HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-19 Agenda Packet - Board (12) Public Utility District
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Ed Taylor, Water Superintendent
Date: 04/14/00
Water System Pipeline Material Standard
The District has experienced premature pipeline failure in the Tahoe Donner Subdivision. I have
been reviewing all of our leak repairs of water lines in Tahoe Donner. In almost all cases, the
failure was caused by non-standard and unauthorized installation techniques. Al pipeline
materials would have failed if installed as the pipelines were in Tahoe Donner.
Each pipe material has advantages and disadvantages for consideration of where to install
or utilize. For example: ductile iron is stronger and more ridged, while plastic is more flexible,
resistant to corrosion and has better flow characteristics.
The District has chosen to utilize ductile iron pipe for all pipeline replacements in the District. Staff
has reviewed pipeline materials and believes that plastic pipe would be an appropriate pipeline
material for certain applications.
Staff request that the Board review and consider the use of plastic pipe for water mains in
off-road or aggressive soils areas and as a test in the Truckee Sierra Resort & Spa
development.
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