texted my plumbing friend – he thought we should talk to Brian Cox with IDPH (he thought his email was brian.cox@illinois.gov).  He thought that even if the variance does not get approved, that having the university put in such a request might bring it closer to reality in future editions of the Illinois Plumbing Code.

Chapter 13, “Non Potable Water Systems” is in the International Plumbing Code.

CHAPTER 13 NONPOTABLE WATER SYSTEMS, 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) | ICC Digital Codes (iccsafe.org)

I do think if a variance is requested, the variance should make note that ICC does acknowledge these types of systems and provides a framework for life safety, and that on an environmental level, these systems are a method of saving water and reducing total sewage volumes in a climate that is changing rapidly.

I think the question at this point is – who is the correct person to put time into this?  It would benefit the university, however, I don’t think we could ask for a ‘blanket university variance’, it would have to be a project specific variance.  With this in mind, it is a specific group that is wanting it for their building – so does this group apply?  Or, would direction be given to F&S to apply?  This is a strange one as we are code enforcement, but also representing the owner.

KATIE sPERL

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Katie & Lisa,

Is it possible to discuss this with Brian Cox at 217-524-0791?  It may be beneficial to seek a blanket variance, but only under certain circumstances.   I’ve also cc’d Colleen, Frank, and Jeremy in the case they had a say on your question of who would apply for a variance to IDPH.

Thanks,

Kelly Jo

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FYI, Attached is the submittal package that Cannon sent to Brian Cox at IDPH in May 2021.

Lisa

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Please see the attached and provide me with your initial thoughts.  If everyone thinks this might be a good idea, I will ask Jim Sims if he would be okay letting us send to IDPH under the University of Illinois letterhead.  I feel like if we took this letter, all put our names to it – and then sent to other organizations such as AIA, they might all send a similar letter.

I was at a plumbing lunch-and-learn today, and I just feel this is something that should be considered.  If toilets went from being 5 gallons a flush to 1.25 gallons – we could potentially get this down to zero in some situations…isn’t that a win?    

KATIE sPERL

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All,

Do other State Plumbing codes allow use of Grey Water Recycling? If yes, can we reference those states and language used in those State Plumbing codes?

Thanks,

Jim

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Most states don’t have a state plumbing code – I believe that only California, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Oregon do.  Most states use International Plumbing Code or Uniform Plumbing Code.  IPC allows rainwater/graywater harvesting.  I’m not sure about UPC but I can look into it.

Lisa

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UPC also allows rainwater/graywater harvesting.

Lisa

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Thanks Lisa.

Seems like we would want to include alignment with International Plumbing Code and UPC in a letter that we send regarding Illinois Plumbing code?

Thanks,

Jim

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All,

As I thought about this more, I was thinking that UIC might have submitted and received approval to IDPH for a grey water system on one of their recent projects (a couple years ago now). It might be worthwhile checking in with UIC to see if this was the case and learn from their experience, including the process and justification they utilized to gain approval for a project.

Thanks,

Jim

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UIUC submitted one on Illini Hall via Cannon Design (attached) and have not received approval.  I can email up to UIC to see if they have had any luck.

KATIE sPERL