Ductile iron pipes: A life partner for clean, safe drinking water

OPINION:

All too often, Americans of all political stripes are quick to criticize the decisions made by the federal government or to raise concerns over whether Washington, D.C. understands the issues that really matter to them and their daily lives. Less often, we see appreciation for policies and decisions that can truly have a positive impact in the lives of our fellow citizens, not just in the short term, but potentially for generations to come.

So please allow me a brief moment to do just that – namely, to applaud the historic investments the federal government is making in drinking water infrastructure that will help our communities make critically needed improvements so that everyone has access to clean, safe water. Aging water infrastructure has been a well-known problem for years, and we should applaud the recent federal efforts to invest in a solution.

Billions of dollars are being invested in water infrastructure, and these funds must be spent wisely. Prioritizing resilience will help elected officials, utility operators and others responsible for managing these projects ensure that these investments stand the test of time. There are obviously many factors that play a role in ensuring the projects will ultimately be a success. But when it comes to drinking water investment, success can only be ensured when those carrying out the projects are able to select the best pipe material for their communities.

The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA), which I am proud to now serve as the president, has long advocated for listening to and trusting the judgment of the engineers and experts on the ground. In fact, our association is proud to have staff engineers who work with utilities and others to make sure they understand the application and specifications of ductile iron pipes. Our engineers also work with researchers at colleges, universities, and other institutions on initiatives that study environmental effects on buried water and sewer pipes and how they can stand up to the challenges they face over their expected service life of at least a century.

It is important to really trust and understand the materials we are using in infrastructure projects. Recently, questions have been raised about some plastic materials and whether new regulations should be imposed to ensure the public remains safe from any ill effects from their production or use. Plastic pipes have many known risks: they are fragile, with a high risk of failure and a short service life, and they cost more over the life-cycle of a project. There are also many unknown risks and other costs, and research and investigations will continue on these fronts. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undertaking a review of five chemicals used to manufacture various plastics to determine if any of the chemicals should be subject to further regulation under provisions of the federal Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This process is likely to take several years, and if the EPA were to determine that any of these chemicals pose an “unreasonable risk to human health or the environment,” that could trigger additional regulations and limits on the use of these plastics, including in water pipes. In the meantime, however, it is important that water professionals have access to the most up-to-date information available so they can properly assess the risks and future costs associated with plastic pipes.

That is a big reason why DIPRA, and our member-companies, are upfront with our research and technical expertise and want to make sure that both utility companies and the public understand the history and future of our products.

Ductile iron is the modern iron pipe. Iron is a proven material that has been used safely in communities across the country for centuries. In water systems that have installed modern ductile iron mains, water users can turn on their faucets, safe in the knowledge that the drinking water mains are manufactured to rigorous standards for safety and quality. Our pipes are safe, sustainable, and resilient – designed to last for more than 100 years. Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing your grandchildren will be drinking clean, safe water because today’s water professionals and community leaders made the smart investment in ductile iron.

We are now seeing the early stages of historic federal investment in drinking water infrastructure. Thanks to the hard work of federal, state, and local leaders, we are excited to see community water systems make upgrades that will last for generations. Manufactured to the highest standards, ductile iron is a water system’s partner-for-life in ensuring the delivery of clean, safe drinking water.

• David Cole is president of the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association. In that role, he is also the primary representative of DIPRA in coalitions and interest groups advocating for infrastructure resiliency, sustainability, and public health and the environment. Prior to joining DIPRA, David served as senior vice president of Government Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama.