For buried pipelines, several soil conditions can adversely affect water quality through permeation. As a waterworks professional, you most likely will ask, “Where and when might these harmful conditions be present, or even potentially develop, and what solution is available to best protect my water system from this issue? We will examine several common risks in this #IronStrong Blog and discuss protective measures that can be employed. These risks can include contaminated soils from areas in or near older landfills, industrial sites, and abandoned or leaking fuel tanks, among others.
As of October 2020, more than 47,000 wildfires have occurred across 36 U.S. states. Drought is a major factor, as a large portion of the West is currently experiencing the most severe level of drought, dubbed “exceptional drought” by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Humans cause the majority of wildfires with negligence such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes or arson, followed by natural causes such as unusually long-lasting hot lightning bolts. (U.S. Drought Monitor, 2012)
Every day, millions of Americans turn on their faucets and receive safe, reliable drinking water. However, only a few realize just how much goes into the safe drinking water they are accustomed to. According to the 2023 U.N. World Water Development Report, around two billion people, or one in every four people on earth, do not have access to safe drinking water. Additionally, due to increased flooding and other natural disasters, around 3.5 billion people also live under water stress, where the demand for clean drinking water exceeds the available amount. In the United States, we celebrate National Water Quality Month each August. This year is also a special year for water quality as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act being signed into law. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will discuss the history of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) has played an integral part in improving drinking water quality in the United States.
Why is your bottom-line important to us? For more than three decades, I had the privilege to serve within the nation's largest investor-owned water utility. During that time, I clearly saw the advantage of a financially sound utility. Whether it be having the resources to invest in needed facilities, provide a work environment that would attract well-qualified people, or purchase needed supplies and equipment to operate the business effectively. These are just a few advantages of maintaining a strong bottom-line.
McWane Ductile is committed to offering educational resources based upon sound engineering data to our clients and potential clients. One of these resources includes banners that display certain information about our product.
While attending a recent conference, we were challenged on the information these banners contained. In fact, one unknown individual walked by the booth and shouted, “Lies... that information is lies!” without the courtesy of stopping to discuss why he felt that way or what exactly was his objection.
Question – What is the difference between Ductile Iron and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)? Answer – Many things, but some groups may attempt to “muddy the waters” with inaccurate information regarding the two materials.
With the information that follows, we will take a closer look at what really separates Ductile Iron from PVC and why it matters.
In this third installment about Sustainability and Resiliency for our Iron Strong Blog, we are focusing on the resiliency of pipe and pipelines as a result of natural disasters such as storms, floods, and wildfires. While earthquakes and seismic events also need to be considered, much has been written on those aspects and we will discuss them in our next installment. Resiliency means many different things to many different people, and its definition is often a matter of perspective and need. Put simply, resiliency is the ability to survive, resist, or recover from damage due to some external hazard.
Providing safe, clean water to customers of a water utility is unquestionably JOB ONE. Meeting this goal has always been a formidable challenge in many ways. Source water quality can change dramatically due to weather factors and other phenomena. Additionally, increasing drinking water standards throughout the years evidencing higher detection technology and more sophisticated medical research regarding the health effects of contaminants has required water systems in some cases to change treatment methodologies dramatically.
Should the pipeline material placed in a drinking water system in any way limit decisions of today or in the future regarding the water treatment methodology chosen to best provide safe, clean water to customers? I THINK NOT!
Calcium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound added in granular or tablet form added to water to kill germs that can make people sick. When used correctly, this compound destroys germs that can cause numerous health problems. ANSI/AWWA standard C651-14 incorporates essential procedures and requirements for the disinfection of new potable water mains. In this blog, we’ll cover why, when, and how it’s used in the waterworks industry.
We in the United States are most fortunate, for the most part, to have access to safe, clean drinking water. Even when traveling, we are not hesitant to draw water from a hotel faucet to brush our teeth or even fill a glass to drink. This privilege is no accident.
In a continuous effort to make your job easier, we have developed an online submittal builder to quickly and neatly package your personalized presentation.
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