Full Article: Leak Detection And Prevention Programs — Yesterday And Today

From the early 1800’s, when water mains were made of wooden logs from hemlock or elm trees and joined together with bituminous pitch or tar at the joints, to current day versions made of cast iron, ductile iron, PVC, asbestos, cement, and pressurized concrete, all have had one thing in common: they leak. It is impossible to develop a water distribution system that will not leak because of factors such as pipe material, construction methods, soil conditions, external traffic loading changes, internal and external corrosion, and previous leaks. Water works personnel have known this fact since the first pipes were laid.