ASTM International intends to develop new standards to support sustainability and the sustainable development of water-related products and processes.

The organisation has already formed a new international subcommittee (E60.07 on Water Use and Conservation) to work on these standards, which are expected to benefit regulators, designers, environmentalists and others seeking to address water use and conservation issues, says an official.

According to Michael Schmeida, chair of ASTM Committee E60 on Sustainability, the new subcommittee will address a wide range of issues related to the environmental, social, economic and other attributes of water. It will acquire, promote and disseminate high-quality technical knowledge to stimulate research in and the development of specifications associated with water use.

 “Water sustainability is a major concern for all aspects of society: business, public health, food and more,” says Schmeida.

The subcommittee could pursue standards development in areas ranging from fixture efficiency in homes to “net-zero” water use, to hydraulic fracturing, and more.

Rick Layton, an active member of ASTM,  has been appointed chair of E60.07. Layton is affiliated with many organisations dedicated to water standards and code development. He has overseen the creation of major water-related standards.

ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is a globally recognised leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.