Recognizing the importance of protecting assets from corrosion in water and wastewater systems, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) have announced an agreement to collaborate to benefit their members and the wider public.

The cooperative agreement will “help to promulgate knowledge and technologies that protect people, assets, and the environment from the effects of corrosion.” It opens the door for cooperation on events and webinars, technical information exchange and research, and the possibility of collaboration in countries outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, particularly India.

“Every good water utility manager understands that protecting pipes and other assets is critical to maintaining strong, healthy water systems,” said David LaFrance, AWWA chief executive officer. “AWWA looks forward to tapping into the experience and expertise of AMPP through this new collaboration.”

Stated Amir Eliezer, AMPP board chair, “On behalf of AMPP’s global members and leadership, I extend our appreciation as we embark on this mutually beneficial relationship with AWWA. Expanding our international reach allows us to share corrosion-related knowledge and cutting-edge technologies with regions facing distinct challenges and needs with water systems, so establishing partnerships like this fosters progress and ensures success in the industry.”

The American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) has announced that this year’s Concrete Pipe Week will be held Sept. 24-30, 2023. Concrete Pipe Week recognizes the significance of concrete pipe and box culverts and affirms their contributions to building long-lasting and sustainable communities and infrastructure.

The 2023 theme is “Engineered Strength. Proven Resilience. Undeniable Sustainability.” This reflects the overall value, position, and benefit of both reinforced concrete pipe and box culverts.

“Concrete Pipe Week celebrates the nation’s resilient infrastructure,” says Steven Hawkins, AIA, president of ACPA. “Like oxygen, the infrastructure hidden beneath the places where we travel, work, and play, is largely taken for granted until the moment we don’t have enough. Concrete pipe is central to the infrastructure in the United States and has proven to be remarkably reliable for more than a century. We believe this is the reason to celebrate our industry’s contribution to the nation’s resilient infrastructure.”

The week-long Concrete Pipe Week celebration includes activities and events at the national, state, and local levels that parallel this year’s theme.

Concrete Pipe Plant Virtual Tour

Take a trip to Savannah, Ga., to tour the recently renovated facilities of Diamond Concrete Products, an ACPA member. Virtual tour attendees will gain insights into the production process and have a chance to see the engineered strength of a pipe firsthand.

Complimentary Webinars

Three free webinars are being offered to learn more about concrete pipe and the resources available from ACPA and its affiliated state associations. Presentations include:

• Concrete Pipe: Proven Resilience
• Concrete Pipe: Undeniable Sustainability
• Finding Resources That Work for You

Register for the virtual tour and webinars at concretepipeweek.org/activities.

State Proclamations

Governors and other elected officials from around the U.S. share their support and pride in concrete pipe by signing state declarations for Concrete Pipe Week. Declarations, pictures, and public sentiments are shared leading up to and during the celebration. In addition to the online activities, ACPA members from across the country are hosting in-person plant tours and customer appreciation events, and offering educational opportunities.

“While Concrete Pipe Week allows us to take pride in our products,” says Michael Kremer, ACPA vice president of marketing, “it goes beyond our members. We also celebrate the contributions of all our partners, including public work agencies; transportation departments; contractors; cement, steel, form, casting, sand, and rock producers; and the trucking industry that transports our products. The week is about the entire value chain and pipeline of suppliers, producers, and installers who take pride in building a resilient and sustainable future.”

For more information about Concrete Pipe Week 2023 visit concretepipeweek.org.

About the American Concrete Pipe Association

The ACPA represents the concrete pipe industry in all matters affecting the industry’s welfare. The ACPA members contribute to the improvement of the environment by producing quality concrete pipe that’s engineered to provide a lasting and economical solution to drainage and pollution problems.

For more information about the association go to www.concretepipe.org.