The water industry’s key specification for fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipeline systems has recently been upgraded by Water UK in conjunction with the British Plastic Federation’s Pipes Group.
These WIS 4-32-08 specifications were last updated in 2002, and have been rewritten to ensure that they are fully aligned with the European Standards used for the manufacturing and purchasing of polyethylene pipes and also remain relevant to the demands of today’s water applications.
The integrity of the joint between pipe lengths and ancillaries is vital to the prevention of leaks in the pipelines and the new specifications provide clear and detailed guidance on the jointing of PE pipes. The BPF Pipes Group is urging the adoption of the new Water Standard as the water industry fervently desires to move towards achieving zero leakage.
The draft WIS 4-32-08 is available for public comment and the BPF Pipes Group has urged water companies to review it and to actively work with partners to ensure that they prepare themselves for improvements they will experience after the best practices outlined in this updated specification have been adopted.
Leaks resulting from both new and replacement parts in pipelines have long been a major issue that has needed to be addressed, and the revision of these standards is a big step towards adopting the best installation standards.
According to Dominic O’Sullivan, Chair of the BPF Pipes Group’s pressure pipes and fittings working group, “It is vital that the entire supply chain works together to adopt best practice in jointing of PE pipe water mains to deliver the improvements needed to achieve zero leakage. This collaboration between the BPF Pipes Group and Water UK to deliver the improvements needed to achieve zero leakage. This collaboration between the BPF Pipes Group and Water UK demonstrates the commitment to ongoing improvements which will ultimately increase confidence in jointing.â€
These types of collaborations to improve standards are vital to ensure that drinking water is not lost to leaks, especially in the light of the recent droughts and projected water shortages; water is a vital and precious commodity that we cannot afford to waste even a drop of unnecessarily.
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