbing systems are being operated at lower 
flow rates than those for which they were designed to operate. These 
low flow rates create situations where water remains in distribution 
and building plumbing systems for longer periods of time, potentially 
rendering water treatment practices less effective and leading to 
conditions that can promote the growth of opportunistic waterborne 
pathogens.
     Materials used in piping networks and fixtures have 
changed, and there is insufficient information about their performance 
and impacts over time.
     Water stressed areas are considering on-site reuse for 
non-potable uses. However, there is some uncertainty regarding design 
criteria to implement these systems in a healthy and sustainable 
manner.
     The distribution and consumption of water inside a 
building has significant influence on the amount of energy that a 
building consumes. Efforts to advance energy efficiency may affect how 
water moves in a building as well as its resulting water quality.
     The need to use water more efficiently to supply a growing 
population and economy will not diminish as water shortages, most 
notably in the western U.S., become more frequent and/or severe. The 
U.S. Government Accountability Office predicts that water shortages in 
non-drought conditions will be experienced in 40 of the 50 states by 
2024.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ U.S. Government Accountability Office, Freshwater: Supply 
Concerns Continue, and Uncertainties Complicate Planning, May 22, 
2014. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-430.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on these factors and trends, it is clear that research is 
needed to advance the state of knowledge that supports the design of 
new premise plumbing systems and the operation and retrofit of existing 
systems to conserve water resources, protect public health, and support 
community resilience.
    The input received through this RFI may be incorporated into a 
long-term research agenda to develop the codes, standards, and guidance 
to advance building water use efficiency and water quality which will 
be accessible to multiple public and private sector organizations. This 
research agenda will target the following core issues:
     Updated data and models to support the codes, standards, 
and guidance necessary for the design of new premise plumbing systems 
based on the lower water flow rates, the use of new materials, and the 
increased awareness of opportunistic pathogens and other water quality 
issues.
     Information to inform codes, standards, and guidance for 
the operation and potential retrofit of existing plumbing systems that 
are subject to lower water flow rates than those for which they were 
designed and which may be affected by degradation in system materials 
over time.
     Codes, standards, and guidance for future plumbing systems 
based on increasing demands for water efficiency and water quality, 
employing technologies such as onsite reuse, and different scales of 
delivery and treatment.
     Codes, standards, and guidance for human factors related 
to water use as well as system operation and maintenance.
    For the purposes of this RFI, premise plumbing is defined as all 
potable and non-potable, piping and appurtenances (e.g., water heaters, 
chillers) within a property line, and includes reuse, collection 
system, and onsite storage within a residential or commercial facility. 
NIST is interested in issues related to the following aspects and 
features of premise plumbing systems:

 All premise plumbing systems in residential, commercial and 
industrial

[[Page 50899]]

buildings, per the above definition, including but not limited to 
irrigation systems, fire suppression systems, cooling towers, water 
features and data centers
 Materials used in plumbing systems, their resistance to 
corrosion, their ability to maintain structural integrity, and their 
interaction with contaminants and treatment chemicals
 System operation and maintenance, and occupant water use
 Water quality conditions at point of entry into the building
 Data needed for design and operation, including water demand 
assumptions
 Models for designing new systems and evaluating existing 
systems

II. Request for Information

    NIST requests information from the public regarding measurement 
science needs that must be addressed to inform future code revisions, 
green building standards, and guidance documents in ways that enable 
safe, reliable and efficient plumbing systems in buildings. Responses 
to this RFI will assist NIST in its execution of a project to 
investigate approaches that can reduce water and energy consumption and 
reduce or prevent water quality problems by informing improvements in 
plumbing system design, codes and standards.
    Respondents are encouraged--but are not required--to respond to 
each question and to present their answers after each question. The 
following questions cover the major areas about which NIST seeks 
comment. Respondents may organize their submissions in response to this 
RFI in any manner, and all responses that comply with the requirements 
listed in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections of this RFI will be 
considered.
    Attachments will be accepted in plain text, Microsoft Word, or 
Adobe PDF formats. Comments sent by any method other than those 
specified in this notice, to any address or individual other than those 
specified in this notice, or received after the end of the comment 
period, may not be considered. Comments containing references, studies, 
research, and other empirical data that are not widely published should 
include copies or electronic links of the referenced materials.
    All submissions, including attachments and other supporting 
materials, will become part of the public record and subject to public 
disclosure. NIST reserves the right to publish comments publicly, 
unedited and in their entirety. Sensitive personal information, such as 
account numbers or Social Security numbers, or names of other 
individuals, should not be included. Submissions will not be edited to 
remove any identifying or contact information. Do not submit 
confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive or protected 
information. Comments that contain profanity, vulgarity, threats, or 
other inappropriate language or content will not be considered.
    NIST is interested in receiving information from the stakeholder 
community to answer the following questions:
    (1) What are the most important issues to design and operate safe, 
healthy, reliable, and efficient plumbing systems?;
    (2) In the context of the core issues listed above or any other 
issues identified in this notice, what are the research needs that 
should be considered in developing this research agenda?;
    (3) Is there any other information respondents want to provide 
regarding this effort?

