Note From The Editor
Greetings Discerning Readers,

When speaking with water managers, a common question posed about high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is – how is it repaired?  This concern stems from the mindset dealing with the great daily burden of chasing and fixing leaks.  The beauty of an HDPE piping system is that this trouble is greatly diminished, and the simple answer to how it is repaired is–‘similar to every other piping material, but not as often.’

In general, third party damage will be the reason for 99% of any repairs on HDPE. The damage can be as small as a deep scratch from a backhoe or as large as a damaged section of large diameter pipe. The methods of repair vary with the size of the damage.

If the damage is small, one of the following methods to repair can be used:

• Cut the pipe at the point of the damage and install a mechanical coupling that is designed for HDPE between the pipe ends. It may be necessary to restrain this coupling.
• Saddle fuse a tapping tee, service saddle, or branch saddle depending on the size with the outlet capped off, or install an Electrofusion patch over the damaged area.

If the damage is large, there are three methods of repair. In all methods, the damaged section of pipe should first be cut out. Measure the distance between the existing pipe ends after removing the damaged section and use one of the following repair methods:

• Install a section of pipe with the same OD and DR but slightly shorter than the measured distance and connect with two mechanical couplings designed for HDPE. It may be necessary to restrain this connection.
• Install a back-up ring and HDPE flange adapter to both ends of the damaged pipe. Measure the distance between the two flange adapters and make up a spool piece with pipe and (2) HDPE flange adapters and back-up rings that can be dropped in place and bolted to complete the connection..
• Install a section of pipe with the same OD and DR but slightly shorter than the measured distance. Scrape both ends of the existing pipe and both ends of the repair pipe to accept an Electrofusion coupling. Drop the assembly in place and slide the Electrofusion couplings between the new pipe and the existing pipe and make a permanent heat fusion repair.

or a more detailed description of the repair method, go online to www.plasticpipe.org and download TN35-2006 General Guidelines Repairing Buried HDPE Potable Water Pressure Pipes.

Last week, when explaining why Ann Arbor residents are facing water rates rising at more than twice the rate of inflation, Public Services Area Administrator Sue McCormick described some of the city's efforts to repair its aging pipes as "Band-Aids on Band-Aids.''  After what city officials call decades of neglect, residents are having to make up for the lack of improvements through higher and higher rate payments.  Click here for more

The drought of 2005–06 is on record as being one of the worst in North Texas' recorded history. Community leaders throughout the affected area labored with decisions of how to allocate an ever-shrinking supply of water.  Because of its immediate availability and low total cost of installation, smooth wall high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe was chosen for an emergency pipeline. 
Click here for more

Drought triggers U.S. water wars, pits Montana against Wyoming
LOVELL, Wyoming -- Sandy gullies and endless sagebrush offer little hint of the watersports mecca once envisioned for this small town near the Montana line.
Click here to read the entire story!

Idaho governor wants to keep more water from Snake River
BOISE, Idaho -- Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has proposed building more dams and expanding existing ones to keep more water from the Snake River in Idaho and...
Click here to read the entire story!

Calif. Governor backs canal to pipe water around fragile delta
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger waded into politically risky waters recently when he said he supported building a canal to pipe water around...
Click here to read the entire story!

Colo. governor appoints task force to study water issues
DENVER -- Gov. Bill Ritter on has appointed a South Platte River Basin Task Force to examine water issues and recommend possible solutions for water users in the...
Click here to read the entire story!

Idaho poised to shut down hundreds of groundwater users
BOISE, Idaho -- The state's top water official has given hundreds of farmers, dairymen and other groundwater users in southern Idaho until July 6 to quit...
Click here to read the entire story!

The McElroy Image Library has recently been expanded to include a large collection of photographs including McElroy fusion equipment in action and general construction photos of polyethylene construction sites from around the country.  If you are in need of photo art for your website or printed materials, be sure to browse these photographs. Click here!

Now, when you register McElroy equipment, on behalf of your customers, you are giving them a gift of up to $600.

To help introduce the new 2007 curriculum of McElroy University Classes and Certification Options, McElroy is offering free or half-price classes (a discount of $600 or $300) for your customers that purchase a McElroy Fusion Machine.

Your customers that purchase a hydraulic machine from a 28 series or larger, will receive a class of their choosing for free (i.e. a $600 discount). Your customers that purchase a manual machine size No.14 and below will receive 50% off a class of their choosing (i.e. a discount of $300).

Please note: the discount only applies to class tuition. Those opting for any certification will still be responsible for the $150 testing fee.

Eligibility
To receive the discount:

1. The machine must be purchased after 1/1/2007
2. The distributor must register the machine with McElroy via the product registration section on the McElroy Distributor Website
3. Upon proper registration, a letter will be sent to the contact person listed on the registration with a discount code specific to each machine registered (codes can only be used for one time)
4. During registration, your customer will need to enter the discount code, model number, and serial number of the machine for verification
5. Customers will initially be charged for the full price of the class but upon verfication, their account will be credited with the appropriate discount
6. All other rules and guidelines for McElroy University (such as cancellation policy) will still apply
7. This promotion is offered on a limited time basis and can be cancelled at any time