October 24, 2012

Featuring AWWA Journal Article on Water Main Failures Study

This month we feature an article in October’s AWWA Journal entitled, “Survey of Water Main Failures in the United States and Canada,” by Dr. Steven Folkman, who is a registered professional engineer with oversight of the prestigious Utah State University Buried Structures Laboratory.  According to the survey, PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate when compared to cast iron, ductile iron, concrete, steel and asbestos cement pipes.  Utility engineers will also be interested in two articles that appeared in Water Utility Infrastructure Management (UIM) Magazine, one on the importance of pipe material selection in combating corrosion and the other on the need for localities to pursue alternative funding sources and to update their procurement policies for underground infrastructure


Study: PVC Pipe Has Lowest Failure Rate, Corrosion a Problem for 75% of U.S. Water Utilities

According to an article in the AWWA Journal, PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate when compared to cast iron, ductile iron, concrete, steel and asbestos cement pipes.  Another major finding includes corrosion as a major cause of water main breaks: 75% of all utilities have corrosive soils and combined with a high portion of cast iron and ductile iron pipes, corrosion is ranked the second highest reason for water main pipe failure in the U.S. This will provide water utility professionals and local lawmakers with invaluable information relating to the repair and replacement of underground pipes. Click here to read.

The data for the comprehensive study was collected from 188 utilities, representing approximately 10% of the nation’s installed water main pipe network.  Water main breaks are calculated for all pipe materials used in the transport of water to create a measurement to judge pipe performance and durability. Significantly, the study showed that when comparing between older cast iron and newer ductile iron, thinner-walled ductile iron is experiencing failures more rapidly.   Click here for complete report.


Pipe Selection Key to Combating Corrosion and Reducing Water Utility Rates

In the article, “Got Corrosion? What You Need to Know About Making Good Pipe Material Decisions,” published in the October issue of UIM Magazine, municipal utility finance expert Greg Baird cites open procurement practices and the use of corrosion-proof piping materials as critical to reducing escalating water and sewer rates across the United States. “Doing things the same old way and expecting different results does not meet the standards of an effectively managed utility in the 21^st century,” says Baird. Click here to read article.


Open Procurement Policies and Asset Management Practices Save Dollars

Alternative funding sources are becoming more important for local governments as the deleterious effects of a slow recovery continue to take hold across America.  In “Alternative Funding Sources: Realizing Solutions Starts at the Local Level,” municipal finance and utility management expert Greg Baird outlines federal, state and other funding options available to municipal decision-makers. He also discusses the growing trend among lawmakers and policy-makers regarding the need for more competitive and transparent bidding for piping in municipal water and wastewater projects. As well, he argues that open competition “helps to drive value, reduce costs and create greater choices as increased participation often requires delivery of innovative solutions and improved performance…cities sticking to outdated procurement procedures are narrowing their options in addressing their water infrastructure challenges.”  Click here to read article.

Regards,

Bruce Hollands
Executive Director | Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association
2711 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1000 | Dallas, TX 75234
T. 972.243.3902 ext. 1019 | C. 214.244.9202 | F. 972.243.3907
www.uni-bell.org