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 272(b)(10).

Kevin A. Kimball,
Chief of Staff.
[FR Doc. 2018-21920 Filed 10-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / Notices 50897

with section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Tariff Public Comment Pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(C) of the
Act of 1930, as amended (the Act).4 Interested parties may submit case Act, Commerce also intends to instruct
briefs within 30 days of publication of CBP to collect cash deposits of
Scope of the Order
this notice.7 Rebuttal briefs, limited to estimated CVDs, in the amount shown
The product covered by the Lined above for the company shown above, on
issues raised in the case briefs, may be
Paper Order is certain lined paper shipments of subject merchandise
filed no later than five days after the
products from India. For a full entered, or withdrawn from warehouse,
time limit for filing case briefs.8 Parties
description of the scope of this order, for consumption on or after the date of
who submit case or rebuttal briefs are
see the Preliminary Decision publication of the final results of this
requested to submit with the argument:
Memorandum.5 review. For all non-reviewed firms, we
(1) A statement of the issue; (2) a brief
Methodology summary of the argument; and (3) a will instruct CBP to continue to collect
table of authorities.9 cash deposits at the most-recent
Commerce is conducting this CVD company-specific or all-others rate
review in accordance with section Interested parties who wish to request
a hearing must do so within 30 days of applicable to the company, as
751(a)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as appropriate. These cash deposit
amended (the Act). For each of the publication of these preliminary results
by submitting a written request to the requirements, when imposed, shall
subsidy programs found
Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and remain in effect until further notice.
countervailable, we determine that there These preliminary results are issued
is a subsidy, i.e., a financial Compliance, U.S. Department of
Commerce, using Enforcement and and published in accordance with
contribution by an ‘‘authority’’ that sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the
confers a benefit to the recipient, and Compliance’s ACCESS system.10
Hearing requests should contain: (1) The Act, and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(4).
that the subsidy is specific.6 For a full
description of the methodology party’s name, address, and telephone Dated: October 3, 2018.
underlying our preliminary conclusions, number; (2) the number of participants; Gary Taverman,
including our reliance, in part, on and (3) a list of the issues to be Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping
adverse facts available pursuant to discussed. If a request for a hearing is and Countervailing Duty Operations,
sections 776(a) and (b) of the Act, see made, we will inform parties of the performing the non-exclusive functions and
the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. scheduled date for the hearing which duties of the Assistant Secretary for
will be held at the U.S. Department of Enforcement and Compliance.
A list of topics included in the
Preliminary Decision Memorandum is Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue Appendix
included as an Appendix to this notice. NW, Washington, DC 20230, at a time
and location to be determined.11 Parties List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary
The Preliminary Decision Decision Memorandum
Memorandum is a public document and should confirm by telephone the date,
time, and location of the hearing. Issues I. Summary
is on file electronically via Enforcement II. Background
and Compliance’s Antidumping and addressed at the hearing will be limited
III. Scope of the Order
Countervailing Duty Centralized to those raised in the briefs.12 All briefs
IV. Use of Facts Otherwise Available and
Electronic Service System (ACCESS). and hearing requests must be filed Application of Adverse Inferences
ACCESS is available to registered users electronically and received successfully V. Discussion and Analysis of Programs
at http://access.trade.gov, and to all in their entirety through ACCESS by VI. Recommendation
parties in the Central Records Unit, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. [FR Doc. 2018–21984 Filed 10–9–18; 8:45 am]
Room B8024 of the main Department of Unless the deadline is extended, BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P

