Wisconsin PHC Contractor Fall 2019

Industry
NEWS
BUDGET BILL – VETO PROTECTS
DSPS FUNDS
For many years, funds were “lapsed” from the
budget of the Department of Safety & Professional
Services and transferred to the General Fund to pay
for programs and activities outside of the purview
of the Department. That practice resulted in a
downsizing of not only DSPS, but many other state
agencies that also lapsed funds. The practice ended in
the 2015-2017 state budget.
Lapsing was a late addition by the legislature to the
2019-2021 state budget and PHCC-WI and other groups
asked Gov. Evers to veto the transfer of money out of
the agency. In particular, contracting trades noted the
already low staffing levels that have delayed plan
reviews throughout the building season. Additional
reductions in fees, it was explained, would further
hinder the agency, the construction industry and
the state’s economy. Gov. Evers vetoed the lapsing
provision and funding for DSPS will remain within
the agency to support its regulatory activities.
PFOA/PFOS
Most people had never heard of PFOA or PFOS until a
few months ago. In a short time, these fluorinated organic
chemicals have become the focal point of water-related
research, legislation, and regulation.
In 2016 the United States EPA published an advisory
regarding PFOA and PFOS, noting their health risks. The
chemicals are, for the most part, no longer used in the U.S.,
but for many years they were used in the production of
a wide array of products including non-stick cookware
and fire suppression systems. The groundwater in areas
where these chemicals were used may be contaminated
and the health risks are such that the EPA has created a
health advisory. The advisory notes possible adverse
effects including cancer and damage to the liver, immune
system and thyroid. There are additional effects for
pregnant women and the development of the fetus as well
as newborns and infants that are breastfed.
In Wisconsin, PFOA/PFOS research was approved in
the state budget and additional legislation has also been
introduced on the topic. Additionally, the Speaker’s Clean
Water Task Force has heard testimony of the effects of
these chemicals. While they can be removed using water
treatment, look for these chemicals (and others) as emerging
issues related to water quality in our state.
Plumbing Industry
Smart Water Solutions
EXPLODING TOILETS
Did you know that plumbing can explode in a lightning
storm? A company in Florida found a toilet in pieces when it
responded to a service call. The broken porcelain had even
penetrated the wall of the home’s master bathroom.
The cause of the explosion was lightning striking the
homeowners’ septic tank, which ignited methane gas in the
sewer pipes.
The company reported that no one was hurt, but that
most of the sewer piping and the septic tank will need to be
replaced.
The Proficient H2O line of water treatment products was inspired
by the best brains in the plumbing industry – yours. Produced by
Hellenbrand – a leader in water treatment for over 50 years – the
Proficient H2O line is specially tailored to meet a wide range of
needs for today’s demanding homeowners. From water softener
systems to drinking water systems to water filtration systems,
they’re durable, efficient and effective protection against the many
problems that can affect the water quality in your customer’s homes.
Visit proficientH2O.com, or call us at 608-849-3459.
GOVERNOR ESTABLISHES LEAD
POLLUTION CZAR
Gov. Evers established a lead pollution czar for Wisconsin
within the Department of Health Services to coordinate the
state’s efforts to reduce lead pollution in the drinking water
supply. Wisconsin has more than 176,000 lead service lines,
serving more than 350,000 homes.
During the budget process, the governor had proposed to
spend $40 million to replace some of the lead service lines,
but that proposal did not become part of the budget when it
was adopted earlier this year. A stand-alone bill has been
circulated in Madison to provide a $40 million loan program
to assist property owners with the replacement of lead
service lines.
36 The Wisconsin PHC Contractor FALL 2019