American Society of Plumbing Engineers
The American Society of Plumbing Engineers is a nonprofit association for the advancement and development of plumbing engineering and related professions. The association was founded in Los Angeles in 1964 and is now located at 2980 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL.
The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry.
History
ASPE was founded on September 18, 1964, by Edward Saltzberg and six other engineers. As Saltzberg recounted in ASPE's Plumbing Engineer magazine, “ASPE was started because an air conditioning salesman took on a line of plumbing products, and he tried to find a course or book about the fundamentals of plumbing engineering, and couldn’t find any." After a few engineers explored partnership opportunities with existing construction organizations, the general response was that they did not want to expand. So, the small group of engineers formed ASPE.[1]
Worldwide Membership
ASPE currently has 6,500 members. Internationally, ASPE members are located in the United States, Canada, Asia, Mexico, South and Central America, the South Pacific, Australia, Europe, Africa, Caribbean and the Middle East. They represent engineers, designers, contractors, code officials, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives. In addition, ASPE represents members and promotes the profession among all segments of the construction industry.
Chapters
All members belong to ASPE worldwide and have the opportunity to belong to and participate in one of the 62 state, provincial, or local chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. ASPE chapters provide the major communication links and the first line of services and programs for the individual member. At chapter functions, members can network with others who represent all segments of the plumbing engineering, design, construction, and services industry. Chapters produce newsletters, conduct monthly technical meetings, and provide opportunities for education, professional development, and information sharing to help the membership stay abreast of current trends, code changes, and technologies in the plumbing engineering profession.
Membership Communication
Communications with the membership is enhanced through the Society's bi-weekly e-newsletter, ASPE Pipeline, and monthly magazine, Plumbing Systems and Design, the official magazine of ASPE.