By james art 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., November 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) welcomes City of Virginia Beach, Virginiato its Century Club, which celebrates the strength and sustainability of cast iron piping in drinking water systems.
In 1963 Virginia Beach and Princess Anne County merged to form the present day City of Virginia Beach. Through the merger, the city inherited a potable water system reinforced with cast-iron water mains that have stood the test of time. Approximately 16 miles of cast iron water main running from Norfolk City line to the site of the former water pumping station on 17th Street, generally following Virginia Beach Boulevard, was installed in 1924 and remains safely in service today—a testament to the confidence water professionals can have in cast iron pipe to deliver safe and healthy drinking water.
“Professional engineers know how important it is to make the right choice when selecting pipes for potable water systems,” said the DIPRA President David Cole. “The City of Virginia Beach legacy drinking water pipes that were the gold standard for strength, durability and longevity for developing municipalities. Today, that mantle has been passed on to cast iron’s modern descendant, ductile iron. We are proud to welcome City of Virginia Beach of the Century Club, recognizing the durability of iron pipes that remain viable and strong 100 years later.”
Before the existence of treatment plants, the development of chemicals and processes to remove pollutants from water, and before an industry dedicated to this important work developed, engineers in the late 1800s and early 1900s needed pipes that would provide clean drinking water for generations. Cast iron grids usually last more than 100 years. The legacy is continued today by ductile iron pipe, which is stronger and more resistant than cast iron pipes like the one in Virginia Beach which have served a century or more.
The smart decisions made by professionals 100 years ago are the same decisions water professionals face today. The City of Virginia Beach supports more than 1,600 miles of water pipes, most of which are either cast iron or ductile iron. Director of the City Department of Public Works Robert Montague they said they don’t allow plastic PVC water pipes to be installed.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Century Club,” said the Virginia Beach Community Services Director Bob Montague. “We are proud of the work our employees put in every day to ensure that a safe and reliable water service is provided to our customers 24/7.”
The Cast Iron Pipe Century Club was organized in 1947 to publicly recognize cast iron water utilities that have provided service for 100 years or more. There are more than 550 water supply companies USA and 35 VK c Canada who are members of Century Club of DIPRA. DIPRA also sponsors the Sesquicentennial Club, of which 27 utilities in the US and five (5) in Canadahave been known to enjoy cast iron pipelines in service for over 150 years.
About DIPRA
Founded in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) serves as a resource and technical advisor to the water industry. DIPRA also provides representation on standards setting committees as well as technical research on various application-based topics. While DIPRA’s member companies have different names and locations, they share a common commitment to produce and supply the world’s highest quality ductile iron pipe material for water and wastewater, and at the highest possible value to their buyers.
SOURCE Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA)
