Solutions to External Corrosion on Buried Water Mains

This paper discusses the interim conclusions from a AWWA Research Foundation sponsored study, which will determine the solutions to external corrosion of water pipelines. A companion paper discusses the causes of corrosion on buried water mains. Existing and new techniques for mitigating external pipeline corrosion, including those from other industries are discussed. A draft methodology has been developed for the water utilities to detect corrosive conditions, and either mitigate or design to minimize the risk associated with external corrosion. The methodology will be field tested and correlated with data obtained from utilities. Development of a better understanding of the benefits and value of corrosion control in the water utility industry is a primary goal. Specifically, a Corrosion Control Master Plan has been developed which incorporates use of systematic risk based approach to corrosion control whereby facilities with high costs of failure and/or high probabilities of failure are given the greatest attention. Work towards this objective has drawn heavily on the risk assessment methodologies developed for the oil, gas and nuclear industries.