As of October 2020, more than 47,000 wildfires have occurred across 36 U.S. states. Drought is a major factor, as a large portion of the West is currently experiencing the most severe level of drought, dubbed “exceptional drought” by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Humans cause the majority of wildfires with negligence such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes or arson, followed by natural causes such as unusually long-lasting hot lightning bolts. (U.S. Drought Monitor, 2012)
November 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day, highlighting the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in children’s education. The manufacturing of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) and constructing pipelines for water and wastewater infrastructure are complex processes that rely heavily on STEM principles. In this #IronStrong Blog, we will explore the intricate connections between these fields and their significance in ensuring safe and efficient water and wastewater management now and in the future.
My local water utility recently contacted our home to inform us they were turning the water off from noon to 6:00 p.m. to repair a newly discovered water leak. This situation made me think about water loss, specifically how long the water line had been leaking, how many gallons of treated water was lost, and how a utility keeps up with water loss. This Iron Strong Blog describes the various components of a Water Loss Control Plan (WLCP) and the importance Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) plays in an overall water management strategy.
Over the last few years, the world has been affected by many things, and the ongoing repercussions are still seen today. These effects also impacted the waterworks industry and the handling of pipe stock and pipe yards. During that time, we witnessed delays in the supply chain and extended lead times. Manufacturers and distributors were keen on getting pipe in their yards and holding more quantities and sizes than ever. Pipe and gaskets then began to sit for longer periods. Due to the durable nature of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), sitting idle did not affect the product, but the lack of use for pipe gaskets was more apparent.
The choice of materials in water infrastructure is crucial in ensuring the system's durability and reliability and influencing operational costs. Water and wastewater treatment plants are typically the largest energy consumers for municipalities, accounting for 30 to 40% of total energy consumption. To protect their systems from overload, energy companies must implement rolling blackouts during extreme weather. This #IronStrong Blog discusses the benefits of using Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) in your utility water system and how its key advantages can save you money compared to other materials.
Shallow aquifers prone to contamination, compliance with federal drinking water standards, and insufficient resources to replace aging infrastructure. These are some of the water issues that launched the creation of the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System and the construction of the Iowa Treated Water Pipeline – Segment 3.
As a manufacturer of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), we often field questions from water professionals regarding DI pipe, its uses, and how to install it properly. We even receive numerous questions about alternate materials, their differences, their uses, and the best choice for the application. And of course, when you ask, we answer…honestly, even when the answer doesn’t include Ductile iron. In this Iron Strong Blog, we’ll cover a few of our frequently asked questions (FAQ) and provide some solutions. We will continue with this FAQ series in the upcoming months.
It’s National Engineers Week (EWeek). Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, (EWeek) is dedicated to promoting careers in engineering and technology to develop a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce. This #IronStrong Blog spotlights the importance of engineers and how they impact the waterworks industry.
In our often-frantic daily routines, we rarely stop to think about something as simple as the water we consume daily. How does water get to our home? How do we know the water is clean and safe? Who’s responsible for providing this critical need? With May 7th through the 13th, 2023, being Drinking Water Week, this #IronStrong Blog highlights the importance of water workers and simply sends a much-deserved thank you!
Although McWane Ductile loves highlighting major waterworks projects, sometimes it is seeing water professionals work together to solve a utility's problem that deserves recognition. Our valued partners at Northwest Arkansas Winwater called us on Monday, April 27, 2020, with a customer in need — Benton Washington Regional Public Water Authority (BWRPWA).
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