Commerce building. In addition, a pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of the
complete version of the Preliminary Act, we intend to issue the final results
Decision Memorandum can be accessed of this administrative review, including DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
directly at http://enforcement.trade.gov/ the results of our analysis of the issues
raised by the parties in their comments, National Institute of Standards and
frn. The signed and electronic versions Technology
of the Preliminary Decision within 120 days after issuance of these
Memorandum are identical in content. preliminary results. [Docket Number: 180904815–8815–01]

Preliminary Results of Review Assessment Rates and Cash Deposit
Request for Information Regarding
Requirement
As a result of this review, we Measurement Science Needs for Water
preliminarily determine the net In accordance with 19 CFR Use Efficiency and Water Quality in
countervailable subsidy rate to be: 351.221(b)(4)(i), we preliminarily Premise Plumbing Systems
assigned the subsidy rate in the amount
shown above for the producer/exporter AGENCY: National Institute of Standards
Manufacturer/exporter Net subsidy rate
shown above. Upon issuance of the final and Technology, Department of
Goldenpalm Manufactur- 188.70 percent results, Commerce shall determine, and Commerce.
ers PVT Ltd. ad valorem U.S. Customs and Border Protection ACTION: Request for Information (RFI).
(CBP) shall assess, CVDs on all
SUMMARY: Premise plumbing systems are
appropriate entries covered by this
4 See Memorandum, ‘‘Extension of Deadline for key to the built environment, given that
Preliminary Results of Countervailing Duty review. We intend to issue instructions
our ability to live and thrive in
Administrative Review,’’ dated May 31, 2018. to CBP 15 days after publication of the
buildings is highly dependent on
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1

5 See ‘‘Decision Memorandum for Preliminary
final results of review.
Results of 2016 Countervailing Duty Administrative efficient and sustainable access to
Review: Certain Lined Paper Products from India,’’ 7 See
potable water. The design of premise
19 CFR 351.309(c)(l)(ii).
dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, 8 See 19 CFR 351.309(c)(l)(ii) and 351.309(d).
plumbing systems in the U.S. is based
this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). in part on decades-old data embodied in
9 See 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2).
6 See sections 771(5)(B) and (D) of the Act

regarding financial contribution; section 771(5)(E)
10 See 19 CFR 351.310(c). building codes, much of which was
of the Act regarding benefit; and, section 771(5A) 11 Id. developed at the National Institute of
of the Act regarding specificity. 12 See 19 CFR 351.310(c). Standards and Technology (NIST).

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50898 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / Notices

