The Vinyl Institute Supports Water Infrastructure Improvements
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 27, 2011 – The Vinyl Institute submitted written testimony to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works highlighting PVC pipe as the preferred high-performance pipe solution for old and failing water infrastructure systems throughout the United States.
The comments were submitted as part of the Senate Committee’s hearings on “Our Nation’s Water Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The Vinyl Institute’s comments cite the deplorable state of U.S. drinking water and sewer infrastructure systems, which are well documented by reports and analyses from the industry, government, and water infrastructure representatives. An estimated 2.6 trillion gallons of treated drinking water are lost every year in the United States due to pipe leaks and line breaks, which translates to approximately $3 billion in lost revenue to utilities yearly.
A report released this month by the American Society of Civil Engineers further underscores the problem. ASCE finds “Failure to Act” will result in $206 billion in increased costs for businesses and households between now and 2020. Further, such “Failure to Act” will result in the loss of nearly 200,000 American jobs.
Vinyl Institute President Richard Doyle claimed, “With our nation’s water infrastructure deteriorating at an alarming rate, and state and municipal budgets stretched to their limit, policymakers and planners need to look for the most effective and cost-beneficial solutions for delivering safe drinking water and removing sewage to treatment facilities for future generations. Lifecycle analyses and widespread experience have shown that PVC pipes are the best and most practical solutions by far for addressing our nation’s water infrastructure needs.”
PVC pipe provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient non-corroding drinking water and sewage delivery system. PVC pipe is lightweight, easier, and less costly to handle and transport than other materials, and reduces overall installation costs and disruption of communities. PVC pipe has an ultra-smooth inner surface that virtually eliminates build-ups of sludge, slime, and other residue, which translates into increased flow rates that save energy and provide lower overall operating costs. Its durability can withstand shifting soil conditions and require considerably less maintenance than alternative pipe systems.
The Vinyl Institute expressed concern about the recent decreases in federal support to state revolving funds for clean water and safe drinking water programs through re-authorization of the Clean Water Act and Safe Water Drinking Act. Federal assistance helps state and local jurisdictions upgrade their water infrastructure systems, and prevents further deterioration of these vital lifelines. Without federal support, state and local bonds to finance projects will be impaired. The Vinyl Institute also stated its support for private activity bond legislation pending before Congress to encourage private investment in water infrastructure.
Bruce Hollands, Executive Director of the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, emphasized that PVC pipe has proven successful for more than five decades, but Congress has spent billions of dollars on water and sewer projects made of materials that are less durable and more costly. “Conversions to PVC in sanitary systems alone are already saving an estimated $270 million a year, and $1.5 trillion over the next century. Moreover, converting our nation’s entire sanitary system to PVC would save another $800 million a year and $4.5 trillion over the next 100 years.”
Other testimony before the Senate raised questions about requiring products used in federally funded water infrastructure projects to be made in the United States. The Vinyl Institute emphasized its members are U.S.-based manufacturers using materials originating in the United States, but the companies also export PVC resin that can be made into pipe and other products in other countries like Canada and imported back into the United States. Barring foreign-made products in federally funded water infrastructure projects that use U.S.-made materials, even those processed into a product abroad, can result in higher costs for the U.S. economy, utilities, and ultimately the consumer.
In addition, U.S. trading partners may choose to erect barriers to U.S. imports in their countries because of Made in America requirements. Also, since commodity markets are international, and some component materials in products may originate from abroad, proving “100 percent Made in America” will be difficult and time-consuming.
In closing, Doyle observed, “The PVC industry strongly supports enhanced water infrastructure funding, and encourages the members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to support policies that will address our failing water infrastructure in the most productive and cost-effective manner. PVC pipe systems are the solution of choice to meet needs of states and municipalities, and the millions of Americans they serve.”
For more information, contact:
Jeffrey B. Palmer
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Vinyl Institute
571-970-3327
jpalmer@vinylinfo.org
The Vinyl Institute represents the leading manufacturers involved in the production of PVC vinyl in the United States, and promotes the value of PVC and vinyl products to society.