Consider Allowing the Use of High Density Polyethylene Pipe for Water Service Line

The purpose of this case is to consider amending Ramsey City Code Sec 58-113 (a) which currently reads "
The minimum size water service shall be one-inch copper." to allow for the use of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines.

20 minutes

Grant Riemer and John Nelson

Since 1985 the City of Ramsey has required all private water services hooked to the municipal water supply be 1"soft copper line. The Minnesota Plumbing Code Section 4715.0420 allows the use of many different types of service lines, including HDPE, however a municipality can require a certain type over others and in 1985 the City of Ramsey chose to require soft copper.The City currently has 4,100+ of these privately owned service lines that connect  homes to the municipal water system.  In contrast, homes on private well systems have been allowed to use HDPE for many years.  All materials used would be required to meet current standards as described by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D2239) and be installed in accordance with ASTM D 2774 as listed in The Minnesota Plumbing Code.   One of the disadvantages of plastic pipe is that it is harder to locae.  Consequently, the installer would also be required to include a 12 gauge, direct bury tracer wire, from the curb stop to the water meter.  This wire would be used for locating purposes. The city would still require 1" copper pipe from the water main to the curb stop.  This allows the utility department to positivley locate our underground utilities.

There are several advantages to allowing poly pipe for water service use and cost is major consideration.  A 100' roll of 1" Class C soft copper is approximately $541.51 depending on the market.  The same 100' roll of 1" poly is approximately $52.65. This factor alone would reduce the number of burglaries at construction sites from copper thieves.  As somewhat of a side issue, our police department would save staff time spent on responding to copper thefts and the follow up investigation. Poly pipe also comes in lengths up to 300', where as copper comes in 100' lengths, so the need for splices on longer runs can be eliminated with the use of poly pipe. 

Staff recommends ammending Ramsey City Code Sec 58-113 (a) to allow for the use of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence.  1" copper pipe would still be required from the water main to the curb stop.

Motion to accept staff recommendation to ammending Ramsey City Code Sec 58-113 (a) to allow for the use of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipe in lieu of soft copper for water service lines from the curb stop to the residence.
or
Motion to reject staff recommendation and choose an alternative based on committee discussion