AWWA JAW54574

This article describes a 1997 study funded by the AWWA Research Foundation in which a team of international investigators began testing and evaluating techniques for rehabilitating or replacing small-diameter (less than 1 in. [25 mm]) lead piping in distribution systems. The approach included a literature review and survey of utilities, case studies, and field trials with manufacturers at participating utilities in North America and Europe. The project found that numerous lead pipe rehabilitation and replacement techniques are both currently available and being developed, and include: open-trench replacement; replacement on new routes; replacement using existing routes; slip lining; and, pipe coating. Factors affecting the use and performance of these technologies can be classified as controllable and noncontrollable. On the basis of the project's findings, a systematic procedure was developed that utilities can use as a guide for planning lead pipe rehabilitation and replacement programs, evaluating and selecting technologies, and estimating the costs for site-specific applications. Includes 9 references, tables, figures.