Utah State University has released its third study on water pipe materials titled “Water Main Break Rates in the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study,” focusing on the durability and longevity of water pipe materials.
Led by Professor Steven L. Barfuss, P.E., the research highlights water main break rates as crucial indicators of pipeline failure. The study points out that soil corrosivity continues to affect pipe performance, and there is a notable shift in the materials used for pipes, moving away from asbestos cement and cast-iron due to their aging and deterioration.
The research surveyed over 800 utilities and analyzed data from nearly 400,000 miles
