Global public health organization NSF International is pleased to announce that the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) has awarded NSF International the Scientific Achievement Award for its years of research and work to develop standards for clean drinking water. The award was presented at the ASPE Biennial Banquet in November 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NSF International’s water systems business development manager Dann Holmes also received The Peter Warshaw Award recognizing Holmes’ dedication to the society and profession at the banquet.
The Scientific Achievement Award recognized NSF International’s commitment to clean drinking water both in the US and around the globe. NSF International led the development of the American National Standards for all materials and products that treat or come in contact with drinking water. In 1990, the US EPA replaced its own drinking water product advisory program with these NSF International standards. Today, most major plumbing codes require certification to NSF International standards for pipes and plumbing components in commercial and residential buildings.
In an continuing effort to improve drinking water safety and quality, NSF International also has continued to develop additional standards to help filter manufacturers develop systems that reduce containments in drinking water such as specific pesticides, industrial chemical residue, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. Last year a group of NSF International scientists, in conjunction with the EPA and city of Toledo, Ohio, conducted research in to ways to test for and reduce dangerous bacteria such as microsystin in drinking water. Legionella has also been an area of study and research to improve the drinking water in buildings.
The Peter Warshaw Award presented to Dann Holmes is given to an individual who is dedicated to the tenets of the society and who is strongly involved with ASPE membership and educating the industry. Holmes has served on many ASPE committees and has provided presentations to inspectors and engineers on plumbing and mechanical codes, especially regarding changes in codes and standards throughout the industry. Holmes’ most recent article, ‘Building Water Health – Follow These Guidelines to Eliminate the Risk of Legionella in a Commercial Application’, was published in the 2016 NSF International PME supplement.
"The ASPE Board of Directors and ASPE’s Research Foundation selected NSF International and Dann Holmes to receive the Scientific Achievement Award and The Peter E. Warshaw Service Award because of their commitment to the Society, clean drinking water research and standards development and his interaction with our members," said ASPE president Mitch Clemente, CPD, FASPE.
"Both NSF International and Dann Holmes are leaders in the industry, and we would not be where we are today without the passion that Dann brings to the table and NSF International’s commitment to water quality. It was an honor to present these awards to a very deserving organization and to Dann as we appreciate his unwavering commitment to the society."
NSF International water systems vice-president Clif McLellan said:"NSF International is pleased to accept the ASPE award for scientific achievement."
"This ASPE honor exemplifies NSF International’s commitment to improving global drinking water via both our continued research and development of standards. We are equally proud of Dann Holmes for receiving The Peter Warshaw Award due to his commitment to drinking water quality and public health, which he demonstrates every day though his leadership, work ethic and service to the society and the profession."
