RSPH Recommends: World Plumbing Conference 2026

RSPH is proud to support the first ever World Plumbing Conference to be hosted in the UK.

Safe, clean and drinkable water is a cornerstone of public health. RSPH has its roots in John Snow's pioneering work on water sanitation. That's why we are supporting this year's World Plumbing Conference, the theme of which is Worldwide Problems, Global Solutions.

Making clean water readily available is one of the most direct and effective ways to improve global health, and this year's event will showcase new ideas and critical interventions to continue the work of global water sanitation.

During the event, RSPH will also be hosting an online-only webinar, Back to Basics: Waterborne Pathogens in Healthcare, which will cover key strategies on how to tackle the persistent and opportunitstic bacteria that cause infections in healthcare settings.

About the World Plumbing Conference

The 14th World Plumbing Conference (WPC26) will be jointly hosted by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the World Plumbing Council at InstallerSHOW at the NEC, Birmingham, from 23–25 June 2026.

For the first time ever, this globally recognised conference will be hosted in the UK, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, educators and professionals from across the plumbing and water sector under the theme “Worldwide problems – Global solutions".

Across three thought-provoking, industry-shaping days, WPC26 will tackle the most critical challenges facing the sector and explore the solutions needed to create safe, sustainable and inclusive water and plumbing systems worldwide.

Three themed days – attend one day or all three:

Day One – Governance, Trust & Workforce Development

Focused on leadership, regulation and people, Day One explores how strong governance, public trust and workforce development are essential to the future of plumbing. Sessions will examine skills, standards, professional recognition and how to build confidence in water and plumbing systems.

Day Two – Technology & System Performance

Day Two focuses on the technologies, practices and frameworks that underpin safe, efficient and future-ready water and plumbing systems. Delegates will hear about innovation, system design, digital solutions and the tools needed to improve performance and resilience.

Day Three – Inclusion & Access

Day Three explores how water and sanitation systems can be designed to serve everyone, addressing equity, accessibility and global challenges around safe water and sanitation. This day highlights the social impact of plumbing and the role the profession plays in protecting communities and public health.

Delegates can choose how they attend:

• Individual day rates
• Full three-day conference pass – including the conference social programme, gala dinner and afternoon tea

This flexible approach allows attendees to tailor their experience to their interests, availability and budget.

Why attend WPC26?

• Hear from global experts and industry leaders
• Gain insight into international best practice
• Explore new technologies and ideas
• Network with professionals from across the world
• Be part of shaping the future of plumbing

Co-located with InstallerSHOW, WPC26 offers a unique opportunity to combine world-class conference content with access to the UK’s leading trade exhibition.

Join CIPHE and the World Plumbing Council at the NEC Birmingham for this landmark international event.

Register now