However, many important factors highly dependent on efficient and population and economy will not
affecting these systems have changed sustainable access to potable water. The diminish as water shortages, most
considerably in recent years. Per capita design of premise plumbing systems in notably in the western U.S., become
water demand has declined, new the U.S. is based in part on decades-old more frequent and/or severe. The U.S.
materials have been introduced into data embodied in building codes, much Government Accountability Office
plumbing systems, and there are of which was developed at NIST. predicts that water shortages in non-
growing concerns regarding human However, as described below, many drought conditions will be experienced
exposure to opportunistic pathogens in important factors affecting these systems in 40 of the 50 states by 2024.2
plumbing systems and other water have changed considerably in recent Based on these factors and trends, it
quality issues. New information is years. Per capita water demand has is clear that research is needed to
needed to ensure that premise plumbing declined and concerns exist regarding advance the state of knowledge that
systems are designed, installed, and human exposure to opportunistic supports the design of new premise
operated such that the goals of water pathogens in plumbing systems and plumbing systems and the operation
efficiency, water quality, and energy other water quality issues. New and retrofit of existing systems to
efficiency are considered in an technical information is needed to conserve water resources, protect public
integrated manner. NIST requests ensure that premise plumbing systems health, and support community
information from the public regarding are designed, installed, and operated resilience.
measurement science needs that must such that the goals of water efficiency, The input received through this RFI
be addressed to inform future code water quality, and energy efficiency are may be incorporated into a long-term
revisions, green building standards, and considered in an integrated manner, research agenda to develop the codes,
guidance documents in ways that enable based in part on the following standards, and guidance to advance
safe, reliable and efficient plumbing considerations: building water use efficiency and water
systems in buildings. Responses to this • Population growth and concerns quality which will be accessible to
RFI will assist NIST in its execution of over the scarcity of water and the ability multiple public and private sector
a project to investigate approaches that to deliver potable water through an organizations. This research agenda will
can reduce water and energy aging treatment and distribution target the following core issues:
infrastructure have led Americans to • Updated data and models to
consumption and reduce or prevent
implement measures that reduced support the codes, standards, and
water quality problems by informing
indoor household water use by 22% guidance necessary for the design of
improvements in plumbing system
since the late 1990’s.1 As a result, new new premise plumbing systems based
design, codes and standards.
on the lower water flow rates, the use
DATES: Comments must be received by premise plumbing systems are being
of new materials, and the increased
5:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 9, designed and installed with water flow
awareness of opportunistic pathogens
2018. Written comments in response to rates that are significantly lower than
and other water quality issues.
the RFI should be submitted according those corresponding to the design data • Information to inform codes,
to the instructions in the ADDRESSES and in building codes and other guidance. standards, and guidance for the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION sections • Many existing plumbing systems
operation and potential retrofit of
below. Submissions received after that are being operated at lower flow rates
existing plumbing systems that are
date may not be considered. than those for which they were designed
subject to lower water flow rates than
ADDRESSES: Responses to this RFI can be to operate. These low flow rates create
those for which they were designed and
submitted by either of the following situations where water remains in which may be affected by degradation in
methods: distribution and building plumbing system materials over time.
• Agency Website: [https:// systems for longer periods of time, • Codes, standards, and guidance for
www.nist.gov/el/energy-and- potentially rendering water treatment future plumbing systems based on
environment-division-73200/rfi- practices less effective and leading to increasing demands for water efficiency
response]. Follow the instructions for conditions that can promote the growth and water quality, employing
sending comments on the agency of opportunistic waterborne pathogens. technologies such as onsite reuse, and
website. • Materials used in piping networks different scales of delivery and
• Email: safeandsustainable and fixtures have changed, and there is treatment.
plumbing@ insufficient information about their • Codes, standards, and guidance for
nist.gov. Include ‘‘RFI Response: performance and impacts over time. human factors related to water use as
Regarding Measurement Science Needs • Water stressed areas are considering well as system operation and
for Water Use Efficiency and Water on-site reuse for non-potable uses. maintenance.
Quality in Premise Plumbing Systems’’ However, there is some uncertainty For the purposes of this RFI, premise
in the subject line of the message. regarding design criteria to implement plumbing is defined as all potable and
these systems in a healthy and non-potable, piping and appurtenances
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
sustainable manner. (e.g., water heaters, chillers) within a
David Yashar, Deputy Chief, Energy and
• The distribution and consumption property line, and includes reuse,
Environment Division, Engineering
of water inside a building has collection system, and onsite storage
Laboratory, National Institute of
significant influence on the amount of within a residential or commercial
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau
energy that a building consumes. Efforts facility. NIST is interested in issues
Drive, MS 2201, Gaithersburg, MD
to advance energy efficiency may affect related to the following aspects and
20899, 301–975–5868, or by email to
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1

how water moves in a building as well features of premise plumbing systems:
dyashar@nist.gov.
as its resulting water quality. • All premise plumbing systems in
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: • The need to use water more residential, commercial and industrial
I. Background efficiently to supply a growing
2 U.S. Government Accountability Office,
Premise plumbing systems are key to 1 WaterResearch Foundation, Residential End Freshwater: Supply Concerns Continue, and
the built environment, given that our Uses of Water, 2016. http://www.waterrf.org/ Uncertainties Complicate Planning, May 22, 2014.
ability to live and thrive in buildings is PublicReportLibrary/4309A.pdf. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-430.

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Document Created: 2018-10-10 17:35:43
Document Modified: 2018-10-10 17:35:43

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Request for Information (RFI).
Dates		Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 9, 2018. Written comments in response to the RFI should be submitted
Contact		Dr. David Yashar, Deputy Chief, Energy and Environment Division, Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 2201, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, 301-975-5868, or by email to [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 50897

83 FR 50897 - Request for Information Regarding Measurement Science Needs for Water Use Efficiency and Water Quality in Premise Plumbing Systems

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Institute of Standards and Technology

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 196 (October 10, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology