By Rich Anderson
May 3, 2010

Schenectady (NY) Mayor Brian U. Stratton addressed participants of the 38th Annual Meeting of the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association in Florida on April 20. The event marks the Worlds largest gathering of PVC pipe manufacturers. PVC pipe (poly vinyl chloride) is rapidly becoming the preferred material for municipal water transmission and wastewater collection in public systems across the nation. Stratton, speaking on behalf of the Mayors Water Council of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, talked about the challenges facing Americas principal cities in providing safe, affordable and adequate water and wastewater services and infrastructure for sustainable cities in the 21st Century.

Citing a 2010 report published by the Conference of Mayors, Stratton presented information about the huge looming cost to local government over the 20-year period 2009 to 2028 on public water and wastewater systems. He said that forecasts of spending on operation and maintenance, and capital investment ranged between $3 to $5 trillion. A significant portion of the capital investment, he said, will be devoted to the underground infrastructure (the pipes).

Stratton also presented information gathered by the Conference of Mayors National City Survey conducted in 2007. Pipe corrosion is the major reason for pipe breaks. Based on this information, it has become clear that pipe rehabilitation and replacement may dominate capital investments in public systems for some time into the future. EPA has suggested that almost a quarter of a million pipe breaks in municipal systems occur each year. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that as much as 1.7 billion gallons of water is lost from these pipe breaks each year, at a cost of $2.6 billion. Stratton stated that every city has a vested interest in correcting this situation. He also stated that the costs are daunting, so that anyone who has a cost-efficient solution needs to step-up with the evidence if they are going to be successful in helping cities.

Stratton commented on the importance of the planning process conducted by local government in regard to water infrastructure. He stated that city officials must exercise “due diligence” in choosing how to spend public money (whether tax payer or rate payer money). The traditional habit of using one or two pipe materials exclusively is no longer satisfactory. Local officials need to compare all proven pipe materials on a life cycle basis before choosing the best pipe for the city. “Mayors could be open to public-private partnerships as one way to meet the expected huge cost of replacing underground water and wastewater infrastructure, especially if those partnerships are proven and demonstrated to offer cost-effective solutions,” stated Stratton.

“The biggest challenges facing North American pipe manufacturers are to provide products that are sustainable both environmentally and economically. PVC pipe does both, providing a truly resilient, high quality option,” responded Bruce Hollands, Executive Director of Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, (a Dallas-based nonprofit association). Hollands also stated, “The biggest problem in water infrastructure is the corrosion epidemic. Corrosion-prone piping materials cost U.S. drinking water and sewer systems some $50.7 billion a year.” With municipalities facing serious financial challenges, Strattons call for cost-efficient solutions in water and wastewater infrastructure is key to maintaining our quality of life. “In contrast to old-technology materials, less energy and fewer resources are needed to manufacture PVC pipe, its competitive price and durability are taxpayer friendly, and it doesnt deteriorate due to corrosion, producing significant savings over the life cycle of a pipe network. For sustainability, long-term performance is critical,” added Hollands.

Stratton concluded his remarks with an invitation to the Mayors Water Council Regional Meeting to be held May 12-13 in Schenectady.