H.R. 6064 – NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2020

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Updated April 14, 2026 at 11:08 AM UTC

The NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2020 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to set up a laboratory focused on research into premise plumbing—the water distribution system inside private properties. Within a year, NIST must create or designate the lab, review all federal plumbing‑related research, and assign staff to coordinate with non‑federal researchers. The agency must then report to Congress on the lab’s status and related projects at least every four years, and it is authorized to receive the funding needed to carry out these tasks.

Key Provisions

Defines “premise plumbing” as the water system within a property, including pipes, fixtures, heaters, and related equipment.
Requires NIST, within one year of enactment, to establish or designate a laboratory for research on water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of premise plumbing.
Mandates an organizational review of all federal premise‑plumbing research and the appointment of NIST staff to liaise with private‑sector researchers.
Obligates NIST to submit a report to Congress no later than four years after enactment and at least every four years thereafter, covering the lab’s status, ongoing and planned projects, updated plumbing data, and progress by private groups on plumbing standards.
Authorizes the appropriation of any necessary funds to NIST to implement the Act.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

March 3, 2020

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

March 3, 2020

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

March 3, 2020

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about H.R. 6064 on the floor

1 Democrat

Rep. Thomas R. SuozziD-NY-3 · Jan 4, 2019

Madam Speaker, today is former Congressman Lester Wolff's 100th birthday, the oldest living former member of Congress. Lester was born in New York City in 1919. He served his country during World War…

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued March 3, 2020

I

116th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 6064

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 3, 2020

Mr. Cartwright (for himself, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Cárdenas, Ms. McCollum, and Mr. Morelle) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

A BILL

To require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a premise plumbing research laboratory, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2020.

2.

Premise plumbing research

(a)

Premise plumbing defined

In this Act, the term premise plumbing means the water distribution system located within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. Such term includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.

(b)

Research

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall—

(1)

establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience;

(2)

conduct an organizational review of all research and other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by Federal entities; and

(3)

appoint one or more officers or employees of the Institute to liaise with non-Federal entities conducting research or other activities related to premise plumbing.

(c)

Quadrennial reports

Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every 4 years thereafter, the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the progress made by the Institute regarding—

(1)

the status of the laboratory described in subsection (b)(1), including any staff designated to work in such laboratory;

(2)

all projects of the Institute related to premise plumbing, including completed projects, projects in progress, and projects planned for the future;

(3)

updates to data relevant to premise plumbing system structure, design, and construction; and

(4)

any progress of private organizations in updating premise plumbing standards.

(d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.