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INTRODUCTION

On June 23, 2020, the American Water Works Association 263 Committee reached consensus and approved revisions to ANSI/AWWA C901-17 "Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Tubing, ¾ In. (19 mm) Through 3 In. (76 mm), for Water Service." The updated Standard is expected to be published in 2021. It will require the use of only PE4710 compounds with the highest oxidative resistance performance class, CC3. In addition, all AWWA C901 pipe will be made at SDR 9.

Based on these AWWA C901 requirements, this PPI Technical Note provides a quick and simple guide for the selection of PE water service tubes for use in potable water applications with chlorine and chloramine disinfectant residuals. Users can compare their operating conditions to the Quick Selection Table to determine whether additional analysis is required. Most AWWA C901 users will find their operating environment readily satisfied by specifying SDR 9 tubes using compounds with CC3, and will achieve projections of 100 year+ resistance to the disinfectants.

This Technical Note addresses chlorine and chloramine usage as a secondary disinfectant. Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂) as a secondary disinfectant residual is not covered by this guidance. At this time, PE pipe is not recommended with these ClO₂ applications because further research is needed to determine performance. Refer to the pipe manufacturer for ClO₂ applications.