"THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM

MEMORANDUM

TO: " F.E. Peters, P. Eng., February 10, 1984
, City Engineer

FROM: T.M. Chong, P. Eng.,
Assistant City Engineer

SUBJECT: Acceptance of P.V.C. AWWA C-900 Water Pipe

BACKGROUND:

Several recent requests from developers have been
recelved regarding the acceptance of P.V.C. AWWA C=-900 pipe for
use In the City's water distribution system. The major
proponent for the acceptance of this pipe Is Genstfar
Development Ltd. although smaller developers such as Appel
Estates Ltd., Stadia Development Corp. Ltd., Eureka and
Jenlte=Lee Development Ltd., and S & E Holdings Ltd. have aiso
enquired as to whether or not the City would permit the use of
this pipe as a substitute for the ductile iron pipes which are
currently. specified for waterworks. In view of the expected
growing number of requests to use P.V.C. water pipe, a decision
to elther-accept or reject the use of this pipe In this City is
needed in the very near future. ,

OISCUSS ION:

One of the main reasons why P.V.C. AWWA C~900 pipe has

not been accepted in the City to date Is that it is a
relatively new product in the Canadian waterworks industry.

its period of history is probably not longer than ten years
although other types of P.V.C. or P.E. (Polyethylene)
waterpipes have been In use for Irrigation and other relatively
low pressure applications for a considerably longer period of
+imee Those who are staunch defenders of ductile [tron pipe
have continued to express doubts on the long term performance
of the P.V.C. AWWA C=900 pipe by basing their arguments on the
bad tleld experiences which they have had with asbestos cement
pipe. The similarity between asbestos cement pipe and P.¥.C.
water pipe is of course not retated to the physical
characteristics but rather the manner In which these pipes have
been promoted by the suppliers when they first appeared on the
market; that is - lower material costs and non-susceptibdility
+o corrosione Although there exists a large amount of
impressive laboratory test data on the performance of P.V.C.
AWWA C-900 pipe under various accelerated age conditions, no
one can be absolutely sure that latent problems wil! not be

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