Adoption of PVC
In 2023, PVC Pipe length increased by 7% across the U.S. and Canada. Its inherent corrosion resistance, job site durability, and low maintenance costs make it a great choice for water main projects. See the difference PVC has made for communities across North America.
Data for Almost 400,000 Miles of Pipe
- Utilities providing break data serve 30.1% of the total population of the US and Canada.
- This 2023 report builds and expands on information from the 2012 and 2018 Water Main Break studies also conducted by Utah State.
$2.6 Billion in Annual Repairs
- The US and Canada experience about 260,000 water main breaks annually, which represent approximately $2.6 billion per year in maintenance and repair costs.
- The average age of failing water mains is 53 years.
- In the 2023 study, on average, 19.4% of water mains are beyond their useful lives, representing approximately 452,000 miles of pipe. In 2012 and 2018, the percentages were 8% and 16%, respectively.
PVC Has the Lowest Break Rate of the Surveyed Materials
- The 2023 study shows PVC has the lowest break rate of the materials in the study, while Cast Iron (CI) has the highest.
- In both 2012 and 2018 surveys, PVC also had the lowest break rate.
Read the Comprehensive Study
Utility data clearly indicate that the integrity of water pipelines in the US and Canada continues to deteriorate as the infrastructure ages. Among the many indicators of aging pipes, break rates are the most significant.
Read the full, comprehensive study to learn more.
Reliable PVC Products for Safe, Sustainable Infrastructure
Westlake Pipe & Fittings manufactures reliable, non-toxic and corrosion-resistant PVC pipe and fittings products that protect drinking water for communities across North America.
Explore our municipal PVC products, subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest municipal news, events, and innovations, or contact us to learn more.
