AMERICAN And Partners Install Boltless Restrained Underwater Pipeline System In Ashland, Wisconsin

To secure reliable drinking water for the next century, the city of Ashland, Wisconsin, undertook a complex marine infrastructure project in Lake Superior. By extending a new intake line nearly a mile into the bay, the municipality significantly improved raw water quality and streamlined plant operations. The project utilized innovative, boltless restrained joint ductile iron pipe, specifically designed for underwater installation without the need for manual bolting by divers. This approach allowed for secure preassembly on barges before positioning the pipe in excavated trenches. Supported by advanced engineering and specialized marine contractors, this initiative converts a vulnerable, aging intake into a robust secondary line. Read the full case study to learn how this collaborative effort ensures long-term water security through advanced underwater engineering techniques.