Minnesota Adopts Uniform Plumbing Code

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Protection of potable water in the Land of 10,000 Lakes will henceforth be enhanced by IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code.

The state of Minnesota, named for the Dakota Indian word for “sky-tinted water,” has formally adopted the 2012 edition of IAPMO’s flagship document and American National Standard designated plumbing code with state-specific amendments. The adoption became effective Jan. 23.
The UPC replaces Minnesota’s previously state-authored plumbing code. The Minnesota Plumbing Board voted in favor of the adopting the UPC and subsequently followed the state’s rulemaking process culminating in this adoption.

The provisions of the 2012 UPC will govern the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems throughout the North Star State and protect the health and safety of the nearly 5.5 million Minnesotans who utilize them.

“Moving from our 82-year history of a homegrown plumbing code to a national code developed through the ANSI process has not been completely free from controversy, but the implementation continues to be surprisingly smooth,” said John A. Parizek, chairman of the Minnesota Plumbing Board. “The professionalism and assistance provided by IAPMO during the development of our new code was the key to opening this new chapter in Minnesota and we believe the quality plumbing systems installed by licensed professionals that Minnesotans have come to expect will continue on for future generations.”