Our Watermains
While the quality of our water is exceptional, the system that delivers it has become old and fragile, and is breaking down. 60% of our watermains are at or beyond their life expectancy; this puts the ongoing reliability of our entire water system at risk.
Our Pipes
Windsor's water distribution system is made up of approximately 1000 km of pipe, of which 67% is iron. Iron distribution pipes are the most susceptible to corrosion and breakage. Since 1980 WUC has only allowed the installation of plastic and concrete pressure pipe. Windsor has more breaks per 100 kms of pipe at (22) than the rest of Ontario (9).
What Causes Old Pipes to Corrode?
- Metal Pipe Material
- Dissimilar Soils
- Soil Contamination
- Unequal Moisture Conditions Around Pipes
- pH Conditions
- Bacterial Action
- Dissimilar Metals
- New Pipe Additions In Existing Systems
- Surface Scratches
- Stress Corrosion
- Stray Currents
The Vinyl Pipe Solution
Because metallic water main materials are prone to rust and scale build-up, environmental and civil engineers working for municipal water utilities, sewer utilities, and design engineering consulting firms have made vinyl the most often used pipe material today.
Benefits of Vinyl Pipe
- Flexible
- Breakage rates decline as the pipes age
- Resistant to biofilm formation
- Will not serve as a nutrient to bacterial growth
- Smooth surface of vinyl pipe allows water to flow easier - saving customers money due to reduced pumping costs
