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The Iowa Treated Water Pipeline Project: Providing Growth with Safe, Clean Water
11/09/2021 In Installation ServicesShallow aquifers prone to contamination, compliance with federal drinking water standards, and insufficient resources to replace aging infrastructure. These are some of the water issues that launched the creation of the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System and the construction of the Iowa Treated Water Pipeline – Segment 3.
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How is Ductile Iron Pipe a Highly Adaptable Option for Waterworks Infrastructure?
08/15/2024As a Sales Operations Manager in the waterworks industry, I recently attended the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE24) in Anaheim, California. This annual conference focuses on product innovations and the latest technological advancements in water infrastructure.
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Why Are the AWWA Standards Important to Ductile Iron Pipe?
10/14/2022 In Products TechnicalHave you ever wondered what’s behind the AWWA standards? What do they mean? And why do we need them? They’re listed all the time in specifications, mysterious numbers on plans. Have you ever reviewed them to know why they are important for working with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe)? In this Iron Strong Blog, we will briefly cover some of the applicable standards for DI pipe and how they help you complete your job safely, successfully, and on time.
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Customer Spotlight- City of Waukesha Water Supply Line - A Partnership in Planning
01/05/2024 In Our Company ProductsWith the turn of the calendar into a new year, many people have already started planning for the coming months. Whether planning that warm weather vacation to take a mental break from the snow and ice many of us are experiencing or planning our grocery list for the week ahead, good planning leads to successful outcomes. This preparation is also the case with water utility projects.
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How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Increase Energy Savings for a Water Utility?
11/03/2022 In Products TechnicalApproximately 85% of a utility’s capital investment is underground. Since water and sewer infrastructure plays such a significant role in the total energy consumption of municipalities, more emphasis must be placed on energy savings when selecting pipe materials. This Iron Strong Blog will describe factors that affect energy cost at water utilities and how to save money.
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What Are Some Common Misconceptions Associated with Ductile Iron Pipe?
12/04/2020 In Products TechnicalIn 1492, Christopher Columbus was shocked when his ship made landfall in a land Europeans had never explored. Along the way, he proved that Earth isn’t flat after all. Right?
Wrong: Despite a persistent legend, neither Columbus nor his Spanish patrons thought Earth was a finite plane instead of a round planet. That was thanks to scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians who, as early as around 600 B.C., made observations that Earth was round. Using calculations based on the sun's rise and fall, shadows, and other physical properties of the planet, Greek scholars like Pythagoras and Aristotle determined that the planet is actually a sphere.1
So, what’s the point of today’s history lesson? It often reminds me that there are numerous myths associated with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), and in this Iron Strong Blog, we’ll list some of those ideas, provide factual data, and discuss why they are simply misconceptions.
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What is the Maximum Direct Tap Size for Ductile Iron Pipe?
09/10/2020 In Installation TechnicalWith Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), typical service taps can be installed directly into the wall of the pipe, which is called “direct tapping.” The ability to use direct tapping eliminates the need for tapping saddles. And the ease at which DI pipe can be "hot tapped" helps avoid the issue of unhappy consumers because their service and pressure are not impacted by the addition of a new tap. The waterworks community frequently asks us, “How big of a tap will DI pipe allow?” The simple, most conservative response, not having interrogated the user as to their DI pipeline particulars, would be as follows:
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Why PVC is Inadequate for Fire Protection in Distribution Systems
10/31/2020 In Environmental & Safety product TechnicalToday, most water systems serve the public in two ways: by providing potable drinking water and enabling fire protection for the community. Fire protection provides more than just the obvious public safety benefits. It also enhances community property values and provides residents with lower home and property insurance rates.
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How Does STEM Apply to Manufacturing Ductile Iron Pipe and Building Water Infrastructure?
11/08/2023 In Our Company Products TechnicalNovember 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day, highlighting the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in children’s education. The manufacturing of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) and constructing pipelines for water and wastewater infrastructure are complex processes that rely heavily on STEM principles. In this #IronStrong Blog, we will explore the intricate connections between these fields and their significance in ensuring safe and efficient water and wastewater management now and in the future.
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What is a Water Loss Control Plan & What Importance Does Ductile Iron Pipe Play?
06/30/2023 In Products TechnicalMy local water utility recently contacted our home to inform us they were turning the water off from noon to 6:00 p.m. to repair a newly discovered water leak. This situation made me think about water loss, specifically how long the water line had been leaking, how many gallons of treated water was lost, and how a utility keeps up with water loss. This Iron Strong Blog describes the various components of a Water Loss Control Plan (WLCP) and the importance Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) plays in an overall water management strategy.
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