Six Improvements in AWWA C900-16 That You Need to Know about

Recent water utility surveys have confirmed that PVC pipe has become a popular, well-established product for water distribution and transmission mains. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recently updated its Standard for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings, designation ANSI/AWWA C900. This standard was the first plastic pipe standard developed through the AWWA consensus standards development process. The latest revisions to AWWA C900 include several major improvements, the most significant being the consolidation of AWWA C905 into AWWA C900. This paper reviews AWWA’s fifty-year involvement in writing standards for plastic pipe. The evolution of technical advancements leading up to the sixth edition of AWWA C900 is discussed. Most importantly, the six most significant changes that have been made to the sixth edition of AWWA C900 are highlighted to help users and their engineers properly incorporate them into their specification updates. How these improvements will enhance the sustainable use of PVC pressure pipe is included.