The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®), a worldwide organization of dedicated member professionals striving to make our planet a safer and healthier place in which to live, will again sponsor an essay competition awarding scholarships to three young people with an interest in how the plumbing and mechanical industry can create and promote positive change across the globe.

Participants in this year's contest will submit essays expressing their thoughts on "What role can IAPMO play in helping the plumbing industry develop new sources of potable water?" As populations swell worldwide, increasingly exponentially the demand for clean sources of drinking water, organizations such as IAPMO have a significant opportunity to contribute positively to finding solutions. This topic chosen by the IAPMO Board of Directors provides ample room for investigation by competition participants.

"Potable water is essential to life, but it is also finite," said IAPMO President Bruce Pfeiffer. "For 88 years, IAPMO has worked to ensure clean, safe water is readily available through sound plumbing practices and products. This is, perhaps, only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the association can accomplish. I'm anxious to read the ideas our young writers present."

Once again, the Board of Directors has opened the competition to any student enrolled in a high school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or working in an apprentice program.

Submitted essays must be the completely original work of the submitter and must be between 800 and 1,600 words. The essay entry deadline is May 1, 2015, via e-mail, fax or mail to IAPMO World Headquarters. The winning essay will be announced next September at the 2015 IAPMO Education and Business Conference in Las Vegas. The author of the essay awarded first prize will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a one-year paid membership to IAPMO. Second-place winner will receive a $750 scholarship and the third-place winner will receive a $500 scholarship. All winning essays will also be published in Official, IAPMO's membership magazine, and on the IAPMO website.

Individuals who meet the qualifications to submit an essay to the competition should include your name and your school's or education/training organization's name. All essays should be sent to Ms. Gabriella Davis at IAPMO by e-mail at essay@iapmo.org by fax at (909) 472-4241; or by standard mail to her attention at IAPMO, 4755 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91761.