Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association Responds to ASCE Infrastructure Report Card

GOLDEN, Colo., March 15, 2017 -- The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) released the following statement from President Patrick Hogan regarding the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2017 Infrastructure Report Card that gave D and D+ grades to, respectfully, water and wastewater infrastructure in the country.

"That our nation's water infrastructure is in need of repairs after non-stop service for generations is expected. With more than one million miles of water pipelines running underneath our communities, repairing and replacing them must be a priority. The country's focus on improving our infrastructure is a great step toward creating the pipeline systems that we deserve, but to do so, we also need to make the investment into the right kinds of pipes that are durable and resilient. This is necessary so that our communities select pipeline materials that deliver financial value not only now, but for generations to come. In short, we need pipelines that are going to withstand the ravages of time and the various soils and weather conditions around the country, and not crack under stress.

"To raise the grade with ASCE and maintain the confidence of citizens, our state and local decision-makers must choose well. They do so with the aid of technical and professional evaluations that narrow the field of all possible pipeline materials to those that truly perform well, and will last for lifetimes to come."

About DIPRA: Founded in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has served as a resource and technical advisor to the water industry. DIPRA also provides representation on standards-making committees as well as technical research on a variety of applications-based topics. While DIPRA member companies have different names and locations, they share a common commitment to produce and deliver the finest quality water and wastewater pipe material in the world, Ductile Iron Pipe, and at the greatest possible value to its purchasers.