Study Examines Corrosive Soil Conditions Behind Water Main Breaks

A recent academic study on water main failures in the United States and Canada reveals a 27% increase in water main break rates between 2012 and 2018, with corrosive soils identified as a significant contributor. The research was led by Steven Folkman, a professor at Utah State University (USU) in Logan, Utah, USA, who previously authored a similar report in 2012. USU hosts the Buried Structures Laboratory, which has a large-scale testing facility for pipes and underground structures, as well as the Utah Water Research Laboratory—the oldest university-based water research facility in the United States. Survey Respondents The 2018 survey gathered responses from over 300 utilities, representing approximately 200,000 miles (321,869 kilometers) of installed water mains. Respondent input was collected from 48 U.S. states and seven out of 10 Canadian provinces, resulting in a 49% increase in survey responses and a 45% increase in miles of pipe compared to the 2012 study. The survey documented 23,803 pipe failures requiring repairs, providing a substantial sample size for the study. "This is one of the largest surveys conducted on water main breaks, and the results give an accurate representation of water pipe condition and operation in North America," says Folkman, a registered Professional Engineer and member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in Denver, Colorado, USA. "The report can assist in revising pipe service life assumptions used in the past." Key Findings Among respondents who reported failures, the three most commonly cited modes were: Circular cracks at 56% Corrosion at 28% Longitudinal cracks at 8% Water main break rates are critical for assessing pipe performance and durability and are vital metrics used in water infrastructure asset management, as well as in pipe repair and replacement decision-making. According to Folkman, "This report provides greater insight into the drivers of the aging water infrastructure crisis and offers data which utilities can use to benchmark pipe material performance. It will be a valuable asset management planning tool for water utilities." Implications for Water Utilities The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the corrosive soil conditions that contribute significantly to water main breaks. With data from a large and diverse sample, the report offers utilities valuable insights into the factors affecting pipe longevity and performance, aiding in more accurate service life predictions and better resource allocation for repairs and replacements. Survey respondents specified the leading failure modes involved in reported water main breaks, emphasizing the role of corrosion and other structural issues in the degradation of water infrastructure. By leveraging these insights, utilities can improve their maintenance strategies, ultimately enhancing the reliability and safety of water distribution systems across North America.