AC Pipe in North America: Inventory, Breakage, and Working Environments

Abstract

Asbestos cement (AC) pipe constitutes a significant portion of the water distribution pipes still in service in many North American cities. To understand the state of the AC pipe inventory in North America, a survey was conducted of utilities with a large percentage of AC pipes in their water distribution systems. The survey included questions about pipe inventory, breakage, working environments, rehabilitation/replacement practices, and safety- and health-related management practices. This paper summarizes data from the inventory, breakage, and working environment portions of the survey. The survey obtained relatively complete inventory information for pipe length, size, years of service, breakage condition, and water quality. Information about the nature of the soils surrounding AC pipes was limited. The survey indicated that utility managers’ perceptions of water and soil environments were not always consistent with water and soil test results. Survey data analysis identified pipe age, water quality, and pipe size as important factors contributing to the failure of AC pipes in North America.